International Student Profiles share perspectives from Lehigh students from around the world! Alibek Kaliyev, ‘22 is part of Lehigh’s intercollegiate Computer Science and Business program, focusing on additional interests through his minor in Cognitive Science. We sat down to chat with Alibek—here’s what he had to say..
Hometown: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Why did you choose to attend Lehigh? Just by exploring the website and watching videos, I momentarily fell in love with Lehigh. I learned that besides providing great financial aid for international students, Lehigh has a unique Computer Science and Business program, a great alumni network, proximity to major cities like NYC and Philadelphia, and a magnificent campus. I felt that this is what I need, and I will thrive here.
What is your favorite academic experience? My favorite academic experience at Lehigh so far was doing undergraduate research that I joined in the summer before my first year at Lehigh through Mountaintop’s Data For Impact program. Doing undergraduate research not only taught me invaluable skills in the fields of Machine Learning and Materials Science but also provided me a foundation to meet other like-minded students, faculty and even best friends. I am endlessly grateful that I was provided such an opportunity, which I am sure is hardly achievable at other universities.
What helped with your adjustment to life at Lehigh and in the US? The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and Office of First-Year Experience (OFYE) were very supportive in terms of adjusting to life in the US. For example, OISS made it possible to take ENGL 095 class for free for all incoming international students in the summer before the first semester at Lehigh. From this class, I understood what it takes to be a productive college student, and I made some new friends. When I came to the US after a semester of remote learning, OFYE organized an 8-week program for first-year students to meet new people while exploring Lehigh and completing interesting challenges. I felt very welcome at all events, and comfortably adjusted to college life.