The "Masters of the Russian Language" competition once again gathered talented master's students from all over Russia. As a result of the selection stage, thirty of the best participants were chosen to be sent for internships in twelve countries. Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Zambia, India, China, Mongolia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka are just some of them.
This year, six winners arrived in Bishkek and Osh, including Ekaterina Silaeva and Daria Kozlovskaya. The girls have already started teaching classes at schools No. 25 and No. 28 in the capital and are eagerly sharing their impressions, full of warmth and sincerity.
"Here, people are so kind that it feels like meeting old friends"
- What were your first impressions of the school and the students?
Daria: - I still remember my first lesson. I walked into the classroom, and there were almost forty students. At first, I was taken aback because we usually have fewer. But as soon as I started the lesson, it became easy. The children are incredibly open; they smile, show interest, and want to learn something new. There is such warmth from them that you immediately feel at home.
Ekaterina: - The atmosphere in the school surprised me. The children genuinely reach out for communication. After classes, they come up, ask questions, talk about the city, their families, the snowfalls in Bishkek, and traffic jams. Their curiosity is so lively and kind; it is very pleasant.
- How did the teachers welcome you?
Ekaterina: - The teachers are simply wonderful. It feels like they were waiting for us. They immediately started telling us where to go, what to try, and which places to visit. They happily answer any questions and provide support. Their eyes are bright and kind; you can really feel it.
Daria: - My mentor said a phrase that I will remember for a long time: "You will learn from me, and I will learn from you." It is deeply respectful and wise. It is very inspiring.
- Did you expect language difficulties?
Ekaterina: - Yes, to be honest, I thought it would be tough. But I was pleasantly surprised: Russian is heard everywhere here, and people easily switch between Kyrgyz and Russian. If something needs to be explained, they will always help, repeat, or suggest. This creates a sense of reliability and calmness.
- How do you assess the nature? Were you able to go beyond the city limits?
Daria (smiling): - Yes, and it was magnificent. We were taken to Ala-Archa, and I really liked it there: huge mountains, fresh air, silence, and tranquility all around. We also visited Issyk-Kul: swam in hot springs and walked along the shore. Such beauty that words cannot describe.
Ekaterina: - For me, Kyrgyzstan became the first country I traveled to abroad. When the plane landed, I saw the mountains and was impressed. It felt like they were welcoming us. Ala-Archa is a place you want to return to. And Issyk-Kul is simply a miracle. We fed squirrels, took photos, and laughed. We have very bright memories.
- How do you assess the people and the atmosphere here?
Daria: - I travel a lot, but I haven't encountered such open attitudes in a long time. Here, people smile, greet you, and ask if you need help. It is sincere, not formal. It feels like they are happy to see you, even if it's the first time.
Ekaterina: - Yes, I noticed that too. In Bishkek, it's easy to communicate; you can ask for directions and get to know people. People are open and eager to share something of their own. Such warmth is remembered for a long time.
- Does such a project bring our countries closer together?
Daria: - Absolutely. We got to know the guys, the teachers, their traditions, and daily life. Such meetings are impossible online; they can only happen in real life. I am sure that we will keep in touch with both students and colleagues. And I really want to come back here again as a tourist.
Ekaterina: - This is a living form of exchange. We teach about Kyrgyzstan, and the guys learn about Russia. This is the human bridge that is much stronger than any official formats.
- What impressions will you take with you? What will remain in your memory?
Daria: - First of all, the nature. The mountains, the air, the expanses. Then the people. The teachers, the children, the colleagues. There is so much kindness here that you want to return.
Ekaterina: - I will take gratitude with me. For the experience, for the warm meetings, for the smiles of the children. And for the fact that Kyrgyzstan became the first country to leave such a bright page in my soul. I will miss these guys very much.
The warmth that unites people
The stories of Daria and Ekaterina are not just accounts of practice. They are examples of human involvement, mutual interest, sincerity, and respect. They once again emphasize that cultural and educational projects between Kyrgyzstan and Russia operate not only at the level of official institutions but also in the hearts of people.
