7. My home in Central Asia

For weeks I have been looking at pictures, writing and rewriting this last blog post. This Summer School represents the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life. It is so hard to express how grateful I am for this experience, it is so difficult to put in words all the emotions I felt and I am still feeling about those 10 intense days.

As I am struggling with this last piece, I must start showing my gratitude and recognizing the effort everyone has made for this exchange to happen.

I cannot thank Farhang and the DPIR department enough for this unique chance. Farhang was our lecturer; our father, giving us wise advice; and our friend, singing, making jokes and listening to us. He has so much energy and he is a lovely person that truly cares about his students. It would not have been the same without him.

We engaged in debates and took part in a conference and a seminar with high leveled professionals. It was wonderful. Dilnoza and the whole staff that organized the schedule were awesome, always listening to the students and making adjustments. They worked so hard to ensure that everyone was happy.

What I have learned during that week is far beyond the academic sphere. I made friends that I will never forget. I felt comfortable and part of a community. And even though I did not know the language and the costumes, I found a new home. And for those things I must thank all the students and staff involved. I think I knew 4 or 5 people from the UoW group before the trip, but we became an united group, having each other's back. The Uzbek students worked so much the whole time to ensure we were safe, comfortable and having a good time. The staff in WIUT and in the dorm were incredibly kind and solicitous, we kept doing signs with the hands to communicate when we did not speak the same language. I really appreciate all the attention and respect they gave me, and I hope to be able to reciprocate that one day.

When I received the email about this opportunity, I had no relevant knowledge about Uzbekistan.  Most friends called me 'crazy' for going there, they said it was not safe. That is a shame. Now, I keep telling everyone how lovely the country is and, above all, how friendly Uzbeks are. I hope more and more people have the opportunity to visit Uzbekistan, making more information on the country available.

Uzbekistan is a recent country and I am looking forward to see its role growing in the international system.

This experience changed my life. I incorporated important values and, even though it is hard to explain how, I look at things from a different perspective now. I left a piece of me there and I definitely brought a bit of them with me. I miss my daily schedule, I miss seeing those tired and happy faces every morning, I miss my Central Asia home. I am looking forward to be back.