Kamila was born in Bishkek in 1995 and left her homeland at the age of 15 with her mother. After moving to France, she graduated from college and got married at 18. Here, she trained as a cook and a kindergarten teacher. "My mom decided to leave to provide me with a better life," Kamila noted.
According to her, France is famous for its culture and history, as well as its unique atmosphere and picturesque landscapes. For many years, this country has ranked highly in various economic parameters.
"It's no surprise that many choose to move to France, looking at the standard of living of the locals. Projections for 2025 show one of the highest living standards. Here, you can receive a quality education, and healthcare is considered one of the best in Europe. The French are intelligent people who know their history well and are interested in other cultures. They are also known for their refined taste and good manners — it is customary to greet, apologize, and wish others a good day. Even on the metro, if someone steps on your foot, you will definitely hear an apology, as this is instilled from childhood," Kamila shares about her observations.
Regarding fashion, Kamila notes that French women prefer comfortable and stylish clothing. "I like their style, which I would describe as classic-sporty: a beautiful shirt with jeans and sneakers. Sneakers are popular and comfortable here. I have also become a fan of them," she shares.
She also mentioned that the French are polite and not prone to conflicts. "If they see boundaries that should not be crossed, they will never violate those limits. When I return to Bishkek, I am struck by how people behave in the airport: everyone pushes and shouts, disrupting order. This greatly surprises and upsets me," Kamila says.
According to Kasymova, the French value personal space and will not impose themselves if you do not want them to. "It may seem strange to them that we can call an acquaintance at ten in the evening just like that. Here, calling strangers after nine in the evening is considered impolite," she added.
The climate in France, as Kamila says, is moderate due to its location between the equator and the pole. "In winter, it is not too cold, and in summer, it is not too hot. But the climate varies depending on the region: winters are colder in the north, while in the southwest, they are hot and dry," she explained.
"When I first moved, it was hard for me to adapt. At 15, you crave communication and stability, and all my friends stayed back home. I often cried and dreamed of returning," Kamila recalls. She expresses gratitude to her mother for her support during this difficult time: "Now I am glad I stayed here."
Kasymova noted that people in France are friendlier. "Even strangers greet and smile at each other. In Kyrgyzstan, you often see gloomy faces, while here people are ready to help if you are lost," she shares about her impressions.
"A funny situation happened when I didn't know the language. Once, while lost, I was communicating with a couple who were trying to help me. I only replied 'yes' in French, as I didn't know other words. They led me the wrong way, but I was too embarrassed to tell them," Kamila shares.
Despite the fact that there are many working Kyrgyz people in France, Kamila finds time to relax in cafes that she enjoys for their atmosphere. "I come from an ordinary family, and my mom baked kurdniki and samsa, which she sold in stores. Despite this, we managed to move to Europe. If you have a dream, don't give up," she emphasizes.
Currently, Kamila works as a cleaner and takes care of three children: an 11-year-old son, a 9-year-old daughter, and a 1 year and 9 months old daughter. In the future, she dreams of buying a house, obtaining a more prestigious education, and traveling a lot.
