Kirill Klimashenko

Kirill Klimashenko, who grew up in Petropavlovsk, is only 19, but he successfully passed IELTS on 7.0. This became possible for him after participating in the English language program at Kozybayev University, where he studies. Today, a Kazakhstani is a sophomore, mastering a specialty in the IT field that is in demand today.

Why did you choose this particular field of knowledge?
I got acquainted with computers at an early age and gradually deepened my knowledge. When I learnt that a two-degree program was launched in my city together with the University of Arizona, all my doubts regarding choosing a specialty – information systems – were finally dispelled. I decided and I did.

How did you become a participant in the English language program and why were you selected?
In order to confirm the level of English, many universities in the world require an international certificate, for example, IELTS or TOEFL. We were informed that there is an opportunity to apply to English courses with the chance to win the IELTS exam at the expense of the Yessenov Foundation. So I decided to try, not really counting on winning the competition. As a result, having made efforts and used original argumentation in my essay, I was pleasantly surprised by the result. I not only studied with native speakers for a year, but also successfully passed IELTS.

How do you plan to use English, why do you need it anyway?
My ultimate goal is to study and work in an English-speaking country. At the same time, knowledge of the language in Kazakhstan opens up good prospects for specialists or, at least, increases their competitiveness as well. In addition, learning foreign languages has a positive effect on thinking abilities. Not to mention, say, watching movies in the original language, which I always prefer to the dubbed ones.

How did the study carry out?
Well, we talked a lot with a native-speaking teacher. And not only on causal and lesson-related topics, but we also discussed philosophical, cultural and historical issues. The teacher spoke to me only in English. We used textbooks suitable to my level. There were also a lot of practical classes. We developed both oral and written speech, regularly wrote essays and did listening exercises. Of course, we also had tests.

We know, that you passed IELTS among the best students of the English language program…
Yes, but the path was not so easy. The entrance test for English identified me in the Upper-Intermediate group. Over time, I was able to transfer to the advanced group. Towards the end of the semester, we were already studying according to a special IELTS manual. Shortly before the test date, I started taking trial versions of the exam. In the end, having passed it, I scored exactly 7 points out of 9 possible.

Kirill, what do you engage in this academic year and what are your plans for the next couple of years?
Now I am a sophomore of the Faculty of Engineering and Digital Technologies. We have started subjects directly related to my specialty. In addition, those who have passed the written skills test will begin an academic English course as part of the curriculum at the faculty. My personal plan for the next 2-3 years is still the same – to study hard.

Has the English program helped you achieve your goals in any way?
I think that thanks to my participation, I have gained the most valuable experience not only in learning the language, but also in communicating with a representative of another culture. I also plan to continue my English study right before entering the Master’s program. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My hobby is computer games. I like to watch TV series in English. “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” are among my favorites. I also love walking with friends. Unfortunately, I haven’t been reading much lately, but I plan to fix it as soon as I find interesting book.

What advice can you give to peers who are hesitant to try their hand at contests, apply, etc.?
I understand such people well, because I often underestimate myself and my capabilities. I could never have imagined that I would be able to enroll in this specialty, or in an English language program by Yessenov Foundation. Maybe I was lucky, but if I hadn’t tried, it definitely wouldn’t have worked. Therefore, my advice to them is to use the opportunities provided, because in case of failure they do not lose anything.