I Wanted a University Where I Could Become a Specialist: SUSU graduate Salamat Laikhan

As Goethe once said, you can only learn what you love doing. That is why every university should make sure students find their calling. Salamat Laikhan from Kazakhstan has heard about the high quality of education at South Ural State University. When thinking about his further studies after he received his Bachelor’s degree, Salamat decided to apply to SUSU hoping to become a professional in metallurgy.

– Why did you choose SUSU?

– During my Bachelor’s studies in Kazakhstan, I felt like I wanted to have an international study experience. When I graduated from the university with a degree in metallurgy, I decided to apply for a Master’s program in Metallurgical Engineering at SUSU because I’d heard a lot of positive feedback from its students. Metallurgy is a profession for real men; our President chose metallurgy when he was young, and he is my role model. I wanted to choose a university where I could become a specialist in this field, and I’m glad I found it.

– Describe your study experience at SUSU.

– My SUSU experience was about research and various experiments conducted in high-tech university labs. It was a wonderful time. I’ve learnt how to make reports, present my research results in front of an audience, and make the best of available facilities to advance scientific knowledge. I’m enormously grateful to SUSU for the opportunity to master my Russian language skills. I rarely used Russian in Kazakhstan, and I couldn’t speak it freely. Now I’m perfectly comfortable with using Russian as the first language to express my thoughts and ideas.

SUSU wasn’t about studies only, and I had tons of fun too! Every morning, I’d go for a swim in the University’s Olympic-size swimming pool. Then I’d study till the evening. We had lots of fun with friends in the evenings, doing karaoke, playing billiards, and going bowling. We didn’t waste our time and were always busy doing something fun. We had little sleep but a lot of happy times, now cherished deeply.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to my SUSU lecturers for all their support and shared experience. They are professionals in all sorts of scientific and academic things, and they leave no question unanswered. From them, I’ve also learned how to give public speeches. I’ll always be thankful to my scientific advisor Professor Vasily Roschin, a well-known and respected researcher in Russia, for all his extensive knowledge he shared with me.

I remember having a walk in the city when I first came to Chelyabinsk. I didn’t know anyone, and there was no one I could say ‘hi’ to. It’s been two years now; I have a lot of international friends, and Chelyabinsk is my second home. I owe it all to SUSU. It’s been a pleasure to talk in Russian and English and learn more about others. Despite our cultural differences, we feel united.

I’d like to thank my Dormitory Director Olga Bylkova and Campus Director Liudmila Zadorina. Living on campus was a pleasant experience, and I truly enjoyed it and had lots of fun with my roommates.

– What is your opinion on the Association of International Students?

– It’s a fantastic community and a big family of students from different countries. I’ve attended all the events they held, and took part in various competitions. The Association is a place that unites people, and it’s great that such a team exists. Thanks to the Association of International Students, I’ve tasted a lot of national dishes, celebrated African and Chinese New Years, and learned a lot about different cultures. It was an unforgettable experience. I hope the Association will keep growing and welcoming more and more international students from all the world.

– What would you like to do in the future?

– I’ll continue my studies at SUSU to get a research degree and develop new things in metallurgy. I feel happy that I have more time to spend with my international friends.

– What would you say to current SUSU graduates and future SUSU students?

– I wish success to all SUSU alumni and hope they will find their dream jobs. I hope future SUSU students will be hardworking in their studies, active in sport, and unafraid to break the ice and make new friends. Here’s my advice to all people coming to study at SUSU: don’t miss any social event and don’t take life too seriously; keep in mind that student years are the best years of your life!

Natalia Shankova
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