It has been a huge privilege for me to be one of the first alumni of John Smith Fellowship Programme from Azerbaijan. It was a very valuable experience and when we started our journey, it seemed like a frustrating 6-weeks programme away from home. But this feeling flew away in the very first week, when we witnessed a most welcome and encouraging atmosphere.

If I were to list what I liked most of all, I would probably have difficulty - all the elements were so well-thought and well-organized. There was everything – from hard study up to practice in organizations, from sightseeing (dream which came true) up to traditional dancing. But I cannot help saying that I liked the warmth and hospitality of UK people most of all. I say UK, because I was honored to visit a number of cities like Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Belfast, etc. I was lucky to have the opportunity to stay for a weekend at a nice Scottish couple’s home, who even deepened my best impression about the people of this great country.

As to the programme, it gave me quite a comprehensive picture of good democratic governance. Every lecture, every visit, every practice was very significant in making the whole picture complete and understandable.

The period of our study coincided with a number of sad and happy events in the life of UK people – we were there during the big demonstration Make Poverty History, we witnessed English people being extremely happy with the news of London to be the venue for Olympics for 2012, but we also shared the sorrow during a number of terror acts of 7 July. On these days, there was no distinction between us – we all were equally shocked and worried.

In general, I can say that John Smith Fellowship Programme has given me invaluable experience and deeper knowledge, which I will definitely apply during my further work for the benefit of my country. The most important thing is that I gained lots of like-minded friends not only among my fellows, but also among the staff of Baku-based and London-based offices of British Council, among the instructors and organizers of our great programme. I believe that such a group of devoted people is able to change the world to the better and I am personally eager to make my own contribution in this process.