From Osh to the US: How the Aga Khan School, Osh shaped a student’s exchange journey
Zhannat Karasheva, a Grade 11 student from the Aga Khan School (AKS), Osh, is currently spending a year in the United States (US) through the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) programme. The competitive, merit-based scholarship supports high school students from across the world to develop leadership skills and build cross-cultural connections during a year-long academic exchange.
Now based in Nebraska, Zhannat is adapting to a new learning environment while proudly representing both AKS, Osh and the Kyrgyz Republic.
“Studying at AKS, Osh was more than just an academic experience – it was a journey of personal growth,” she said. “It was there that I first developed essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and resilience, which became key to thriving in a new country, school and culture.”
During her time at AKS, Osh, Zhannat was an active student who participated in school events and even launched a student movie club. She was named “Student of the Year” in 2023 and is remembered fondly by her teachers and peers for her initiative and dedication.
“AKS, Osh taught me the value of discipline, consistency and responsibility,” she said. “The encouragement from my teachers gave me the confidence to keep applying for the FLEX Programme – even after two unsuccessful attempts. I’m especially grateful to my English teacher, Saida Muminovna, who believed in me and wrote a recommendation letter that helped me stand out.”
Zhannat said her transition to a US school has been smooth, especially because of the habits and collaborative experience she developed back home. From group projects to class discussions, her academic journey at AKS, Osh equipped her well for the challenges of an American classroom.
“I’m proud to be a FLEX student, and even prouder to represent the Aga Khan School, Osh,” she said. “This journey has been about growth, confidence and carrying my culture with me every day.”
Photos (top to bottom):
- Zhannat (second from left) meeting with the host family’s friends from California.
- Zhannat with classmates at AKS, Osh.
- Zhannat with her host family in Nebraska, US.
- Zhannat presenting a picture created from recycled materials at AKS, Osh’s Eco-art master class.
