Interviewer: Sevinch Abdushukurova

First of all, I would like to hear some information about yourself.

Ok, let me introduce myself briefly. I am Navruz Nasirov. I am an English instructor at a British management university. As far as my educational background is concerned, I hold a master’s degree in linguistics here in Uzbekistan. At the same time, I graduated from Aston University, Birmingham, UK. So, I studied there MA TESOL and Translation studies.  

 

What is the main difference between the education in UK and Uzbekistan?

This is a very interesting question because at the same time there are huge differences between the two counties’ education systems because one of them is developed and one of them is a developing country. Actually, they have a credit module system and we need to gain credits from the subjects or other things but here we are now changing year by year. 

Did you study in the UK on a scholarship basis?

Yeah, I won a scholarship in 2019. I participated here in the “El-yurt umidi” found and I became one of the people who won the scholarship for studying master abroad. That scholarship helped me a lot, because studying abroad as you asked is not easy, and at the same time a bit expensive. “El-yurt umidi” which under the Ministry of the Cabinet of Uzbekistan supports the young generation, the talented and motivated people who want to enhance their knowledge and from this year they are providing undergraduates as well. I won the scholarship and studied free of charge. 

 

Oh, cool! How was the process of applying for the scholarship?

When I applied there were a couple of steps in “El-yurt umidi”. The first one is a language certificate, at least 6.5, 7 depending on your applied university. Second, you will have an interview. Then you will write a motivational essay and IQ test. But now they changed and simplified their requirements. Nowadays, you need to apply to the top 100 universities and you should have an unconditional offer from that university. So then you will be interviewed by professors according to your chosen profession or field. Then if you are successful they will provide everything, to be honest: the accommodations, tuition fee, transportation, health insurance. 

Did you have any part-time work?

The government of the UK and universities provide 20 hours weekly permit. However, studying abroad is not an easy task. As an international student, you have to learn a lot of things. I didn’t have any other time to work rather than focus on my studies because I applied to double master subject: MA TESOL and Translation studies. The government and “El-yurt umidi” foundation provided enough financial support. As the result, I didn’t feel any difficulties with my financial side. Yeah, most of the students who applied by themselves are needed to work at the same time. But if you have this scholarship you will have an opportunity to just focus on your studies, which is very important. 

 

Do you like learning languages?

Yes, I really like learning languages. For instance, I liked learning Spanish and I think languages are part of my life and extra advantage. I watched movies in Russian, in English, in Spanish and then I realized that I want to be a part of what I like watching. When I was looking for a university, I was looking for an opportunity to do both TESOL and Translation. Most universities only offered one or I could do two degrees, one in TESOL and one in translation. Aston University offered me to do both TESOL and Translation studies in one degree and I don’t think there could have been a better option. 

Have you dealt with any difficulties in your studies? How did you pass through?

To be honest, yeah, I faced a lot of challenges. First of all, difficulties with understanding the academic style. Even I graduated here in English philology, I really struggled with my essays, submissions, critical thinking and problem-solving. Because you are not required only just to study and describe things, you need to analyse what you learn and understand what you are doing. In the first semester, I didn’t know and I chose 4 core modules. That was my initial challenge. Because I didn’t expect 3000 essays for summative assessment. But it was pretty interesting. And I had to burn in midnight oil and I had to hit the books every day.

 

How did studying abroad help you in your career?

After studying there, I learnt technology-based translation, technology-based teaching and also the latest update in the language industry, CALL(computer-assisted language learning), kind of new important directions in language teaching and learning. After starting my career as a foreign language instructor those skills, the knowledge I acquired from my professors, my international peers and friends at Aston University helped me a lot. Yeah, you feel confident about what you are doing, what you are talking and how you are doing. 

 

What is your best accomplishment?

I worked in the Cambridge Assessment as a translator and that knowledge and experience played a great role in my life, not only in personal but in my career. I think this is my best accomplishment.

What made you come back to Uzbekistan?

First of all, you should know integrity and honesty. Yeah, I won the scholarship, I had the opportunity to stay there as well. But not only just having that scholarship and living, because at the moment the government is supporting. I want to reciprocate. Of course, without that scholarship, I couldn’t afford and I couldn’t pay tuition fees even. It is betraying and is not a true thing. Yeah, I have heard agreement about 3, 5 years of working. Come on, you have everything opportunity, chance, so, why you shouldn’t pay back by sharing and exchanging your knowledge gained from abroad. That’s why the government is supporting us. Now, Uzbekistan is developing and it needs support, so, we are asked to come back and make some contribution. 

 

Do you have any advice for those who want to study abroad?

Yeah, I have so many suggestions and advice. First, they need to learn carefully what are they going to apply. They should have a certain plan and they need to look for different universities in the same subject. Check professors who teach there, because it is one of the most important factors in order to get successful education, and also pay attention to the ranking as well. Those developed countries provide really good education. But you should be very specific about what you want. After that, it will be very easy to continue your career path and to study. Don’t think about earning money, because you can find the money later, but you can’t find time and the knowledge. Be focused. Don’t get stressed, if there are any difficulties, just approach your professors, your faculty and they will definitely help you.

 

Thank you for the wonderful interview. I wish good luck in your future career.