Navigating New Horizons: My Transformative Journey as an International Student and the Development of the "BizPlan" Platform - Abbas Amiri

By:  Abbas Amiri
University:  Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Faculty:  Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Department:  Information Systems

 

The Beginning of a Global Adventure
Choosing to study abroad is a life-changing decision. When I first moved to Kazakhstan to pursue my higher education, I knew I was stepping into a new world. As an international student, the first few months were a true test of character. I arrived in a country with a rich history and a vibrant culture, but navigating administrative processes, finding accommodation, and understanding the local paperwork without a guide felt like immense challenges. However, these early hurdles were essential for my growth. They taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of adapting to a new environment.

Breaking the Language Barrier
One of the most pivotal moments of my journey was the year I spent learning the Kazakh language. Before starting my official university program, I dedicated myself to mastering the local language. This was not just an academic requirement; it was a bridge to the community. Once I gained the ability to communicate, the world around me changed. I went from being a stranger to a confident member of the community. This linguistic foundation became the key to my academic and social success in Kazakhstan, allowing me to build deep connections with my peers and professors.

A Supportive Academic Environment
Kazakhstan is known for its legendary hospitality, and I experienced this firsthand at my university. The professors here are more than just lecturers; they are mentors who genuinely care about the success of international students. They encouraged me to push my boundaries and supported my innovative ideas. The university provides excellent facilities, including modern research laboratories and digital libraries, which were crucial for my technical development. The atmosphere on campus is one of diversity and inclusion, where students from different backgrounds work together towards common goals.

The Culmination of My Studies: BizPlan
For my diploma thesis, I focused on a project that combines technology with entrepreneurship. I developed a web platform called  BizPlan . The primary goal of this project is to help users automatically generate professional, high-quality business plans. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle with the technical side of planning—market analysis, marketing strategies, and financial projections.

BizPlan  was built to solve these problems. Using a modern tech stack including  Python and the Django framework , the platform allows users to structure their ideas into a professional document. A key feature of the system is the integration of precise mathematical models for financial calculations. This ensures that the generated plans are not only well-written but also financially accurate, helping users avoid common budgeting errors. During this project, I gained deep practical experience in system design, full-stack web development, and problem-solving.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Solid Foundations
Looking back on my years in Kazakhstan, I see a period of immense transformation. I arrived as a stranger and am leaving as a skilled professional with a global perspective. The challenges I faced at the beginning were merely stepping stones that led to the development of my project,  BizPlan , and my personal growth as an engineer. I am deeply grateful to my university and my supervisor for providing me with the tools to build my future. I am confident that the knowledge and life skills I have gained here will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the world of technology.

Checked by:  Ibraimkulov AE

Department of Information Systems

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
 

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