Student Reflection by Doer He (C’28 W’28, Russian target)
Nearly three years ago, I began learning Russian (my Huntsman target language) through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. At the time, however, I couldn’t travel to a Russian-speaking community. While I learned about the history, arts, and cuisine of Russian-speaking countries, I missed the chance to immerse myself in the culture firsthand. So, when I found an opportunity this summer to continue my education on the ground and gain professional experience in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I knew I couldn’t pass it up, and am grateful to the Huntsman Program for supporting this formative experience.
This summer, I lived and worked in Bishkek, interning with StrategEast, a leading think tank at the intersection of policy, economics, business, and technology in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As a research analyst intern, I led and contributed to a project examining how emerging technologies, trade, and foreign policy shape Central Asia’s economic development and business growth.
The work I encountered at the firm was both data-driven and people-centered: I analyzed financial trends and economic indicators, conducted interviews and literature reviews in English, Russian, and Mandarin, and studied industries ranging from IT and automobile manufacturing to resource extraction. I also constructed case studies, tracked emerging developments, created recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and analysts, and worked with team members across multiple countries and cultures. Beyond that, I also had the unforgettable opportunity to connect with startup founders, investors, academics, think tank experts, and journalists working on the ground across Eurasia.
Outside of work, I loved getting to know Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek struck me with how it balanced post-Soviet legacy and vibrant Kyrgyz culture. I spent my free time exploring Soviet-era parks, bazaars, and modern cafes; enjoying ballets and movies that blended Kyrgyz, Russian, and other cultural influences; and indulging in plov, beshbarmak, and shashliks I still crave. Living with a host family gave me an intimate glimpse into Kyrgyz life, and weekends traveling with them to breathtaking lakes and mountains convinced me that Kyrgyzstan belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Thanks to the Huntsman Program’s support, this summer was transformational in ways I never expected. Professionally, I sharpened my research and communication skills while learning to be resourceful, entrepreneurial, and creative in emerging markets where data and past examples are scarce. My Russian language skills improved dramatically as I used it for interviews, navigating the city, and even playing with my host siblings. Personally, I grew more independent and adaptable too, through building a support structure in a foreign country and embracing risks. Even small moments, like navigating Bishkek’s public transport for the first time or cooking American food for my host family, taught me resilience and cross-cultural empathy.
Returning to Penn, I feel more prepared to bridge my studies in international studies and business, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to tackle global social and economic challenges. I also look forward to carrying a more entrepreneurial, adaptable mindset into my coursework, extracurriculars, future career, and beyond.
Looking back, my summer in Bishkek allowed me to step into a region often overlooked in the U.S., ask questions with no easy answers, and learn to chart a unique path forward. With new skills, perspectives, and experiences, I can confidently say this summer exceeded even my wildest dreams.
