University of Wisconsin–Madison

Kazakhstan: Teagan Benson (Daily Life in Almaty)

Six plates full of different kinds of food. One plate contains eggs and tomatoes, one contains fruit slices, one contains crackers and pretzels, one contains broth, etc.
Breakfast

On a regular weekday I wake up at 7 in the morning to get ready for school. My host mom often prepares a delicious breakfast for me including fruit, oatmeal, eggs with vegetables, bylochka s tvorogom (buns with cheese) and tea. I leave at 8:20 to walk to KazNu University. It is about a 25-minute walk, and I often use this time to practice Russian using flashcards or reading zakon.kz or Meduza news.

All 31 American students start classes together at 9. Throughout the week our schedule consists of reading, oral speech, inter-cultural communications, grammar, Kazakh language, presentation, and writing classes. Classes are conducted in Russian, and we are divided into groups of 3-4 to maximize time for students to participate in discussions. We have lunch together in our main classroom/office which is a great time to socialize and complain about the homework load, in Russian of course. In addition to our regular classes each student is taking a direct enrollment course on their area of specialty with other students at the university. I am taking a history course on ethnology.

A tall, rectangular building with narrow windows.
University Building

After class, I set out for home. On my way home I occasionally buy fruit to share with my host family. Fruit is sweet, fresh, and quite affordable in Almaty. I also pass many clothing stores, malls, and grocery stores which makes it difficult to adhere to my budget. Once I arrive, I start on homework right away since there are many assignments every day. When there is time, my favorite place to run for exercise is along the river, upward toward the mountains.

A field of yellow wheat sits in front of a mountainous background.
View of mountains from botanical garden

Finally, when my host parents return from work, we have dinner together sometimes lasting two hours. This is a great time to ask questions and learn about life in Almaty. I already feel close with my host family and am grateful for their warmth and patience. As I become accustomed to my daily routine and life, Almaty feels more like my new home.

 

Teagan smiles in front of a blurred background of trees.

Teagan Benson

Hometown: Cumberland, Wisconsin

Major: Russian Language & Civilization

Program: AC Russian Overseas Flagship Capstone Program

I chose to study on the intensive capstone program to improve my Russian language skills and cross-cultural competence. I hope to reach superior proficiency upon completion of the capstone. This opportunity will provide real-life context to my studies and greatly enhance my education.