Strengthening International Cooperation: Visit of Ordu University Representatives to KazNU

On April 30, the Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University was visited by Ordu University Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Baş and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Timur.

At the beginning of the visit, a meeting was organized with students from the Department of Fundamental Medicine, representing the educational programs “General Medicine,” “Dentistry,” and “Pharmacy” in Kazakh, Russian, and English language groups. The students showed active interest in international exchange opportunities, asked questions about the specifics of studying in Turkey, and expressed their gratitude for the information provided.

On our side, the meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor S.B. Kalmakhanov, and faculty members, in particular PhD, Associate Professor T.A. Akhaeva and PhD, Acting Associate Professor A.S. Bondarenko.

During the discussion, the protocol between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Ordu University (Turkey) was reviewed. According to this agreement, all students, regardless of their ethnic background, can participate in the “Orhun” academic exchange program and study for one semester at the medical and dental faculties of Ordu University. Study opportunities are available from the first to the sixth year without any entrance examinations. The language of instruction is Turkish, with the option to take a one-year preparatory course at the Turkish Language Learning Center (TÖMER).

Special attention during the meeting was given to the clinical training of students studying at Ordu University.
In the fifth year and during internship, students have the opportunity to engage with a variety of clinical cases. Under the supervision of professors and instructors, they can study and practice with real patients who present a wide range of medical conditions, as the university operates a multidisciplinary hospital with 1,200 beds.

At the end of the meeting, Professor Orhan Baş encouraged students to develop their own personal approach to learning rather than copying others. He advised them to learn for the sake of knowledge, not for the sake of grades.

This visit was an important step toward strengthening international cooperation and opened new opportunities for students striving for professional and personal growth. The inspiring words of the professors served as a reminder of the true calling of a physician and motivated future medical professionals to seek knowledge, discipline, and dedication to their work.
The event was held within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 “Quality Education,” aimed at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.