I and My Institute in China

Gulnura Issanova

　　China is an ancient and unique country with rich culture/tradition, delicious cuisine, hard work people and developed service sphere. China was the first foreign country I had travelled for a long time to study and get my PhD. Study abroad was exciting prospect for me and had many benefits. It was a great investment in my future.

　　My academic life started there in 2010 from learning Chinese language at the CAS (Beijing) where we were taught for only 4 months. This was too short time to learn such a difficult and unique language with tones. But I managed to learn Chinese language easily and write Chinese characters.  Thanks to Li laoshi (teacher) who highly experienced in teaching Chinese language for many years, we taught a lot. The lectures were interesting and very funny with “theatrical script”. My study granted me the opportunity to completely immerse myself in a new language, and there is no better way to learn than to dive right in. Furthermore, my English was improved through practicing it with my group mates from USA and UK, and other English speaking countries. After completing the language course, I came to the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), CAS in Urumqi where I start my research work related to Aeolian processes as dust/sand storms in Deserts of Kazakhstan. It was not easy to start it. Every day at least 2-3 articles (papers) were read and analysed and as well as data collecting, comparative and comprehensive analyses, discussion of some scientific issues with supervisor and like-minded persons. I faced with many difficulties and challenges, because I did not do such works before. But I did it despite all difficulties met in my way. 

　　As a result of my hard work, in 2014 I successfully graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences and became a PhD in Physical Geography. This was my great achievement and has been a dream since my childhood. I and my supervisor were satisfied by my achievements. Now I am an Associate Professor and one of the young leading researchers in Kazakhstan, who has several awards (International and local): “Springer Top Author – Springer Young Scientist Award” (Germany), “Best Young Scientist of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University” (Kazakhstan).   

　　My experience in China increased my scientific potential and expanded my knowledge and academic skills. I learned and benefited a lot in my personal and academic lives. In addition, this experience caused me to mature, increase of confidence and self-esteem, and ultimately make me a more “well-rounded person”. Furthermore, I had a greater perspective of the world around me to appreciate societal differences”. Study abroad challenged me to live among different types of people in different condition. I developed a better perspective on world affairs through international study and understand the depth and breadth of differences that abound in global community. This personal development broadens my chances in the future. Eventually I became an accomplished person who knows in which direction he/she should advance, achieving those insights through the interaction with different people I’ve met on my path from various countries, cultures and backgrounds. 

　　As we know, a person develops only in society and is affected by certain people on their pathway. Certainly, there are kind and significant people such as my mentors and supervisors, best friends and partners on my life path. I am blessed and happy to have all of them. Here, I would like to highlight the comprehensive contribution and support and encouragement of my supervisor, Prof. Jilili Abuduwaili in reaching and achieving my heights. He is my “father” in Science who has a “huge” heart. I am very lucky and blessed to have a mentor and supervisor like him. 

　　As well as one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet and make new lifelong friends from different backgrounds. Study and spend leisure time together gives you the opportunity to really get to know and create lasting relationships with your friends. I have friends stay with whom in contact. In addition to rewarding personal relationships, these friends also were important networking tools later down the road. For instance, I have friends and colleagues mostly in Central Asian countries who have a high position in the same field with me.  Furthermore, I learned to love people and experienced sincere feelings. As love is the foundation of friendship and it brings us together. Life without love will be meaningless. 

　　My study in China enhanced employment opportunities that are by the value of education and reputed institutions such as Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, CAS to broaden the chances to get a good job. As the education was the centerpiece of my study abroad. Study abroad was for the chance to experience different styles of education and approach. It was in China that I learned how to write scientific articles, projects, and conduct research works, etc. My gained education has been very valuable when searching for a potential job. 

　　After return to Kazakhstan, with a new perspective on language skills, a great education and willingness to learn, I have employed as a researcher to the Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry in Almaty. Later, as a result of long-lasting fruitful international cooperation between Kazakhstan and China a Research Centre for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia (Almaty) was established where I work as scientific secretary. Furthermore, I m an Associate professor at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and part-time teach students Scientific Writing subject. I love my job and enjoy it.   

　　Now I am a “bridge” connecting China and Central Asian countries, in particular Kazakhstan, making my own contribution in development of science and research, exchanging wise ideas, conducting joint field works and expeditions to the arid areas of Central Asia, writing joint publications for International peer-reviewed journals, as well as taking part in many other joint activities with my Chinese colleagues.  As study abroad is the most effective way in the context of globalization, more regular exchanges between countries, accessed information around the world. It is really exiting in learning and exploring the world. 

　　I m owner twice of the Scholarship of the President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) by academician Bai Chunli as a PostDoc position for 2017-2018 and 2020-2022. This is the result of hard study and productive work during my PhD. I m a very lucky and happy person who is on the way to achieving everything she wants. 

　　At the end I would like to wish to my host Institute (XIEG) my warm wishes and prosperity. It was an honor for me to study at this Institute and get knowledge and support from wise professors. 

　　China is always in my heart. China is associated with my youth and sweet memories of stay in. 

 

　　15.06.2021

　　Gulnura Issanova

　　From Kazakhstan (Almaty)