Bachelor of Arts Honours (Economics)
Sitting next to Alibek Sergaliyev in your class added a whole new layer of learning to whatever was being taught. He brought a unique perspective to his courses: that of a citizen of Kazakhstan, a country wedged between China and Russia.
How does a Kazakh student find his way to the Carleton campus?
I grew up in the small village of Tsyganovo and my father was the first in the village to attend university. Then I won a presidential scholarship in my home country, which enabled me to attend a Canadian university to study economics. In return, I am going back to share and apply what I’ve learned as an economist.
How would you describe your experience in Canada?
It was wonderful and something I could only dream about. I will definitely miss the classes and the emphasis on practical applications. But even more than that, I am going to miss the social aspect of university life: the events, the parties, and meeting new people.
What have you learned in Canada and in Economics that might be applicable in Kazakhstan?
One thing I’ve observed in Canada is how productive the people are. Productivity is a big issue in the Kazakh culture. There’s a different mentality, so I hope I can bring some of this efficiency into my workplace when I return.
We also need to fight our dependence on natural resources and diversify the economy. It is happening—I see that some work is being done on that matter—but it’s moving slowly.
What do you think your classmates learned from you?
I got involved with on-campus student groups, so I met lots of people and attended social events every week. These were the best years of my life so far.
Is there any advice you would offer other students who will be starting at Carleton?
Enjoy every minute of it. There is a stereotype aboutKazakhstan because of the movie Borat. I feel like it’s my mission to break that stereotype and tell people it’s not like that at all. My people are very hospitable: if anyone comes into my house, we automatically serve them tea.
What’s next?
I owe my country five years of work as an economist.
Friday, September 9, 2016 in Department of Economics, Economy, FPA Voices, People
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