Essay from Oyatillo Jabboraliev

Why Are Study Abroad Semesters Valuable for Students?

Meaning of These Programs – What Are They?

A study abroad semester is a life-changing experience – but how exactly?

Costs, Challenges, and Requirements

Nowadays, there are many foreign citizens in my country. Are they just tourists? Not quite. Today we see young people coming from abroad to various parts of our country. The reason is the global student exchange program. This program has a long history and began to develop in the 20th century. It was created to promote cultural and scientific cooperation between countries. A student exchange program allows students to temporarily study at a different university abroad. Through it, students gain knowledge and experience.

Historically, the United States was one of the first countries where such programs became popular, beginning with the Fulbright Program. One of the most well-known is the ERASMUS program – the oldest student exchange program in Europe, launched in 1987. Germany later developed its own version, with the DAAD program starting in 1925. These programs are highly popular among young people.

Experiences of Students:

Many students report positive experiences with exchange programs. Jabboraliev O., who studies at Kuala Lumpur University in Malaysia, said: “I expanded my professional experience through the exchange program. That’s why I’ve worked in many areas of my field.” This shows that exchange programs offer career benefits too.

Dilafruz, a student who studied in Japan, said: “My verbal communication improved significantly.” In particular, her ability to express herself in Japanese grew. This proves students can also benefit linguistically from exchange programs.

Advantages of Student Exchange Programs:

Exchange programs offer many benefits. Students gain new knowledge and boost their academic progress. But that’s not all. Studying abroad helps develop important personal skills, such as:

– Intercultural Competence: Students learn to understand and respect cultural differences by engaging directly with people from diverse backgrounds.

– Independence: Living in a foreign country forces students to organize daily life independently – from housing to daily routines.

– Language Skills: Constant exposure to a foreign language helps students improve their language proficiency.

– Better Career Opportunities: Employers value international experience, which signals flexibility and adaptability.

Challenges:

Of course, there are also difficulties. Many students face the following challenges when moving abroad:

– Financial Issues: Living abroad can be expensive. Students often need scholarships or part-time jobs.

– Different Education Systems: Learning methods may differ from those in the home country, requiring students to adapt.

– Cultural Differences: Adapting to new customs and traditions can be tough in a foreign country.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, student exchange programs are an excellent opportunity for young people to gain international experience, explore other cultures, and improve both academically and professionally. They help students adjust to new environments and foster mutual understanding between cultures.

During the program, students learn how to navigate life in a foreign country, speak new languages, and enhance communication skills. These experiences are valuable in today’s world and can improve future career prospects. Additionally, students form international connections that may benefit them later.

Despite the challenges, such as financial burdens, housing issues, or differences in education systems, these very obstacles help students become more independent and adaptable.

Overall, exchange programs are a key component of global education. They not only help young people expand their knowledge but also support personal growth. International exchange strengthens relationships between countries and universities. Therefore, such programs should continue to be supported so more students can benefit.

Oyatillo Jabboraliev was born in Fergana region. He is a student at Xiamen University in Malaysia.

Synchronized Chaos Second June Issue: Chaos Does Not Exclude Love

Fence covered in hundreds of brown locks as a symbol of love.
Image c/o Irene Wahl

First, a few announcements.

Konstantinos FaHs has another article published following up on his Synchronized Chaos pieces about ancient Greek myths and their continuing role in modern Hellenic culture. He’d like to share his piece in The Rhythm of Vietnam, which is a Vietnamese magazine with a mission that seems similar to our own.

Also, disabled contributor, lyric essayist, and ALS activist Katrina Byrd suffered hurricane damage to her home and seeks support to rebuild and make ends meet while she’s getting ready to move. Whatever folks can contribute will make a real difference.

Now, for our new issue: Chaos Does Not Exclude Love. The reverse of a phrase from a review of Elwin Cotman’s urban fantasy collection discussing how Cotman’s work was from a loving place yet made room for the complexity of the world. At Synchronized Chaos, we are intimately acquainted with the world’s nuance and chaos, yet we see and find room for empathy and connection.

Neven Duzevic reflects on travel memories and reconnecting with an old friend. Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar speaks to the awesome and transformative power of romantic love. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai reflects upon the intensity of romantic feelings. Duane Vorhees speaks to loneliness and heartbreak and sensuality and various forms of human-ness. Kristy Raines speaks to the beauty of love and the tragedy of heartbreak.

Small bouquet of red roses attached to a brick wall
Photo by Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh

Harper Chan reflects on his bravado and the reality of his feelings in the past year. Mickey Corrigan’s poetry shows how psychological and cultural shifts and traumas can manifest in our bodies. Abigail George speaks to how support from friends and family and a commitment to live in the present rather than reliving old traumas can help those addicted to drugs. Alan Catlin mixes cultural memories and touchstones with personal and societal losses.

Vo Thi Nhu Mai offers up a poetic tribute to the international vision of fellow poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou. Greek poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Bangladeshi poet S. Afrose on how she hopes poetry and joint exploration through literary sci-fi will obliterate the need for war. Dr. Jernail Singh laments that morality and compassion have become passe to a generation obsessed with modernity and personal success. Priyanka Neogi speaks to the beauty of carrying oneself with noble character. Maria Koulovou Roumelioti urges us to remember the world’s children and create love and peace as Anwar Rahim reminds us to live with kindness and courage.

Mykyta Ryzhykh speculates on whether love can continue to exist amidst war. Haroon Rashid pays tribute to Indian political leader Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who loved peace but led through strength. Christine Poythress reflects on how easy it is for a once-proud and free nation to slide into fascism simply by admiring the fascist aesthetic and its seductive power. Ahmed Miqdad renders a global tragedy in simple terms: he’s too scared to go back to his home in Gaza to water his cactus plant.

Lili Lang probes the meaning behind things that seem simple: the work of a hairdresser, a family packing up the belongings of a recently deceased grandmother.

Couple off in the distance walking together on sand dunes near a beach.
Photo by Negar Kh

Mahmudova Sohibaxon offers up a tribute to dependable and caring fathers. J.J. Campbell writes of the visceral love and physical work of aging and caregiving, of inhabiting an elderly and a middle-aged body. Taylor Dibbert’s poetic speaker embraces age with joy, thrilled to still be alive. Bill Tope crafts an expansive and welcoming vision of perfection that can welcome more types of people and bodies as Ambrose George urges the world to maintain an open mind towards gender roles and identities.

Leslie Lisbona pays tribute to her deceased mother by writing a letter catching her up on family news. Stephen Jarrell Williams considers endings and beginnings and the possibility of renewal. Asma’u Sulaiman speaks to being lost and then found in life. Cheng Yong’s poetry addresses ways we hide from each other and ourselves, physically and psychologically. Mahbub Alam wishes for a romantic connection that can extend and endure beyond Earth. Dibyangana’s poetry touches on love, grief, and personal metamorphosis. Mely Ratkovic writes of spiritual contemplation and the nature of good and evil. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa describes souls who turn away from greed and evil and heal, in smaller and larger ways. Christopher Bernard suggests that creativity and storytelling might play a part in what makes life worth enduring.

Brian Barbeito speculates about intention and communication with the universe. Svetlana Rostova speculates on what spirituality might mean in the face of a seemingly indifferent world. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumnova’s piece conveys spiritual ecstasy, love, and beauty.

Sandro Piedrahita’s story highlights the power of enduring and sacrificial spiritual devotion in the midst of our human-ness.

Chimezie Ihekuna engages with the talents, creativity, and limitations of being human. Dr. Jernail Anand looks at human creativity and at AI and draws a comparison, encouraging humans to continue to create. Jasmina Rashidova explores what motivates people in the workplace. Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Turkish poet Bahar Buke about fostering imagination and connection through her work.

Silhouette of a human hand casting a paper airplane into the sky at sunrise or sunset.
Photo by Rakicevic Nenad

Paul Durand reflects on teaching first-grade music in a time of hatred and divisiveness. Su Yun collects the thoughts and observations of a whole selection of schoolchildren in China about nature and their world.

David Sapp reflects on how he wishes to always appreciate the egrets and lilies, sailing off into nature amid the various bird voices of the wild world. Mesfakus Salahin rhapsodizes about flowers and giddy spring romance. Soumen Roy celebrates the simple joy of butterflies and tea. Sayani Mukherjee speaks of an enduring oak tree in summer. Poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou, translated to Italian by Maria Miraglia and Arabic by Ahmed Farooq Baidoon, celebrates life lessons from nature. Liang Zhiwei reminds us of the power and vastness of nature, before and after the era of humanity. Nuraini Mohammed Usman sends up a sepia photograph of a tire hidden by a leafing young tree.

Jibril Mohammed Usman shares a photograph of a person looking into nature, at one with and part of his world, altered in the same way as the trees and house. Mark Young’s geographies play with and explore Australia from new angles, turning maps into works of art.

Jerome Berglund and Christina Chin stitch ideas and images together like clotted cream in their joint haikus. Patrick Sweeney’s two-line couplets explore a thought which ends in an unexpected way.

Graffiti on a corrugated metal wall that looks like a child is sipping from a metal pipe as if it's a straw.
Photo by Shukhrat Umarov

Odina Bahodirova argues for the relevance of philology as an academic discipline because of its role in preserving cultural wisdom encoded in language and the ability of students to understand and think critically about language. Sevinch Shukurova explores the role of code-switching as a pedagogical tool in language learning. Surayo Nosirova shares the power of an educator giving a struggling student tutoring and a second chance. Nozima Zioydilloyeva celebrates Uzbekistan’s cultural accomplishments and women’s education within her home country. Marjona Mardonova honors the history of the learned Jadid Uzbek modernizers.

Nazeem Aziz recollects Bangladeshi history and celebrates their fights for freedom and national identity. Poet Hua Ai speaks to people’s basic longings to live, to be seen and heard. Leif Ingram-Bunn speaks to hypocrisy and self-righteousness on behalf of those who would silence him, and self-assertion on his part as a wounded but brave, worthy child of God.

Z.I. Mahmud traces the mythic and the heroic from Tolkien to Harry Potter. Poet Hua Ai, interviewed by editor Cristina Deptula, also wonders about the stories we tell ourselves. She speculates through her work about what in the human condition is mandatory for survival and what is learned behavior that could be unlearned with changing times.

Synchronized Chaos contains many of the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and our world. We hope you enjoy and learn from the narrative!

Poetry from Prasanna Kumar Dalai

Middle-aged South Asian man in reading glasses, a dark suit coat, white collared shirt, and a red tie and blue lanyard. Below him is the icon for his book Banayat Odia, with two medieval armored knights lunging at each other, with a red circle in the background.

UPSET WITH ME!

Your craziness and airiness won’t kill me

Your being upset with me rather troubles 

Why so stubborn and arrogant you are 

I have the companionship only with you

It’s well tested & proven thousand times

Can sacrifice life & break relationships

Have been waiting for your sweet smile

Can stand anything but your indifference 

I know not if I am worthy of your love 

But I can’t do sans you, trust me or not.

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai @India

WITHOUT ANY REASON!

In search of faithfulness in this world 

I got to know I was in wrong address 

And my life hasn’t become complete 

My shortcomings were ignored though

I was punished without any reason

If I live on I feel like torturing myself 

And I go out fetching God in her heart

The person this heart sincerely seeks

There is always a mystery in the air

My days & nights are upset without you.

SLIGHT IMPRESSION!

You came to my world and disappeared

Next moment ; I thought several times 

That first look with a slight impression 

Why does it make my heart so restless 

Your smiling back with sweet glances

I don’t know what you are waiting for

Am I the one whom you trust so much

Why I have this feeling time and again

The buds of rosy lips have blossomed

Is it due to the passion of your heart?

MARK OF BLEMISH!

We will flow in the air, cloud and rain

As you’re my rain and I’m your cloud 

If I’m not yours, I won’t be anyone else’s 

Know not why the world is jealous of us

It’s not mark of blemish but kohl of love

An illness in accordance to this world 

But the ones in love know it as divinity 

The twist of love and life has brought us

I’m deep darkness and you’re my dawn

A lost traveller, I’m yours and you’re mine

It may be infatuation if love is one-sided

But ours is love for each other, isn’t it?

Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai

(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha.He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India .His free verse on Romantic and melancholic poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village Nandiagada of Ganjam District,the state of Odisha.After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then M A in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and D.litt from Colombian poetic house from South America.

He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention. He is an award-winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writing worldwide. His free verse poems not only inspires young readers but also the ready of current time. His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems have been translated in different Indian languages and earned global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writings and success in the future. He is an award-winning poet and author of many best-selling books.

Recently he has been awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips. Also a gold medal from the World Union of Poets in France & winner Of Rahim Karim’s world literary prize for 2023.The government of Odisha’s Higher Education Department appointed him as a president to the governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar. He’s the winner of “HYPERPOEM ” GUINNESS WORLD RECORD 2023. Recently he was awarded, at the SABDA literary Festival at Assam, the highest literary honour from Peru’s Contributing World Literature 2024, the Prestigious Cesar Vallejo Award 2024, the Highest literary honour in Peru. He’s the director of teh Samrat Educational Charitable Trust in Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha.

Vicedomini of the World Union of Poets for Italy.

Completed 249 Epistolary Poems with Kristy Raines of the USA.

Books.

1.Psalm of the Soul.

2. Rise of New Dawn.

3. Secret Of Torment.

4. Everything I Never Told You.

5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata.

6.100 Shadows of Dreams.

7.Timeless Anguish.

8.Voice of Silence.

9. I Cross my Heart from East to West. Epistolary Poetry with Kristy Raines

Poetry from Jerome Berglund and Christina Chin

Christina Chin (plain) 

Jerome Berglund (italic) 

Princess Carry

first butterfly

voices approaching

ellipses in the 

closed captions

on my cut papaya

milkweed

kaleidoscope 

the monarchs

piercing deeper 

bedecked 

in gold leaf

Diane de Guise

Loss Leader 

japanese apricot

million cherries

in a crack

one summer

on the cotton gingham 

afternoon tea

—split scones 

and clotted cream

scampering squirrels chirp

something I did right    

something did wrong 

belle époque

Poetry from Chimezie Ihekuna

Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben) Young Black man in a collared shirt and jeans resting his head on his hand. He's standing outside a building under an overhang.
Chimezie Ihekuna

Save Mankind

Man seeks a savior

He goes about it using it vigor

He is aware of the rigor

Man looks at the environment

He figures the movement

He ensures it will last all moments

But:

Man discovers he’s wrong

He thinks of the way out through his song

He works out his strong

Man searches for riches

He goes all out for the fishes

He thinks that they will meet his very wishes

But:

Man is dissatisfied

He is worried he is not gratified

He believes his agenda will be clarified.

Man goes after wellness

He seeks to work its happiness

He feels that’s his essence

But:

Man realizes he’s in a vicious circle

He devises the way-out of the ridicule

He’s certain his IQ would bring the driving vehicle

Man seeks a life companion

He searches in passion

He’s sure this won’t take him to oblivion

But:

Man is failing over a time-a hundredth

He sees himself being swallowed up by the earth

He makes his priority death

This time…

Man seeks his kind

He engages with a tough find

He succeeds on the note: “Save Mankind”

Poetry from Liang Zhiwei

Older middle aged East Asian man with thinning hair and reading glasses and a blue collared sweatshirt.

Humanity Grows Cold in the Wind’s Howl

Spring flaunts its wild, dazzling passion across the fields,

Summer’s blazing hues vanish beyond the skyline,

Autumn arrives in gilded splendor,

leading a tribe of carefree immortals—

only to fade into winter’s bleak, snow-lit silence.

The Earth was never truly ours,

its soil long stained crimson with cold-blooded fury.

Thick snow blankets nature’s desolation, its indifference,

while melting patches expose the brutal history of beasts—

their savagery, their slaughter.

Only the wind understands humanity,

watching generations thrive and wither

amidst the drizzle’s murmur,

leaving behind untold secrets.

In the depth of blackened stillness,

a sound erupts—

a wolf-king’s simulated shriek, so piercing

it tears the night sky asunder,

scattering frozen stars upon the ground.

Who doesn’t yearn for the Earth to reclaim

its primordial grace?

June 12, 2025, Liang Garden, Shanghai

Liang Zhiwei is a famous antique collector and poet in Shanghai. Editor of the supplement of Shanghai Labor News. Member of the World Chinese Poets Association.

Essay from Nozima Ziyodilloyeva 

Women’s Education in Uzbekistan: Opportunities and the Path to Progress

Since gaining independence, Uzbekistan has undertaken major reforms in the field of education. In particular, significant opportunities have been created for women to gain knowledge and acquire professional skills. This is because one of the key factors in societal development is women’s literacy and their active participation in science, culture, and the economy.

Today, thousands of girls across Uzbekistan have the opportunity to study at higher educational institutions. Government-funded scholarships play a vital role in supporting them on this journey. These efforts are part of wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening the role of women in society and unlocking their full potential.

Scholarships and Quotas for Women

Special benefits and programs have been introduced for girls seeking education in Uzbekistan. Currently:

Separate quotas are allocated for female students admitted under state scholarships.

Through the “Women’s Register,” talented but financially disadvantaged girls receive assistance to pay their tuition fees.

Under the “Iron Register” and “Youth Register” programs, special privileges are provided to support girls’ education.

Presidential scholarships and other grants are awarded to encourage the academic achievements of outstanding young women.

International scholarships and global education programs are also making it possible for girls to study abroad.

Additionally, the number of vocational training centers for girls has increased in recent years, where they are trained in modern professions. The growing number of skilled women in fields such as IT, engineering, and business is a clear indication of this progress.

Progress in Girls’ Education

Currently, a significant proportion of students in higher education institutions are women. Across the country, many women are becoming leading specialists—not only in education but also in entrepreneurship, science, and social spheres.

In particular, recent years have seen:

A growing interest among girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The establishment of business incubators and entrepreneurship development centers specifically for women.

Successful participation of Uzbek girls in various international grant programs.

Thanks to the reforms being implemented by our government, young women are now developing into competitive professionals not only within the country but also on a global scale.

Peace – The Foundation of Independent Learning

Today, young people in Uzbekistan have the opportunity to pursue knowledge freely in a peaceful and independent country. This serves as a solid foundation and a confident step toward a bright future.

In contrast, we see thousands of young people around the world being deprived of education due to wars, instability, and conflicts. In Uzbekistan, however, great attention is paid to education, and favorable conditions are created for the youth. As a result, our girls are realizing their potential in science, technology, culture, and various other fields.

Therefore, today’s youth—especially young women—must set high goals and make full use of the educational opportunities available to them. Because we, the youth of Uzbekistan, are learning with confidence in a peaceful nation and a promising tomorrow!

Nozima Ziyodilloyeva 

Student of Uzbekistan State World Languages University