The Erasmus+ program is one of the key initiatives of the European Union aimed at supporting education, youth and sports. In Kazakhstan, this program plays an important role in promoting international cooperation and knowledge exchange between countries.
The main goal of Erasmus+ in Kazakhstan is to improve the quality of education and increase the mobility of students and teachers. The program provides opportunities for exchange of students and teachers between universities in Europe and Kazakhstan, which contributes to the enrichment of knowledge and cultural exchange.
One of the key partners of the Erasmus+ program in Kazakhstan is KazNARU (Kazakh National Agrarian Research University). This university actively participates in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and increasing the international mobility of students and teachers.
The Erasmus+ program also promotes international cooperation between universities and research centers. It allows participating institutions to exchange experience and knowledge, which contributes to improving the quality of education and research.
An important aspect of the Erasmus+ program in Kazakhstan is support for young people. The program provides opportunities to participate in various activities and projects aimed at developing the skills and competencies of young people. This contributes to their personal growth and preparation for future professional activities.
KazNARU actively participates in numerous projects and initiative groups, which allows our students and faculty to receive unique opportunities for growth and development. The University participates in international conferences, seminars and research, which makes it one of the leading universities in the region. Interaction with KazNARU and other institutions allows the Erasmus+ program to achieve its goals and contribute to the improvement of the quality of education and international cooperation. The program continues to develop and expand its opportunities, which makes it even more significant for Kazakhstan and Europe.
Internationalization of Master's programmes in Agriculture through teaching in English language
Program: Erasmus+
Key action: Cooperation in innovation and exchange of practices
Action: Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE)
Action Type: Collaborative projects. Curriculum Development
Project Name: Internationalization of Master's programmes in Agriculture through English language teaching - IMPROvE _AGRO
Project Number: 609563-EPP-1-2019-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Project implementation period: 15.01.2020 - 14.01.2023
Project Objectives:
- To contribute to the modernization and internationalization of the societies of Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia by enhancing their capacity to internationalize Master programs by bringing them to EU quality standards, introducing English as the language of instruction (English Medium Instruction -EMI), and introducing the Blended learning format;
- promote mobility of students and teachers between Asian and European universities training specialists in agriculture and forestry;
- increase accessibility of higher education, especially for the most vulnerable groups;
- promote joint degrees (double/multiple degrees).
The main approach adopted by the project is to modernize and develop key modules within the educational disciplines in the areas of agricultural and forestry training, which is a common regional priority for all non-European partners. Thus, the project aims to strengthen
regional cooperation between Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, and to create new perspectives for international cooperation between these countries and the EU, which in turn contributes to the overall reform of national higher education systems.
The objectives of the project are:
1. To develop a new model for internationalization of Master's programs.
2. Expand teaching capacity in higher education institutions through retraining of staff and modernization of teaching resources.
3. To create multi-lingual e-learning opportunities for Master students, to improve their access to learning resources internationally.
4. To develop and introduce new modules in Master's study programs of HEIs in EU partner countries, which will be taught in English (EMI) in a blended learning format and in accordance with EU quality standards.
5. Build capacity for internationalization through increased international academic mobility.
Consortium:
Improving postgraduate training in sustainable agriculture and agro-systems of the future is funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus + program Capacity Building Projects in Higher Education (E+CBHE)
Project number: 610383-EPP-1-2019-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
The project addresses the need for doctoral students to be trained to high quality and international standards to increase knowledge based on solutions for sustainable agriculture and future farming systems - a topic of national, inter-regional and international importance.
Large agricultural areas characterize the landscapes and economies of Russia and Kazakhstan, and both countries consider innovative development of this sector as a priority. In comparison, there is a lack of skilled labor and innovation capacity. As a result, a number of initiatives have focused on building human resources at all levels (agricultural workers, specialists, managers) as well as improving the performance of higher education institutions (HEIs). Despite the progress in accession and implementation of the Bologna Process, the “brain drain” of young talents as well as imperfect and outdated educational offerings for doctoral studies hinder HEIs' goals of international competition.
A consortium of 5 EU partners and 4 Russian and 4 Kazakh agricultural universities together with advisory and expert partners from the field of accreditation, research and private business in Russia and Kazakhstan have thus defined the following objectives.
(1) to develop and establish four postgraduate modules in 8 universities in different regions to qualify doctoral students in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary content and approaches relevant to agricultural research and innovation;
(2) enhance the human resource capacity, literature base and equipment of partner institutions to provide doctoral education in line with international standards and best practices;
(3) strengthen international and inter-regional academic exchange and research cooperation among project partners;
(4) establish a network for doctoral research and education in agriculture aimed at sharing best practices with a wider audience.
Overall, institutional capacity to meet the demand for education and research on sustainable agriculture and future farming systems is increased.
Main idea of the project
The growing role of EHEA (European Higher Education Area) is a reference point for policy dialog between the European Union and several regions of the world in higher education.
Partner universities: Italy, Poland, Hungary, Great Britain, Georgia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Azerbaijan.
Main objectives: mobility and internationalization
Additional objectives: interregional integration and cooperation
Main objectives:
Key role - employability of graduates.
Accelerating mobility between EHEA (European Higher Education Area) and other regions.
Need to harmonize credit allocation and classification system across regions.
Additional objectives:
Promote inter-regional integration and cooperation by developing robust joint instruments to enhance the international dimension of higher education systems and compatibility between the four regions and EHEA (European Higher Education Area)
To support the modernization, accessibility and internationalization of 23 universities from 8 countries belonging to 4 different regions.
The project aims to develop and implement the sustainable dual study undergraduate program in Agroecology at three universities in Kazakhstan as well as to establish lifelong courses for professionals. In the modern agriculture, developing resource-saving technologies for the cultivation of agricultural crops, methods for producing high-quality crop products, effective ways of reproducing soil fertility, and methods of agroecological monitoring allows not only to survive despite all challenges, but also to successfully deal with fierce competition. The project aims to develop and implement the sustainable dual study undergraduate program in Agroecology at three universities in Kazakhstan as well as to establish lifelong courses for professionals. In the modern agriculture, developing resource-saving technologies for the cultivation of agricultural crops, methods for producing high-quality crop products, effective ways of reproducing soil fertility, and methods of agroecological monitoring allows not only to survive despite all challenges, but also to successfully deal with fierce competition.
The main goal of the project is to reduce the gap in the structure, volume and quality of labour resources from the real requirements of specific farms/enterprises and to educate professionals with competencies related to modern technologies. The (re)design of the educational program in agroecology in Kazakhstan through establishment of sustainable, internationally oriented dual study program will make students better prepared for all challenges facing agriculture in the future.
European partners: University of Novi Sad (Serbia), Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek (Croatia), Democritus University of Thrace (Greece).
Kazakhstani partners: Kostanay engineering and economics university named after M.Dulatov, Toraighyrov University, Kazakh Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine named after Zhazken Zhiembaev.
Web-page: www.agrokaz.kineuprojects.kz
Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education
Project Nо: 101082564
Project coordinator: University Novy Sad
Edu-Fusion Network for Sustainable Growth is an integrated approach designed to transform higher education in Kazakhstan, focusing on aligning educational outcomes with labor market demands and promoting sustainable growth and job creation. The Project aims to create an ecosystem involving tight links between industry and academy, training and certification of educators and providing online courses relevant to market needs to ensure sustainable growth and entrepreneurship raise at national level in Kazakhstan.
The main outputs of the EduFusion NSG will be:
•Academia-Industry Collaboration Portal (AICP) will provide a bridge for partnerships between educational institutions and business sector. This portal facilitates joint surveys, projects and internships, focusing on skills crucial for value chain development and entrepreneurship.
•Teacher Development and Support System (TDSS) will offer accredited training for educators, focusing on modern teaching methodologies and addressing educational disparities. This system will allow teachers to be internationally certified ensuring up-to-date skills and implementation of modern and adequate pedagogical approaches.
•Virtual STEAM & Entrepreneurship Academy (VSEA) will be created to offer accredited online courses in STEAM and entrepreneurship, emphasizing gender inclusiveness and climate neutrality. This academy will provide cutting-edge curricula for students and professionals and ensure that these courses meet high quality standards and are directly relevant to market needs.
Edu-Fusion NSG stands out for its commitment to accredited, high-quality professional development programs and teaching methodologies. Its innovative approach ensures that trained educators and designed courses in STEAM & Entrepreneurship meet stringent standards, aligning education with the evolving needs of the labor market and fostering an ecosystem conducive to sustainable economic growth and job creation in Kazakhstan.