How to Give Your Child an International Education Without Losing Touch With Their Cultural Roots: A CIS Tashkent Family Story

For families considering international education in Uzbekistan, choosing the right school often becomes one of the most important decisions they will make. This was exactly the choice once faced by the family of Muzaffar Zukhurov.

For them, CIS Tashkent became a school where their children could receive a British international education while maintaining a strong connection to their culture, family values and traditions.

From London to Tashkent: British education and a return to cultural roots

Muzaffar’s three daughters - Robiya, Farangiz and Sofia - grew up in London, where the family lived for more than 25 years. Throughout that time, the children studied within the British education system, while the family itself was deeply immersed in an international environment.

In 2023, the family decided to relocate to Uzbekistan following Muzaffar’s professional appointment in Tashkent. Today, he leads Debt Distribution within the Sustainable Infrastructure Group at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supporting infrastructure development projects across Central Asia.

However, alongside the move came an important question:

Would the children be able to continue their education according to British academic standards while rediscovering their cultural heritage and life in Uzbekistan?

Choosing a school: why CIS stood out

Even before leaving London, the family began carefully researching international schools in Tashkent.

It was not simply a matter of finding an international curriculum. The family was looking for a school that could:

• provide a smooth transition from the British education system

• ensure academic continuity

• support the children emotionally during a major life transition

• create a genuinely international learning environment

CIS Tashkent immediately stood out.

The family was impressed by the school’s thoughtful approach to student adaptation, strong academic foundation, experienced international teachers and the supportive atmosphere created for both children and parents.

“For us, it was important to feel that the school genuinely understands internationally mobile families and knows what children experience during relocation. That is exactly what we found at CIS,” says Muzaffar.

A confident start and ambitious plans for the future

All three children adapted relatively quickly to studying and living in Tashkent.

According to the family, CIS played an important role through its supportive environment, clear educational framework and comfortable international community.

The eldest daughter, Robiya, is currently studying A-Level subjects and actively contributes to school life. She serves as Head Pupil and previously held the role of Vice President of the school’s Model United Nations (MUN) community.

These experiences have helped her strengthen her leadership skills, public speaking abilities and confidence.

Robiya plans to apply to study Law at the University of Cambridge. Last summer, she also completed an internship at the international law firm Dentons in Tashkent, which became an important step towards her future career.

A place that encourages curiosity, growth and new discoveries

For Farangiz and Sofia, studying at CIS combines strong academics, new interests and friendships within an international environment.

They participate in extracurricular activities, make friends, explore different interests and gradually become more independent.

For the family, it has been especially important that the school helps maintain a balance between academic excellence and the holistic development of the child.

“CIS offers much more than a strong academic programme. Here, children learn to be open to the world, confident and independent,” Muzaffar shares.

Returning to their roots

One of the most meaningful outcomes of the relocation has been family reunification.

The children now have the opportunity to spend more time with grandparents and relatives, gain a deeper understanding of Uzbek culture and traditions, and strengthen their connection with their native language.

Their grandmother plays a particularly important role, passing on family values, traditions and cultural heritage while preserving a living connection between generations.

For the Zukhurov family, this combination of international education and cultural identity has become truly valuable.

Opportunities for a new generation

Muzaffar reflects that when he himself was studying at school in Uzbekistan, British education within the country was something that could only be imagined.

Programmes such as IGCSE and A-Level, pathways to leading international universities and a truly international learning environment once seemed out of reach.

Today, the situation has changed.

Through schools such as CIS Tashkent, children in Uzbekistan can access world-class international education and confidently build a global future without having to leave their home country too early.

Advice for parents looking for a strong school in Uzbekistan

For the Zukhurov family, CIS Tashkent became a place where strong academics, an international environment, meaningful pastoral support and a connection to family and cultural identity come together.

“CIS has become the bridge between our children’s international future and their cultural identity,” says Muzaffar Zukhurov.

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A CIS Tashkent family story about balancing British education, international opportunities and a strong connection to culture, language and family traditions.

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