Jazhel Nurbekova, a 28-year-old Kyrgyz woman from Osh, has been living in India for the past few years. She works as an online producer and raises a small daughter. Jazhel shared her impressions of life in India in an interview for 24.kg.
— Tell us about your journey...
— I was born into an ordinary family and studied at a public school near my home. I dreamed of getting into the Urkui Salieva Lyceum and spent a year persuading my father to transfer me there. When my efforts were unsuccessful, I even stopped going to school. But eventually, I passed the exams and got into the lyceum, and then into the Kyrgyz-Turkish University "Manas" in the faculty of Chinese language and literature. It was also not easy to convince my parents to let me go to Bishkek.
The first year at the university was preparatory; we studied Turkish and Chinese languages. After six months, I realized that I did not see my future in Bishkek and began looking for opportunities to study abroad, especially in China.
— How difficult was it to get a scholarship?
— I started with language courses and searched for a scholarship for a long time, even reaching out to the Chinese embassy. In the end, I managed to find a competition for studying in Zibo (Shandong province). Out of more than 200 participants, only seven were selected for the scholarship, and I was among them.
I felt immense joy and pride for my achievements: it was my merit, and I showed those who said that everything is for sale in Kyrgyzstan that it is not true.
After a year and a half of studying in Zibo, I decided to continue my education and enrolled through the Ministry of Education of Kyrgyzstan (now the Ministry of Enlightenment). Every year, the ministry conducts a competition for studying abroad, and in 2018, I received a full state scholarship to study in Shanghai, where I spent four years, actively participating in university events and making new friends.
— How was your experience learning the Chinese language? What languages do you speak?
— In Bishkek, learning Chinese was very difficult for me; I cried constantly for the first six months. The teachers spoke only in Chinese, which created stress. But thanks to this, I was able to start communicating after six months.
When I arrived in China, immersion in the language environment made learning the language easier. Currently, I speak five languages fluently: Kyrgyz, Russian, English, Chinese, and a little Turkish. I also started learning Dutch.
— Did you have the opportunity to work part-time in China?
— Yes, I constantly worked part-time, although it was prohibited with a student visa.
- I worked as a waitress for three years, which helped me improve my Chinese.
- I also worked as a model for products on Taobao and Pinduoduo.
- I taught English in an international kindergarten and educational centers.
- During vacations in Kyrgyzstan, I worked as a translator for a road company in Naryn.
— How did you end up in India? Did you consider other countries? Where else would you like to live?
— In China, I met my future husband — an Arab who grew up in the Netherlands. He lived in China for four years, and his company offered him a job in India. We decided to give it a try, especially since I had been fascinated by Indian films since childhood and dreamed of seeing this country.
So we ended up in Mumbai and have been living here for almost four years. We really want to live in Kyrgyzstan — my husband loves my homeland, and we plan to move in the coming years.
— How was your adaptation in India?
— The adaptation was slow. For someone who has never been to India, it is a serious cultural shock. But we live in one of the best neighborhoods in Mumbai, and overall, we like it here.
Once, my husband and I visited Dharavi, the largest slum not only in India but in the world, where about a million people live. There are industrial and residential areas. I was amazed by the variety of industries: they process leather, sew clothes, make ceramics, and much more. I was especially struck by the hard work of the people living in the slums.
— What else surprises you about life in India?
— One of the main advantages is the warm climate year-round, as well as low prices compared to China. For example, we rent 100 square meters for 95,000 soms, while in Shanghai, for that money, we had only 55 square meters.
But, of course, there are also downsides:
- the lack of sidewalks in most areas;
- the enormous population density (over 17 million people in Mumbai);
- high humidity, which is very difficult for me to cope with.
— How do you like the local cuisine?
— It's funny that I really liked Indian cuisine in China and Malaysia, but not in India itself. Here, the food is too spicy for me and contains a lot of spices.
— What do you do professionally?
— I work as an online producer, helping experts and bloggers create and sell online products. I also run my own blog, which brings me joy.
— What can you say to young people about the importance of education, especially for girls?
— I am sure that education and personal income are the foundation for every person. It should not depend on who your father, husband, or brother is. It’s about your freedom and your choice.
I grew up in a simple family, we are five children, my dad is a driver, and my mom worked as a cook, seamstress, and cleaner. My parents could not afford to pay for my education either in Bishkek or abroad. Everything I have achieved is the result of studying, perseverance, and hard work.
If I could do it, then every girl willing to work for her future can do it too.
Jazhel Nurbekova
I know that many parents find it hard to let their daughters go. Mine didn’t want to either; they said that "a girl should go only with a husband, so first — get married!" But I insisted, understanding that if I didn’t take the step now, there might not be another opportunity later.
Education gives a girl freedom, confidence, and choice. Now that I have a daughter, I know for sure: I will do everything to ensure she receives the best education and can build her life as she chooses.
I want to say to everyone reading this interview: believe in yourself just as I once believed in myself, a simple girl without connections and money. I took a risk, and I succeeded.
Don’t let anyone decide for you who you can become — neither your parents, nor society, nor your fears.
Jazhel Nurbekova
Education, personal income, independence — this is not a whim. It is your support, security, and choice. And if someone says that a woman who builds her own life is "too independent," let that be their opinion, not your fate.
Just follow your path. Do what is right for you, not because it is allowed, but because you have decided so.
— How do you cope with cultural differences in your relationship with your foreign husband? Are there misunderstandings?
— We hardly face difficulties. For both of us, English is not our native language, so we speak openly about our feelings. If I feel hurt, I immediately express it, and my husband doesn’t have to guess the reasons for my behavior. We respect each other’s cultures, even if something seems strange.
— What do you miss while being away from your homeland? How often do you visit Kyrgyzstan?
— We miss our food! Everyone who lives abroad will understand me. I really miss my relatives and want to see my nephews grow up.
I try to go home at least once a year, sometimes twice. When my mom was in India, we were very happy; we enjoyed her dishes every day, and my husband and I lived like in paradise. By the way, he also loves our cuisine.
— How do you see your future in 5-10 years?
— I see us with my family in Kyrgyzstan, running a business in the tourism sector and attracting guests from other countries. I contribute to the development of my homeland and enjoy the nature of Kyrgyzstan.
