Case Study C - Dias Iskaliev

The governments of many developing nations offer scholarships to students who are seeking a postgraduate qualification in a skill that is deemed to be of national importance. Dias Iskaliev of Kazakhstan is one such student. Currently pursuing a taught Masters in Sustainable Energy Dias in UCC, Dias is a beneficiary of his government’s generous Bolashak scholarship programme, which covers the entirety of his costs and expenses while studying in Ireland.

Initially the UK was Dias’ destination of choice, but for some reason that he cannot quite recall – perhaps it was to learn about a small country of which he knew little, he muses – he ended up deciding upon Ireland. Dias has no regrets now; he is enjoying life in Cork and finds his course to be ‘very good. I really enjoy it, and I’ve gained a lot of new knowledge on renewable and sustainable energy.’

The coming summer will see Dias hard at work on his thesis on wind energy, and after his scholarship he must return to work in Kazakhstan for five years. Will he use his vastly improved English to work abroad in the future? ‘It would be interesting for me. I’m young, I’m not married, so I’m free and have the opportunity, why not?’

One thing is for sure, and that is Dias’ long-term opportunities have undoubtedly multiplied thanks to his scholarship. Married or not!