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A 22-year-old student from Germany, Adriana, has arrived in Almaty not just as part of an academic exchange, but on a deeply personal journey to connect with her family's history. Her grandparents and parents grew up in Kazakhstan, and their stories have long shaped her understanding of this Central Asian nation.

A Journey Rooted in Family History

Adriana's presence in Almaty is facilitated by a program funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. She is currently undertaking an internship in Electronic Business and Commerce at the Kazakh-German University. While for many students this is an academic opportunity, for Adriana, it holds profound personal significance.

"This trip has a great personal meaning for me, connected to our family history. My parents are Russian Germans who grew up in Kazakhstan. This makes my being here even more important, as I can get to know the language and culture of my family more closely," she shared.

Her fascination with Kazakhstan predates her arrival, fueled by the narratives of her relatives who lived there before emigrating to Germany in the 1990s. A particularly cherished memory for her family is of Turgen, near Almaty, where her grandparents spent their childhood.

"My grandfather, in particular, would spend hours telling interesting stories about life here. They spoke a lot about the amazing nature and a completely different way of life. Thanks to their stories, my interest in this place grew even more," Adriana explained.

These family tales sparked a desire in Adriana to see Kazakhstan with her own eyes. When applications opened for the exchange program, she didn't hesitate.

Embracing Almaty and Kazakh Culture

The news of her journey was met with great joy by her grandparents, who are now keenly following her experiences. Adriana finds many aspects of Kazakhstan surprisingly familiar, noting that food and the Russian language, always a part of her life at home, feel uniquely present in their original context here.

Adjusting to life in Almaty has been smooth for Adriana, thanks to the warm welcome from her classmates and fellow exchange students. "I feel very comfortable here. Almaty is a wonderful city with many opportunities. Kazakhstan is a country that amazes with the diversity of its people and landscapes," she said.

She has been particularly struck by the harmonious blend of urban life and natural beauty. Adriana has already visited numerous landmarks, including the Green Bazaar, Kok-Tobe hill, the Central Mosque, Ascension Cathedral, and the Museum of Arts. Her explorations have also extended to the stunning Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, and the Charyn and Kora canyons.

Adriana shares snippets of her travels on social media, where her videos have garnered positive reactions. Many users express their delight in seeing Kazakhstan through the eyes of a first-time visitor, with comments like, "I want to see what you show!" and "Very beautiful. My husband is from Almaty. The food is amazing and the people are very hospitable."

Her journey of discovery in Kazakhstan is far from over. "I plan to go skiing in Shymbulak and Medeu. In the future, I would like to return to Kazakhstan in a different season, especially in the summer, to see even more facets of the country," she stated.

Her experiences have even inspired her family to consider returning to Kazakhstan after many years away.