The Rector of the EKSTU Zhassulan Shaimardanov participated in a meeting with Professor Joyashish Thakurta from Western Michigan University (WMU). The meeting was also participated by Sergei Sabanov, Associated Professor of Nazarbayev University.
Recently, top administration of our university paid an ambitious visit to five cities in the US with the purpose to study institutional experiences of partner university and consider opportunities of cooperation in the areas of research and education. The representative of Western Michigan University paid a reciprocal visit and said that he was ready to teach local students industrial disciplines in English using the American approach.
Recently, top administration of our university paid an ambitious visit to five cities in the US with the purpose to study institutional experiences of partner university and consider opportunities of cooperation in the areas of research and education. The representative of Western Michigan University paid a reciprocal visit and said that he was ready to teach local students industrial disciplines in English using the American approach.The Rector proposed the following three areas for cooperation: academic collaboration for joint educational programs, organization of fieldwork for students from both universities and possibilities for joint research projects. While the first cooperation area is being discussed with research staff, for the second cooperation area, an agreement has been reached. It has been decided that students of Western Michigan University can come to the EKSTU to study or undergo internships with the duration of two-four weeks. It has been decided that the sending party covers expenses of the students. In turn, the EKSTU provides visa support and excursions for the American students at large industrial enterprises of the region, as well as practical research trips to mining and practical fields of the region. Accordingly, the EKSTU students can also expect educational trips to Western Michigan in the framework of state programs, which means that their expenses will be fully covered.
While joint educational programs are a priority, research projects are also important and relevant. They help universities to find solutions to different social problems, receive funding and improve viability. In connection to that and in agreement with the Rector's proposal, Sergei Sabanov from Nazarbayev University made suggestions for cooperation in the third area. Western Michigan University and Nazarbayev University have been cooperating for a long time in the field of research, and the EKSTU became attractive as a partner because of technical capabilities and equipment. According to Sergei Sabanov, an alliance of the three universities creates opportunities for collaboration on joint projects and preparation of applications for grants of global investors. It is also interesting for Western Michigan University, as represented by Professor Joyashish Thakurta.
