An official meeting with representatives of the leading British institution, the University of Sussex, took place at Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University. The event was attended by the university leadership, faculty deans, teaching staff, as well as Professor Simon Thompson, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalization and Professor of Education at the School of Education and Social Work at the University of Sussex, and Professor Keith Perera, Head of the Department of Social Work.

                                                                         

Welcoming the guests, Duman Zhekenov, Vice-Rector for Social Development and Student Affairs, shared the university's future plans for developing international cooperation and its key development priorities.

                                                                        

During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of pedagogical education, faculty professional development, and the PhD Internship Proposal initiative aimed at providing international research internships for doctoral students. The sides also explored opportunities for establishing a joint School of Higher Education based at QyzPU, introducing dual-degree Master’s and Split Site Joint PhD programs, and enhancing academic mobility for faculty and students.

                                                                         

This meeting marks the continuation of an international partnership that has been developing under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023. Previously, 10 faculty members and 5 PhD students from the university completed a research professional development program at the University of Sussex, while several lecturers completed international internships under the "500 Scholars" project.

                                                                         

Furthermore, with support from the British Council, joint international projects focused on improving English language teaching and inclusive education are being successfully implemented, including InterLinks UK-Kazakhstan, Global TNE Exploratory Grant, Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia, and Developing Future Leaders of Inclusive English Language Learning in Central Asia.

                                                                

The partnership between QyzPU and the University of Sussex has expanded beyond individual projects into a long-term academic and scientific strategic alliance.

It is worth noting that as part of the "First Step into Science" seminar series currently taking place at the university, Professor Simon Thompson and Dr. Keith Perera will conduct a special lecture-seminar for students.