Central Asia Is An Up-And-Coming Destination For Students

With the travel climate returning back to normal, many individuals are planning their next getaway. Central Asia has become one of the most up-and-coming destinations for students to travel to, and it’s no secret as to why. In this article, we will explore everything Central Asia has to offer students who are looking to immerse themselves in a new culture and jump outside of their comfort zone.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Central Asia refers to the areas “bounded on the north by Russia and on the south by Iran, Afghanistan, and China. The region consists of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.”

Central Asia | Britannica

Safety When Travelling

Central Asia is one of the safest destinations to travel to. When traveling as a young person or student, it is important to be sure that the destination you are traveling to has a stabilized economic and political climate. When traveling internationally, it is always a good idea to research international relations standing prior to booking your flight. For example, it is not recommended to travel to certain locations such as Ukraine or North Korea for a few of these reasons. Knowing what to expect upon Landing will help bring you peace of mind, and make planning your trip easier. As with any destination, there are certain sections of the region that are unstable and should be avoided. Keep an eye on your departure country’s foreign advisory to stay up-to-date before your travels.

Stunning Scenery and Architecture

Central Asia is also known for its stunning scenery and historic architecture. One of the most commonly visited areas for these reasons is Uzbekistan. This location was even described as once being quoted as the noblest Public Square in the world. There are beautiful buildings that showcase incredible tile work, stained glass, and other stunning landmarks that you can’t miss.

For those who crave adventure, Tajikistan offers an incredible landscape for hiking opportunities. This location is home to two large mountain ranges, with incredible views that any tourist should consider seeing. There are short trails, and multi-day adventures, so there is something for everyone. Many of these trails are undiscovered even by tourists, so you could be the first to catch a glimpse.

Rich History

Central Asia is commonly known as the birthplace of mathematics and modern medicine. Strong trade built the foundation for apothecaries, fully stocked with everything one would need to utilize the first taste of modern medicine. One of the most commonly used ingredients in Central Asian medicine is wax, which is used for salves and ointments.

There are five Central Asian countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, and these are typically most readily explored. Throughout history, Central Asian settlers were known as nomads. Small groups populated land and utilized animals, while still being sustainable. Some community members still practiced this lifestyle even today. If you are a student looking to experience a new culture, either for spring break or a study abroad semester, be sure to consider road trips around Central Asia as one of your destination options.

We hope this guide helped spark your interest about why you should explore Central Asia as a possible destination for your next trip, especially if you are a student.

Discovering Central Asia as a Student

It goes without saying that studying abroad broadens the mind. Studying in Central Asia whether Russia or Kazakhstan, students will be able to explore and discover what it means to be a former Soviet republic. It is especially beneficial to students who are in political science as countries in Central Asia provide a wreath of information regarding different political worldviews due to their varied and diverse cultures.

Students can also take the initiative to learn a new language so that they can better immerse themselves in culture. Russian is a good choice, despite the fact that there is no official language for the region and students will be able to encounter any of the dialects such as Uzbek, Ughur, Kyrgyzstan, or any of the Russian dialects. It’s interesting for sure, but that also means that students will have to be prepared. Luckily, today’s technology ensures that language barriers are a thing of the past with in-app direct translations.

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Anton Lucanus is a New Colombo Plan Scholar who has lived, studied and worked in Indonesia and Singapore since 2014. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Neliti, a software platform that helps Indonesian universities create digital libraries.