SH: Tell us your story. Where are you from? What brings you here?
A: My name is Aidana Omurova. I was born and raised in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyz Republic. I have always wanted to study abroad and when I turned 17, I left the country to pursue my bachelor’s in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. After I graduated, I visited my friend in Almaty (Kazakhstan) who has shown the website of the Stipendium Hungaricum. At that moment I was sure that I would apply to this program. After some time, in Bishkek, I was already working at the firm and suddenly remembered about the SH. Luckily, I had three days to complete my application online and submit. After three-four months of the application process, I received a favorable decision. I was accepted, I felt really happy and started to get prepared.
SH: Why did you choose the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme?
A: The first reason was the full scholarship provision which means that Stipendium Hungaricum covers the school fee, accommodation and provides a monthly stipend. The second reason was being able to apply to any discipline of person`s wish. I have chosen all three different master’s programs which were slightly close to my bachelor`s. The undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs have a great description about the education and professor, which also caught my attention. The third reason was the country itself. Hungary is in the European Union, also located right in the centre which allows to travel with relatively affordable prices.
SH: In some of your videos, you give practical advice regarding the visa application process and SH interviews. Did you find these things easy for you when you had to go through the same process?
A: When I was applying, I just consulted with the students from my country. A few of them replied and helped me with the process. The interview went well but I have over-prepared and over-stressed. If I had known that the university interviewer would be calm and friendly, I would not have been too stressed out. Moreover, I also didn`t know what exact documents are needed for the VISA. Everything happened in a rush; I have collected all the documents at home to be on the safe side. Honestly, the consulate only asked for a few documents. Also, as Kyrgyz Republic citizen, we should go to Almaty, so if even one document is lost, the next visit can be arranged only after two weeks period. Therefore, knowing the things before would ease my preparations.
SH: Why did you decide to make videos and what made you pick SH as a topic?
A: When I was applying to the Stipendium Hungaricum, I found only a limited amount of videos. Most of them were promotional which do not provide the needed insights. I was determined that when I come, I will start vlogging about the issues and concerns I came across during the application process. Still, I haven`t recorded many undiscussed topics that I receive from my subscribers on a daily basis. Also, SH is a large program that invites many students from all over the world, and creating the platform for students lets them pass the stressful situations easier. They will be well-informed about how others did. Why SH as a topic? I chose it because the program is still ongoing, the students will face the same procedures which will be easily available. Moreover, it`s my newest hobby, video production boosted my creativity and also taught me many technical skills.
