Sustainable Development Goals – 17: Academic Mobility within Partnership – Experience in the International Educational Space

From September 15, 2025 to January 29, 2026, 4th-year students of the educational program “6B02207 – Oriental Studies” of the Department of Turkology and History of Eastern Countries, Faculty of Oriental Studies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University — Ilyas Zhaniya Talgatkyzy, Kenes Aiganym Gabitkyzy, and Danilla Aruzhan Bauyrzhankyzy — studied under the academic mobility program at Pamukkale University located in Denizli, Republic of Türkiye, where they gained international experience and participated in academic exchange.

This academic mobility program is one of the important initiatives aimed at implementing the 17th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations — achieving sustainable development through partnerships. The program contributed to strengthening academic ties between the two higher education institutions and fostering international cooperation within the global educational space.

After returning from their study abroad period, the Head of the Department of Turkology and History of Eastern Countries, Acting Associate Professor Agnur Khalel, warmly welcomed the students and emphasized that the knowledge and experience gained by future Oriental Studies specialists through the academic mobility program significantly broaden their professional outlook and will play an important role in their future academic and professional careers. She also noted that the experience acquired in the international educational environment will serve as a solid foundation for the students’ development as competitive specialists.

In turn, the future graduates shared their knowledge and impressions gained at Pamukkale University, expressed confidence that academic cooperation between the two universities would continue to strengthen in the future, and conveyed their gratitude for the support and opportunities provided.

The main objectives of the international academic mobility program were to deepen proficiency in the Turkish language, enhance professional knowledge, and gain comprehensive familiarity with Türkiye’s rich cultural and historical heritage. During one academic semester, the students studied alongside local students at the host university, actively participating in the educational process and improving their theoretical and practical skills.

Throughout the program, the students’ language competence improved significantly. Active participation in student organizations, as well as cultural and academic events organized by Pamukkale University, enabled them to use the Turkish language confidently in everyday life. Lectures on the history and culture of Türkiye contributed to a deeper professional understanding in the field of Oriental Studies.

Academic and cultural connections established with international students from various countries within the program helped develop skills for working in an international environment and broadened the students’ worldview.

The study experience at Pamukkale University became an important stage in the students’ professional development, and the knowledge and experience gained within the international educational space will be of great significance in their future career paths. The academic mobility program once again demonstrated its effectiveness as a platform for enhancing students’ linguistic, cultural, and academic potential.

Abildaev Zh.A.
Deputy Head of the Department for Academic, Methodological, and Educational Work, Senior Lecturer

Kyrkymbekova A.
Deputy Head of the Department for Research, Innovation, and International Relations, Senior Lecturer