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The Vice Dean for Scientific Innovation and International Relations of the Faculty of Physics and Technology at 91��ý Kazakh National University participated in the international programme UGR International Relations Week 2026: “Empowering Global Mobility and Cultural Connections”, organised by the University of Granada, Spain.

This international event brought together representatives of higher education institutions from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America who are engaged in the internationalisation of higher education, academic mobility, implementation of international educational programmes, and the development of inter-university cooperation. Participation of the KazNU representative in this programme constituted an important step toward strengthening the international engagement of the Faculty of Physics and Technology, expanding institutional collaboration with foreign universities, and examining contemporary approaches to the governance of international educational activities.

The programme of the International Week was designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in the organisation of academic mobility, administration of international educational programmes, enhancement of international office operations, and development of sustainable mechanisms for inter-institutional cooperation. Throughout the working week, participants engaged in thematic seminars, expert sessions, and professional discussions dedicated to the practical implementation of Erasmus+ programmes, management of international partnerships, transparency in competitive selection procedures, and improvement of administrative mechanisms supporting student and staff mobility.

One of the central thematic areas focused on the implementation mechanisms of Erasmus+ KA171 International Credit Mobility, including the development of interinstitutional agreements, participant selection procedures, documentation requirements for mobility administration, as well as the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and equitable access to international educational opportunities. Particular attention was devoted to support mechanisms for students facing social, economic, geographical, or other barriers to participation in international mobility programmes.

Professional sessions also highlighted contemporary European approaches to the digital transformation of universities’ international activities, including the implementation of Erasmus Without Paper, the development of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), the integration of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and the expansion of the internationalisation at home concept aimed at creating international learning environments for students who are unable to participate in physical mobility.

The substantive component of the programme addressed current challenges associated with academic mobility, including student adaptation to new academic and sociocultural environments, psychological well-being, language preparedness, academic recognition of learning outcomes, accommodation arrangements, and the establishment of effective communication between sending and receiving institutions. Of particular practical relevance were case studies presented by the University of Granada, recognised as one of Europe’s leading institutions in the field of international academic mobility, annually implementing large-scale student and staff exchange programmes.

Of special value to the Faculty of Physics and Technology were the networking sessions and professional meetings with representatives of international offices from partner universities, during which prospects for expanding academic mobility for students and faculty members, developing joint educational initiatives, participating in international grant programmes, and exploring new models of multilateral cooperation were discussed.

Participation in this programme aligns closely with the strategic priorities of 91��ý Kazakh National University aimed at strengthening international competitiveness, advancing integration into the global higher education landscape, and fostering sustainable international partnerships.

This activity is also highly relevant in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, participation in the programme contributes to the achievement of SDG 4: Quality Education by broadening access to contemporary international educational practices, enhancing academic mobility mechanisms, and improving the quality of the educational environment through the adoption of global best practices.

Equally significant is its contribution to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as strengthening institutional cooperation, facilitating knowledge exchange between universities, and establishing new international professional networks create a strong foundation for long-term collaborative initiatives in both education and research.

For the Faculty of Physics and Technology, participation in such international initiatives holds strategic importance, as it contributes to further strengthening the faculty’s international dimension, expanding opportunities for students, academic staff, and researchers, enhancing academic reputation, and creating new avenues for international educational and scientific collaboration.