ENU hosted a Forum of the Kazakhstani-American University Consortium

The Eurasian National University hosted a meeting of representatives of universities of Kazakhstan and the United States within the framework of the Kazakhstani-American University consortium. The meeting was organized by ENU jointly with the Center for International Partnership of the Institute of International Education and the Institute of International Education in Eurasia.

The meeting was attended by the Cultural and Educational Attache of the US Embassy in Kazakhstan, the director of the Center for International Partnership of the Institute of International Education, a representative of the Institute of International Education in Eurasia, US universities, as well as teachers and students.

The guests were welcomed by ENU Vice Rector for Strategic Development and Internationalization Duman Aitmagambetov:

“This meeting marks a turning point in the development of cooperation between Kazakhstani and American universities, and we are pleased to receive such an outstanding delegation.

We are very proud to be a part of the consortium on the way to new opportunities to deepen our partnerships and create sustainable, effective projects in strategically important research areas.

We believe that this meeting is an important milestone in advancing our common goals. It provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, discussing key opportunities, and identifying the steps necessary for the long-term development of our partnerships. Together we have a chance to contribute to world knowledge by solving issues of strategic importance that will determine our future,” Vice-Rector stressed.

The Vice-Rector also noted that ENU attaches great importance to international cooperation and currently supports agreements with 12 universities in the United States, including the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Washington, the University of Central Florida, the University of Arizona, the University of Minnesota in Duluth. 

  The Attache for Cultural and Educational Affairs the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colin Guard, stressed that it was a great honor for him to attend the meeting dedicated to strengthening ties between universities of Kazakhstan and America.

“For more than 30 years, the United States has been a good partner and friend for Kazakhstan. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan has been working to provide educational opportunities for students, such as ideas for exchange and research between universities. We are proud that more than 20 thousand Kazakhstani graduates of US exchange programs continue to connect our countries. We are glad that many Kazakhstani students have chosen universities in the USA. For example, today the USA is the most popular destination for the Bolashak scholarship program.

ENU is a strong and reliable partner of the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan. There is an American corner at ENU that provides access to English language sessions, 3D printing and other areas that are accessible and free. I think today’s meetings will be productive for everyone,” Colin Guard said.

Sylvia Jons, Director of the Institute of International Education, spoke in detail about the Center for International Partnerships:

“The Center has many opportunities to administer more than 200 scholarship programs aimed at building international cooperation between the countries. The center is closely connected with the idea of this consortium. Kazakhstani and American universities can explore so many opportunities for cooperation,” the speaker explained.

Joel Ericson, representative of the Institute of International Education in Eurasia, Head of Steppe Global Education, stressed that the consortium operates in different directions, in different organizational forms.

“This is a networking that provides opportunities and benefits for all its participants. A consortium with a networking effect can bring benefits to all universities, regardless of their geographical location in Kazakhstan. The consortium includes various universities, small and large. Large universities act strategically in research. We can bring many benefits to you, especially in important areas for your country. We know that these are areas such as agriculture, water, and mining. 

We have universities specializing in all these fields. When we think about solar energy, the University of California comes to mind, where about 1.5 million students study. They have their own consortium focused on solar energy. I am sure they can offer you many ideas for cooperation,” the foreign expert shared.  

During the meeting, the parties discussed in more detail the areas of cooperation in the B2B format of meetings with faculties and institutes.