Добро пожаловать/Қош келдіңіз/Welcome!
I am Ethan Sage, a University of Michigan student studying Russian and Political Science, and the president of U-M’s Russian Club. This semester, though, I am not in Michigan. I’m studying abroad in Kazakhstan, where I will improve my Russian, take political science classes, experience the culture of Central Asia, make a film, and see the mountains surrounding Almaty. Kazakhstan has two official languages: Kazakh and Russian. Although I am here to study Russian, it is important to remember that Kazakhstan is not an extension of Russia, and has its own history, culture, and language. This blog is meant to document lessons that are impossible to get from the classroom; the cultural expectations and differences, conflicts I come across, the reality of being so far from home, but also more lighter subjects like the people I meet, my progress in Russian, and practical tips for navigating bureaucracy. One of my goals is to learn about Kazakhstan through the perspective of its people, something that has to be experienced, not taught. I want to make this information accessible for students like me who are in a less common field of study.
When I arrived, even my host family was wondering why I wanted to study here. It is somewhat off the beaten path when it comes to travel, and a student studying abroad usually produces ideas of western or southern Europe. Of course, there is no point in studying there for me, because the language I am learning is used much farther to the east. I have put a great deal of effort into learning Russian, and being surrounded by it constantly seems to me the only way forward. But the language wasn’t the only thing that drew me to Kazakhstan; it is a vast, diverse country with beautiful architecture, Soviet history, and mountains. I have also taken a liking to Kazakh music. I am looking forward to the general experience of studying abroad such as trying new foods, using the local public transportation, meeting people I would have never met otherwise, and of course, making mistakes. These are always the best lessons to take home.
For now, thank you for tuning in, and I hope you follow me on this adventure!
