Learning, Networking, Growing: Shoira’s Path through OSCE Programs
April 28, 2026
Shoira Temurova, a sophomore student at the International and Comparative Politics department, shares her experience with the OSCE’s Programs:
I am Shoira, originally from Tajikistan, and currently a sophomore at AUCA majoring in International and Comparative Politics. I am also a recipient of the Alumni Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. I am always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and expand my perspective.
Last year, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) opened applications for the OSCE Summer School and Model OSCE in Tbilisi. I applied to the Summer School, as my academic background was highly relevant to the program. I was accepted, and in the summer of 2025, I participated in the Summer School in Tbilisi.
The program brought together participants from Central Asia and the South Caucasus. It lasted about one week and was very intensive, including presentations from employees of the OSCE’s main office in Vienna, representing different departments. In addition, we had team-building sessions, discussions on various topics, and sessions focused on OSCE missions.
This program has been organized for several years and has a strong alumni network. As a result, the OSCE regularly organizes events for its alumni. For instance, in March 2026, the OSCE held an event in Almaty, which brought together around 40 alumni from different years. This event aimed to strengthen networking and build deeper connections among participants.
During this event, we, as alumni, organized and led different types of sessions, informative, interactive, and academic. Moreover, the OSCE headquarters in Vienna offers internship opportunities, and as alumni, we receive this information early and have a higher chance of being accepted. Several participants are currently doing internships there, and some have already completed them. I have not applied yet, as I am currently a sophomore and cannot relocate to Vienna for 6–7 months, but I am highly motivated to apply in the future.
I am strongly motivated to take every opportunity to grow both personally and academically, as well as to learn more about international organizations like the OSCE for my future academic goals. Moreover, as a student of International and Comparative Politics, it is especially important for me to build connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
The goals of the program strongly align with my academic interests, which made me even more motivated to participate. In reality, the program gave me much more than I expected. The participants came not only from different countries but also from a wide range of fields, such as economics, business, politics, and environmental studies. Their experiences and the knowledge we shared created a very enriching environment and broadened my perspective significantly.
I strongly recommend that AUCA students apply to any program offered by the OSCE. The organization works across multiple dimensions, so every student can find valuable experience and knowledge relevant to their own interests.
OSCE missions are not limited to international relations or politics; they also cover human rights, economics, environmental issues, security, and many other areas. Therefore, regardless of your field of study, you can benefit greatly from participating in such programs.
