Hi! My name is Azamat, and I'm from Kyrgyzstan. This is my first time writing a blog, and here I want to share my personal experience – one of the brightest and most significant stages of my life.

At the time of writing this story, I am 39 years old. I'm not a typical student who comes to study in the USA at 18 or 23. By this point, I was already an established professional: I had worked in two large international companies, participated in projects of national importance, and managed to open two of my own businesses. But at some point, I realized that I needed a new challenge.

This story is not just about academic studies.

It's about stepping outside my comfort zone, growth, and the ability to start anew.

First Steps in the USA and Choosing IELP

I first arrived in the USA in August 2022 – in Cleveland, Ohio. This is where my new stage of life began. In the first few days, I met Michelle – the director of the ESL (IELP) program. We still maintain warm and friendly relations, and I am sincerely grateful to her for her support at the very beginning of my journey.

Although I already had an IELTS certificate sufficient for admission to a master's program, I still felt insecure: would I be able to study and express my thoughts freely in academic English? Therefore, I decided to start with IELP – and I have never regretted it.

IELP turned out to be more than just an English language course. We were taught not only grammar and conversational skills, but also how to use the language in an academic environment: writing essays, arguing, and properly citing sources. Before this, I didn't even know what academic citation was and how important it is in a university setting. A strict but very strong teacher named Ilya taught us this, and I am truly grateful to him for that. Studying in an international group was a valuable experience in itself: students from different countries, with different cultures, life experiences, and accents. This broadens one's horizons and teaches mutual understanding.

Master's program: stress, adaptation, and growth

After successfully completing the IELP program, I enrolled in the Master of Science in Software Engineering program. To be honest, it was a difficult period. There was a lot of stress, doubt, and even thoughts about whether I would be able to cope at all.

But I have a principle:

"It's better to try and perhaps regret it, than not to try and regret it for the rest of your life."

The US education system, especially at the master's level, was very different from what I was used to. In the first semester, I felt like I wouldn't make it to the end. But gradually I understood the logic of the learning process, adapted, and began to move forward confidently.

Today I can proudly say that almost all of my grades are A's.

Extracurricular activities: competitions, hackathons, and volunteering

In addition to classes, I actively participated in student life. I participated in ACM programming competitions, as well as a hackathon in Toledo. These events became a strong stimulus for my development – ​​they allowed me to see the level of others, learn to work in a team, and think faster and more broadly.

I also volunteered at the Great Lakes Science Center, where I helped create the TapeScape exhibition – a large-scale and creative project that became part of Cleveland's cultural life. This experience showed me that university life is not only about studying, but also about contributing to the community. 

I also participated in and helped organize various city festivals. Cleveland has a wonderful tradition – holding a parade dedicated to national cultures at the end of the summer. It was a particular honor for me to participate in the process of approving a new section for Kazakhstan in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. Although I am not a citizen of Kazakhstan, it was important for me to be part of a significant event for a brotherly nation. 

Travel and Discovering America 

Studying in the USA gave me the opportunity not only to learn, but also to see the country. I visited Chicago, New York, Tampa (Florida), and also fulfilled a long-held dream – a road trip across the country: from San Francisco to the East Coast.

Along the way, I saw states with completely different nature and atmosphere, found myself in a salt desert near Salt Lake City, where the fastest cars in the world are tested, and visited Niagara Falls. These trips broadened my perspective on the USA and became an important part of my personal journey.

Where I am now

Today I have completed my studies and am actively looking for a job, while simultaneously working on several projects, including in the field of artificial intelligence – something I could only dream of before. In the USA, I felt how strong the growth environment is here: meetups, student clubs such as ACM, events, and the people around me constantly motivate me to create, communicate, and develop.

I also completed an internship where I was a team leader. We implemented a project to automate calls and created a voice AI agent. This experience gave me confidence not only as an engineer, but also as a team leader.

In conclusion

My journey in the USA is not a story about age or ideal conditions. It's a story about deciding not to stop.

Why Cleveland State University & IELP Were the Right Choice for Me

Looking back, choosing Cleveland State University and beginning my journey with its Intensive English Language Program (IELP) was one of the most important decisions I made. IELP didn’t just help me improve my English—it prepared me for real academic life in the United States.

Through IELP, I learned how to write academic papers, participate confidently in discussions, and understand U.S. classroom expectations. These skills made a huge difference when I transitioned into my master’s program and helped me feel prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Beyond the classroom, Cleveland became a place where I truly felt at home. It’s a welcoming and affordable city with a strong international community, rich cultural life, and many opportunities to get involved. At Cleveland State University, I found supportive faculty, diverse students from around the world, and an environment that encourages growth at every stage of life.

For students who may feel unsure about their English skills or academic readiness, starting with IELP can be a smart and empowering first step. It provides the foundation, confidence, and support needed to succeed in a U.S. degree program and to make the most of the experience beyond the classroom.