Traveling from the high mountains of Kavkaz, a region in Azerbaijan, to the high desert of Northern Nevada, wasn’t easy. What seems like a straight line on a map stretched into long, exhausting hours of layovers in Dubai, Turkey and New York. By the time Rafig Hasanov landed in Reno, the journey had taken more than a day. It had blurred time zones and left him exhausted, but energized by the feeling of leaving home and heading to a brighter future. 

Twenty three-year-old Rafig Hasanov always dreamt about studying in the United States. 

Since childhood, Hasanov felt a deep connection to American culture, inspired by Hollywood films; he wanted to experience the American Dream. One reason, he says, is the friendliness and openness of the people — just as it is depicted in the movies. “It was initially difficult to believe there was such a widespread positivity throughout society,” he said.

The great thinker Plato once said, “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life." Hasanov is following Plato’s path and will graduate this May with his master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Nevada, Reno. He plans to continue his studies, now shifting focus to education. 

“I would like to apply specific techniques and mechanisms from the Azerbaijani pedagogical system to the American educational system — and vice versa,” Hasanov said. “I believe that by combining the strengths of both, it is possible to create a pedagogical system that approaches a true ideal.”

Hasanov said he carefully researched universities before choosing the University of Nevada. “Since philosophy isn’t a popular major in the United States, I communicated with the professors from the department to get to know professors who do research,” he said. “My conversations with them led me to choose this University.”

During the application process, Hasanov worked with a company in Azerbaijan that helps international students who want to earn degrees overseas. Although he faced several legal steps and document requirements back home, he said the process went smoothly with support from the admissions office and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).

“Among all the universities I applied to, the University of Nevada was the easiest to reach out to and most helpful,” he said.

Hasanov’s favorite spot on campus is the @One computer lab on the bottom floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, where he has spent time both studying and gaming. “I am a big gamer, I enjoy my time over there,” he said.

For future international applicants, Hasanov has one main piece of advice: “Don’t hesitate to contact any of the staff; they are here to help you.”