We met with an expatriate from France and learned why she decided to move to Uzbekistan and what her first impressions were.
About myself
I am an economics teacher, conducting research in the field of sustainable urban development. I have lived in Canada and France, where I completed my master's degree in international development. I've worked in international relations, the public sector, and higher education.
About the move
My first visit to Central Asia was in the summer of 2019. My husband and I decided to embark on a journey and explore the region. At that time, I knew very little, only having heard about Samarkand. Since three countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — are located nearby, we visited all of them.
In Tashkent, we stayed with someone working at the local university. He mentioned that his organization hires foreigners and asked me to contact him if I decided to move to Uzbekistan. At that time, the thought didn't cross my mind, but after visiting Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, we realized we could live here.
Upon returning to France, I realized I wanted a new experience. I got in touch with an acquaintance from Tashkent and came here.First Impressions
We first arrived in August. It was hot. Additionally, the friendly attitude of the locals stood out. Once, we were on a bus from Andijan to the Kyrgyzstan border and were the only foreigners in the group. Towards the end of the journey, locals started asking us what we were doing there and why we decided to come. We struck up a conversation, and they ended up giving us several figs that they were transporting for sale.
The culture in Uzbekistan is significantly different from what I was accustomed to. The buildings, architecture, and local museums — all look different.
Upon arrival, we had an interesting experience. My husband got his visa a few weeks after mine, so we flew separately. It turned out that among the passengers on his flight was the first case of Covid-19 in Uzbekistan. We, along with others, were placed in a quarantine facility. Back then, we didn't speak Russian and didn't understand where we were going, so we didn't bring any belongings. When the hotel owner found out, he brought us everything we needed. Time passed quickly because we shared stories with other people there.
Current activities
Upon coming to Uzbekistan, I joined Westminster International University in Tashkent, initially dealing with administrative tasks. Over time, I realized it wasn't so interesting for me. I found a job at another university and started teaching. I enjoy interacting with students. Teaching in Uzbekistan and France turned out to be different. In my country, the teaching style is more formal, with more respect for the professor and less exchange of ideas. Here, I grow together with the students and have more freedom in teaching methods.
As a senior lecturer, I create my own curricula, conduct lectures, seminars, and exams. I participate in local and international conferences, assess student works, and handle exam evaluations.
About traditions and people
I've attended three weddings so far. The last one was hosted by a Kazakh family living in Uzbekistan. I like such events. Everyone dances, shares energy, and has a great time. What surprised me the most was the number of people — more than a hundred. I heard that such events can gather up to 500 guests and more. At my wedding in France, we had 30 people.
I've noticed that negotiation culture is highly developed in Uzbekistan. It manifests in daily life, such as in trips to the bazaar, and in the professional environment. When I applied for my second job, we thoroughly discussed the number of hours, payment level, and other details. In France, getting a job is already good, and conditions are not usually discussed.
Also, Uzbekistan offers delicious traditional food. My favorite dish is mastava soup. I always order it when I'm at work. I enjoy lagman too. I always invite foreign acquaintances to places where they can try this dish.
People in Uzbekistan are hospitable. Many acquaintances invite me to restaurants and cover the bill themselves. Sometimes, it even makes me feel uncomfortable. Residents are also curious. They always ask why we moved, how life is in our country, and what we do.
Future plans
I am in the process of writing my doctoral dissertation, which will take another two years. However, my husband and I have enjoyed Uzbekistan so much that we have no plans to leave.
