August 1, 2024
My name is Erkebai Bakhavadinov. I am in my senior year in the Software Engineering Department at the 鶹ý and will graduate in 2025.
Since my first year, I've heard incredible stories from older students who went abroad and came back with extraordinary experiences. It made me want to dive into a similar adventure. I was super into getting out there, studying in a big city, and soaking up a new vibe, which led me straight to the Bard New York City Program in Concrete Jungle City, New York.
I picked Bard NYC because it is the perfect mix of getting some severe internship experience while hitting academics in New York City. It's solid, has connections in Data Science, and boasts connectivity with top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs and Wall Street, making it an ideal place to kick-start career aspirations.
My time at Bard NYC was epic and a whirlwind of exhilaration and growth. Balancing a rigorous remote internship in Silicon Valley with equally challenging coursework, I thrived under the guidance of distinguished professors. New York City was a vast classroom, offering cultural richness through visits to iconic museums, Broadway shows, and Historical Bridges. Learning to navigate this vibrant metropolis was an empowering and unforgettable adventure.
Thanks to my time at 鶹ý and NGA Faculty, I hit New York feeling supercharged and ready for action! The intense coursework and vibrant community back home didn't just educate me — they transformed me. I was more brutal, sharper, and more adaptable. It was like I'd been training for the big leagues; finally, it was game time. Stepping into Bard's program, I was not just prepared but eager, filled with energy, and ready to make my impact.
Looking back on my exchange semester, it was a splendid affair. The combination of professional growth and cultural encounters truly expanded my horizons. It's not just about academics or career moves; it's about gaining a more profound, deeper understanding of our diverse world. I'm genuinely thankful to 鶹ý and OSUN for these opportunities. To all students considering an exchange — take it from me, it's worth every moment. It's an enriching experience that elegantly combines learning with living.