1. Can you introduce yourself briefly and tell us a little about your background?
My name is Ularbek, I am from Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Originally, I am from the south of Kyrgyzstan, from the city of Uzgen. However, currently I live in Bishkek. My major is teaching English as a foreign language from Osh State University I graduated back in 2006. Before becoming an FLTA I worked at I. Arabayev State National University in Bishkek and have taught English to adults, university students. Additionally, I have experience teaching students with disabilities as part of English Access Micro scholarship program in Bishkek. Furthermore, I have also worked as a language facilitator for Peace Corps volunteers in Kyrgyzstan teaching them Kyrgyz language and culture.
2. How many sections of Kyrgyz language are you teaching?
I have two sessions now. I have introductory and intermediate levels
Matt, interviewer: How many students are taking your classes now at IU?
At the moment, four total. Two in introductory and two in intermediate.
3. What classes are you taking here at IU
I am taking Public Schooling, Persuasion and Propaganda (ENG – R 209). The other class I am taking is Teaching Less Commonly Taught Languages, it is a required class in the FLTA program. The other class was one that I was able to choose for myself.
4. Is this your first time visiting the United States? If so, what are your thoughts?
Yes, it is. It is my first time in the US. I have not been outside Bloomington much yet but I really liked it here. Drivers and people here are quite nice. Everything is very convenient and clean. The streets are very clean and nice. Teachers are nice. I enjoy having my own workplace here to do my work.
5. Is there anything you miss from Kyrgyzstan that you haven’t been able to find here?
As nomads we eat a lot of meat. Here it does not see like the meat is as tasty as in my country. Also, in my country grocery stores and shops are much closer. We don’t have to worry about traveling too far, such as a few kilometers, to get to the grocery. This is what I miss here. Food and meat (from Kyrgyzstan).
6. What is your favorite thing to do at IU so far (when you're not teaching or taking class)?
I exercise in the morning. I like to go shopping and walking around. I enjoy going hiking. Last week I went hiking to McCormick’s Creek. We also went to Monroe Lake last week. I will sign up for volleyball, I have played it since high school and will be happy to play it here as well.
7. Do you think learning the Kyrgyz language is difficult for a native English speaker?
I don’t think so because each year we teach Kyrgyz to Peace Corps volunteers. They can acquire the language in three months. Sometimes volunteers even reach advanced or intermediate levels in three months. I don’t think it is difficult, rather it depends on the teacher. If the teacher is professional and knows what to do, then it will not be difficult for a native English speaker to learn Kyrgyz.
8. Is there anything you would like our readers to know about Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan consists of lots of mountains. About 94 percent of the area is covered by mountains. There is a lot of beautiful nature. The food is also delicious, because most of our food is grown in Kyrgyzstan with less chemicals and additives than here. We also still have a lot of mountains that no one has ever visited. We have one of the deepest and largest lakes in the world, Issyk Kul. Food is also not so expensive in Kyrgyzstan. I would really recommend that people come to visit Kyrgyzstan.
9. Extra question from Matt: What is your favorite Kyrgyz dish?
My favorite dishes are plov and manti. I have not tried manti yet here in the US but I did try to make some plov. It turned out alright, but it would have been better if I was able to use the rice from my hometown. The rice grown in my hometown (Uzgen) is very popular. Overall, the food is good here in Bloomington but I do miss my favorite dishes from Kyrgyzstan.