Introduction to ICSP
The International Cultural and Student Program (ICSP) was established to foster cross-cultural understanding and global engagement among students from diverse backgrounds. Founded with the mission to bridge cultural divides, ICSP provides scholarships and opportunities for students to share their unique heritage, traditions, and perspectives within the university community. As a recipient of the ICSP scholarship during my sophomore year at Oregon State University, I embraced the opportunity to represent Kazakhstan and promote its rich cultural legacy.As part of my scholarship for my sophomore year, I actively sought opportunities each term to share the story of Kazakhstan with diverse audiences. Through cultural presentations, I introduced others to my country’s unique traditions, history, and resilience. These experiences allowed me to promote understanding, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of global connection, all while showcasing the vibrant culture and untold stories of Kazakhstan.
While attending Oregon State University, I had the honor of representing Kazakhstan for the first time at the Ettihad Cultural Festival in 2016. Collaborating with a fellow Kazakh student and friends from the Philippines and Ethiopia, we established Kazakhstan’s inaugural booth. I prepared and cooked Baursak, a traditional Kazakh bread, which my friend Ananya from Ethiopia graciously distributed to festival attendees. Our participation introduced Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage to the university community and laid the foundation for ongoing cultural representation and exchange.
The following year, I returned to set up another Kazakh booth. This time, I invited my professor David Kidd, who taught me Strength of Materials and Dynamics, to pose in a Kazakh costume, along with some of my other Kazakh friends. This experience further strengthened our efforts to share Kazakhstan's rich culture and traditions with the university community.
During my junior and senior years through the ICSP program, I secured a position as a Crossroads International Assistant, where I supported the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center (CMLC) staff in organizing a variety of cultural and social events.
These included programs like:
Conversation School for Women
Conversation and Friendship sessions
Three-Day Home Stays for new international students
The International Friendship Program
International Faculty and Scholar Coffee
Beyond event coordination, I also shared my own experiences as an international student, helping new students navigate cultural shock and adjust to their new environment, fostering a sense of belonging and cross-cultural understanding. Below is an example of a event I organized and a flier I presented.
