ACADEMIC MOBILITY AT YESSENOV UNIVERSITY: FOSTERING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS AND EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Abstract

Academic mobility, defined as the movement of students, faculty, and researchers across national borders to enhance their educational and research experiences, has become a significant feature of higher education systems worldwide. In Kazakhstan, academic mobility has evolved rapidly in recent decades, contributing to the modernization of the educational system and increasing the international competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities. This thesis explores the origins of academic mobility in Kazakhstan, identifying the key figures and milestones in its development, with a particular focus on its first introduction in Kazakhstani universities. Additionally, this study examines the role of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan in supporting academic mobility, the policies implemented, and the resulting opportunities for students and faculty. The thesis also delves into the cultural adjustment experiences of students participating in academic mobility programs, highlighting the challenges they face in adapting to new educational and cultural environments. The personal and academic consequences of the mobility experience of students participating in academic mobility at Yessenov University are investigated.