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On March 19, 2025, within the framework of the decade of the Kazakh language and literature, a meeting was held with Aigul Kemelbaeva, a well-known writer, literary critic, film critic, winner of the Daryn youth prize and the Kurmet Order, organized by the Senior Teacher of the Pedagogical Institute, master of philology A. K. Ibraikhanova.  The event was attended by the teaching staff of the educational institution and students.

During the meeting, topical issues of modern prose and drama, the place of Kazakh literature in world literature, and the development of the translation genre were discussed. At the meeting, which was held in the form of an interview, the participants asked questions to the writer, exchanged views.

From March 12 to March 18, 2025, the Pedagogical Institute of Astana International University hosted a university Olympiad in the educational program "6B01702 – Russian Language and Literature". The competition consisted of two rounds:

🔹 Round I – Linguistic tasks and literary analysis.
🔹 Round II – Teaching methodology task and presentation preparation.

Students who scored more than 15 points in the first round advanced to the second stage, where they tested their knowledge and teaching skills.

As a result, Serikov Dulat, Isaeva Kamshat, and Aliy Bekzat achieved the highest scores and were declared the winners. They earned the opportunity to represent the university at the Republican Olympiad, which will be held at M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University.

Supervisor: Senior Lecturer, Master of Pedagogical Sciences Zhanibekova B.N.

Congratulations to the winners, and we wish them success in the next stage!

From February 24 to 26, 2025, Astana International University successfully passed the program accreditation of 28 educational programs "ARQA" Independent Agency for Quality Assurance in Education for a period of five years.

The university administration expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the accreditation procedure and wishes them further success and achievements! 

How can AIU increase the number of international students and make its education more accessible to students from other countries? These questions were central to the meeting with representatives of Beijing Glen International Education Technology Co., Ltd., one of China's largest educational companies.

The company's CEO, Qiao Hongtao (乔红涛), noted that China has a restriction on the number of international students—each university cannot have more than 10% of its total student body as foreigners. This creates high competition for study places within the country, while the demand for overseas education continues to grow. In this context, AIU is seen as a promising partner capable of offering high-quality educational programs for students from China.

During the meeting, specific steps were discussed to attract more Chinese students to AIU. High-demand fields such as IT, international relations, and English, along with new programs launching in September, were considered. The discussion also covered mechanisms for cooperation with Chinese educational companies and universities that could help AIU reach a broader international audience.

Additionally, joint academic initiatives such as dual-degree programs and student exchange opportunities were explored. Special interest was shown in educational programs supported by businesses, as well as scholarship options that could make studying at AIU more accessible for students.

AIU and Beijing Glen agreed to continue their collaboration to strengthen the university’s international presence and create attractive conditions for foreign students. In the near future, practical steps will be taken to expand student enrollment from China and develop joint educational initiatives.

Today, Astana International University had the honor of welcoming distinguished guests — Her Excellency Eva Polano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Kazakhstan, and Agnes Söderblad, an intern at the Swedish Embassy. This visit marked a significant milestone for our university, opening new horizons for strengthening international cooperation and academic mobility.

During the meeting, Ambassador Polano shared valuable professional and personal insights, recounting her inspiring journey into diplomacy, which began at the age of 26 and has spanned over three decades. Her extensive experience in embassies around the world highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. In Kazakhstan, her focus lies on developing educational programs, supporting Swedish businesses, promoting environmental initiatives, and enhancing cooperation in healthcare and sustainable urban development.

A key topic of discussion was the potential for educational partnerships between Kazakhstan and Sweden. To date, more than 130 Kazakhstani students have studied at Swedish universities through the Bolashak program, reflecting a strong interest in academic mobility. The dialogue identified several promising areas of cooperation, including joint research projects, knowledge exchange in innovation and entrepreneurship, and the establishment of robust academic ties.

The integration of English into the educational process was another focal point of the discussion, particularly in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and ICT. Ambassador Polano highlighted the significance of this initiative for Kazakhstan’s integration into the global academic community, emphasizing the need for well-prepared educators to support these programs.

Broader topics such as the transition to the Latin alphabet, the role of education in promoting gender equality, and the support of youth initiatives were also discussed. Sweden’s experience in these areas offers valuable insights for AIU, as the university strives to create a modern educational environment that embraces best practices from around the world.

Economic development through the support of small and medium-sized enterprises emerged as another crucial theme. The guests underscored the importance of investing in engineering education, fostering innovation, and providing micro-financing opportunities to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan.

One particularly inspiring part of the conversation centered around scientific achievements, with Alfred Nobel’s legacy serving as a symbol of Swedish entrepreneurship and innovation. The idea of nurturing Kazakhstani scientists who could one day achieve global recognition resonated strongly with everyone present.

Astana International University extends its sincere gratitude to Ambassador Polano and Ms. Söderblad for their visit, insightful dialogue, and openness to further collaboration. Encounters like these strengthen academic ties, open new doors for AIU’s students and faculty, and lay the groundwork for lasting international partnerships.

Starting from February 19, a French-speaking club dedicated to the oral development of the French language has begun its work at Astana International University. The club meetings take place every Wednesday at 18:30 with the participation of Mr. Colin, a representative of the French Embassy in Kazakhstan, and students of the specialty "Foreign Language: Two Foreign Languages" whose second language is French.

The club aims to create a linguistic environment where students can practice spoken French, enhance their language skills, and learn more about French culture. During the meetings, participants discuss current topics, engage in dialogues, and take part in interactive activities.

We invite all students interested in the French language and culture to join the French-speaking Club!

Social entrepreneurship plays a key role in the development of society by combining innovation, business approaches, and social responsibility. A significant step in this direction was the creation of an exclusive zone of Astana International University (AIU) within the Social Hub. This space will become the epicenter of joint projects, educational programs, and innovations aimed at preparing a new generation of social entrepreneurs.

According to Emin Askerov, the founder of Social Enterprise Hub, the partnership between the university and the Hub is not just about resource exchange but a powerful multiplier of social impact. AIU, as an intellectual leader, provides a scientific foundation and expertise, while the Hub serves as a testing ground for turning ideas into real projects. This integration allows students and entrepreneurs to work hand in hand, creating solutions that positively transform society.

AIU's support goes beyond traditional education—the university actively contributes to the development of the Hub, fostering an environment for experimentation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. This approach not only educates students but also helps build an ecosystem where ideas evolve into real social projects. By bringing together аcademic community and practitioners, AIU and the Hub will serve as catalysts for positive change in Kazakhstan.

Today, on March 18, the International University of Astana (AIU) hosted a visit by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to Kazakhstan, Irina Mangule. The meeting was an important step in strengthening international cooperation, opening new opportunities for students and faculty members. Discussions focused on the development of academic mobility, exchange programs with Latvian universities, participation in international research grants and joint studies, as well as the organization of educational events involving experts from Latvia. The AIU administration expressed its interest in strengthening the partnership, including the resumption of negotiations with Alberta College (Riga), particularly in the field of student and faculty exchanges.

Currently, more than 100 Kazakhstani students are studying at Latvian universities, and research institutions of both countries are successfully implementing joint projects. Cooperation between universities continues to expand, creating new opportunities for Kazakhstani students and researchers.

After the main part of the visit, Irina Mangule met with AIU students specializing in Translation Studies and delivered a guest lecture. She shared valuable insights into the profession of a translator in diplomacy, emphasizing that language proficiency alone is not enough—deep understanding of history, culture, and law is also required. The discussion also covered the importance of argumentation and debate skills, which are crucial not only for translators but also for anyone pursuing a career in international affairs. The issue of gender balance in diplomacy was also raised: while the number of female diplomats has increased over the past 20 years, key positions are still largely dominated by men. The ambassador highlighted that success in the profession is determined not by gender but by knowledge, determination, and responsibility.

The lecture sparked great interest among students—they asked questions about international law, diplomatic careers, and legal practice abroad. The visit was informal and engaging—students were not just passive listeners but active participants in the discussion. For AIU, this was another opportunity to establish valuable connections with Latvian universities and open new paths for its students to study and exchange experiences. Perhaps this very meeting will inspire some of them to study in Latvia or pursue a career in international organizations.

📢 On March 17, Astana International University welcomed a distinguished guest – Unzila Shapak, a deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The event was organized as part of the 30th anniversary of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and attracted great interest among students. The lecture focused on parliamentary law and the functions of Parliament, evolving into a dynamic discussion on legislative processes, the development of parliamentarism, and the role of youth in politics.

🔹 How are laws created?
🔹 How does Parliament interact with government structures and society?
🔹 What challenges does the legislative power face in modern Kazakhstan?

Unzila Shapak provided in-depth answers to these and many other questions, sharing her personal experience in Parliament. Students actively engaged in the discussion, asking thought-provoking questions about law-making, human rights initiatives, and opportunities for young people to influence the country’s future.

📌 Key topics of the lecture:
✅ The basics of parliamentary law and its impact on the state
✅ Powers and functions of the Parliament of Kazakhstan
✅ The process of transforming an idea into a law
✅ The interaction between the legislative branch and civil society

✨ We sincerely thank Unzila Shapak for her insightful and engaging lecture!
Don’t miss such events – they not only provide valuable knowledge but also encourage us to think about how each of us can contribute to the development of our country. 🚀

As part of the events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an open lecture titled "Alash Lawyers" was held at Astana International University on March 17, 2025. The speaker of the event was a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and an honored lawyer of the country, Kuspan Abzal Temirgalievich. The lecture was attended by students of the "History" and "International Relations" programs, as well as university faculty members.

The speaker's presentation provided participants with a deeper understanding of the formation of the national legal system. Kuspan Abzal Temirgalievich spoke about the role of the lawyers of the Alash movement in shaping Kazakhstan's independence, their bold reforms, commitment to justice, and unwavering defense of national interests. He also discussed the development of parliamentarism, key legislative transformations, and contemporary challenges facing the system of governance.

The lecture sparked great interest among students. Future historians and international relations specialists actively asked questions about the influence of Alash lawyers on modern law, mechanisms for legislative reform, and the prospects for Kazakhstan's legal development. At the end of the event, AIU Vice President Kairat Amangeldinovich Abdrakhmanov expressed his gratitude to Kuspan Abzal Temirgalievich for his insightful and engaging lecture, emphasizing the importance of such meetings in helping young people develop a profound understanding of historical and legal processes that shape the country's development.

The event took place in a warm and educational atmosphere, allowing students to gain a fresh perspective on Kazakhstan's legal history. Astana International University expresses its gratitude to the speaker for his fascinating lecture and meaningful dialogue with students, as well as to all participants for their active involvement in discussing key aspects of history and law.

On March 17, a meeting took place at Astana International University between Jeffrey Whitney, General Director of InterRes Central Asia LLP, and AIU leadership. The discussion focused on prospects for collaboration in training students and faculty in English language skills using modern digital technologies.

Jeffrey Whitney presented an innovative teaching methodology based on the DynEd® system and the neo+™ platform, which is actively used in 14 countries, including Kazakhstan. This methodology integrates online learning, interactive small-group sessions, and an assessment system that determines language proficiency and certifies it with a CEFR certificate. Meeting participants also learned that the program offers flexible access via mobile devices and includes training for university faculty as coaches, enabling seamless integration into AIU’s educational process.

One of the key discussion points was the potential adaptation of the program for students with special educational needs, including those with hearing impairments. The company’s experts have developed a system that considers various ways of perceiving information, making the learning process as accessible and effective as possible for all student categories.

The meeting also explored the possibility of launching a pilot project at AIU, which would allow the university to test the program and evaluate its effectiveness in a real academic environment. AIU representatives expressed keen interest in the collaboration, highlighting that the integration of this methodology would help students enhance their English proficiency, improve their academic and professional language skills, and simplify the certification process.

As a result of the meeting, it was decided to work out the details of program implementation, including faculty training, class schedule development, and student certification requirements. Both parties agreed on the next steps for project execution and expressed hope for a productive and long-term partnership.