Satbayev University welcomed the representative of Institute of International Education (IIE) in Kazakhstan

Satbayev University was visited by Joel Erickson, head of Representative Office at Institute of International Education (IIE) in Eurasia, head of Educational center of Step Global Education Foundation, who took initiatives aimed at the exchange of students and teachers between American and Kazakh universities. The guest was received by University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev.

Joel Erickson is a representative of Kazakh-American consortium of universities, which is developing within the framework of a partnership program sponsored by US Embassy in Kazakhstan and administered by IIE – Step Global Education Foundation. The aim of the consortium is to strengthen existing ties and promote the creation of new innovative partnerships between universities in the USA and Kazakhstan.

Communication plays a key role in the given process, therefore, much attention was paid at the meeting to the exchange of teachers of literature, whose mission is to help students and teachers of universities belonging to the consortium in learning English, Russian and Kazakh languages.

"One of the main obstacles in matters of cooperation and learning is ignorance of the English language," Joel Erickson said during the meeting, emphasizing that creating an innovative community capable of communicating in the common language is one of the important tasks on the path of cooperation.

Another important program discussed at the meeting was summer schools for students with special needs. Next year, it is planned to adapt dormitories to their needs so that American students can discover Kazakhstan during short two-to three-month programs. Satbayev University's "Center for Inclusion", within the framework of promoting sustainable development practices, is ready to provide all the university's opportunities in the inclusive education field.

After launching the cooperation programs on academic issues, the program for commercializing the scientific projects and the search for innovative partnerships among the universities-members of the consortium will be organized. Consortium members will have access to strategic planning assistance, individual mentoring, virtual and face-to-face meetings as well.