Bolat Nassygazy is a secondary school career and college student counsellor in Astana, Kazakhstan. He joined our “Summer Study Abroad: Fashion Design” course in Summer 2023 to live out his dream of studying fashion design at UAL.
How was studying abroad in London? What are your must-visit places in the city?
Studying in London was an absolute delight because it truly is the epitome of capital cities. London boasts an incredible mix of historical and contemporary cultural, political, and educational institutions and sites. It's a place where you'll never experience boredom, as famously noted by Shakespeare. I highly recommend visiting the Terrace Gardens, Queen Mary's Gardens, and Dover Street Market.
What did you enjoy about your classes?
What I truly appreciated about our classes was the curriculum's emphasis on a comprehensive design cycle. Learning was not only informative but also practical. We had classes at iconic venues like the Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and numerous other culturally significant places. Additionally, the diverse group of students enriched our experience by providing a range of perspectives and insights into various cultures.
Can you tell us about a project you were particularly excited about?
Our main assignment was to generate design ideas based on the research we conducted throughout our course, where we needed to blend our own country’s art and culture to the British one. My concept for this fusion was to incorporate Kazakh ‘bizkeste’ embroidery onto British heritage fabrics. During the project we were expected to present six sketches, a draped mannequin, and a sketchbook. This allowed anyone to observe how my ideas evolved from inception to completion. Therefore, it’s crucial to document every step you take while working on your project.
Why did you choose UAL Study Abroad?
My desire to study at UAL has been a long-standing dream, stemming from my high school days when I read Alexander McQueen's biography and discovered that he had graduated from Central Saint Martins. This past summer, I had the privilege of living out that dream for three weeks.
What is the most valuable thing you learned from the experience?
One of the most valuable lessons I gained from this experience was a newfound sense of self-confidence. I really enjoyed what I did and received a high grade for my project. It has solidified my aspiration to pursue a degree program at Central Saint Martins.
What tips or advice would you share with future study abroad students/future applicants?
Don't hesitate, take action. Start exploring your areas of interest now, as there's no better time. When you embark on your studies, don’t forget to cultivate discipline, maintain curiosity, seek feedback actively, and build connections with fellow students and faculty staff.
Would you recommend the experience at UAL?
Absolutely! I used to believe that taking a shorter course might be superficial and less effective. However, after completing the "Fashion Design" course, I can confidently say that it was both intensive and enjoyable. I gained a wealth of knowledge, insights, and made some wonderful friends along the way.
