Erasmus+ on Capacity Development in Higher Education

On November 19-20, 2020, at the initiative of the Education, Culture and Audiovisual Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission, a regional cluster meeting on the impact of Erasmus+ projects in the field of capacity development of higher education in Central Asia was held in an online format.

The meeting was attended by Acting Vice-Rector for Research and Strategic Development of A. Baitursynov Kostanay Regional University Nurlan Medetov and Acting Head of the International Cooperation Department Elena Kandalina.

The Erasmus+ programme is funded by the European Commission and aims to support the reform of the higher education system through the financing of joint projects between higher education institutions from European countries and higher education institutions in partner countries around the world, including Central Asia.

The EU's support for the Erasmus+ programme is based on the following reasons:

• the great potential of Central Asia as a region,
• a significant proportion of the population is young people,
• education prepares the future of the country,
• exchange of experience and knowledge through academic exchange.

International projects, academic mobility provide an opportunity for participants to gain life experience to develop ties between people, to interact in new realities - the main reason for the development of cooperation.

Results of 23 projects implemented in Central Asia:

• 5776 are studying according to new or modernized programs;
• 1418 teachers, 295 administrative staff were trained,
• 387 programs have been developed and modernized;
• 7 programs use English for learning;
• 6 interdisciplinary programs

International projects have an impact on the

individual level:

• a new vision of the professional field due to the improvement of professional competencies,
• the use of a student-centered approach in teaching,
• creation of various services for students (career centers, business incubators) for the development of soft skills,
• improving language skills.

institutional level:

• development of interdisciplinary programs,
• development of programs based on interaction with representatives of production,
• joint scientific research and publications,

Among the problems of implementation and ensuring the sustainability of projects are:

• accreditation of programs,
• long-term sustainability of programs,
• Use of equipment for traditional office purposes,
• lack of synergy of projects.

The event is organized by EACEA, the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) and the Erasmus+ National Offices in 5 Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.