Majors: Russian, Global Studies, Spanish, and Political Science
Hi, my name is Miranda Kuzela and I'm a senior at UNL. I am currently studying abroad in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for six months through the School of Russian and Asian Studies while on the David L. Boren scholarship.
At my host institution, the London School of Languages and Cultures, I take advanced Russian language courses on Russian politics and economics, Russian news, and history of Central Asia. Outside of these courses I take two more courses: one about the political struggle for influence in Central Asia between global hegemons and another about identity and ethnicity in Central Asia. During the summer I also took an intensive Kyrgyz language course.
I live with a host family in Bishkek and outside of class, I enjoy spending time with them, or taking weekend trips or day-trips to the mountains which aren't far from Bishkek.
As a part of the summer session for my study abroad program, I went on a week-long horse trek into the mountains where we lived in tents and met modern-day Kyrgyz nomads who live in yurts. The people we met while on our trek gladly welcomed us into their home for food and conversation, demonstrating the extraordinary hospitality that the Kyrgyz are so well known for.
