KazNU Doctoral Student Completed Internship in Japan

Aisulu Otepova, a 1st-year doctoral student of the Department of Geography, Land Management and Cadastre at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, completed her internship at Rakuno Gakuen University in Japan. This program became a unique opportunity for the young researcher to enhance her scientific skills, explore Japanese academic traditions, and gain valuable international experience.

During the internship, Aisulu conducted research in laboratories, collected additional materials for her dissertation, mastered new methodologies, and exchanged ideas with international colleagues. Scientific seminars and individual consultations under the guidance of Professor Buho Hoshino significantly expanded her research outlook.

“The Japanese education system and academic environment left a deep impression on me. The tranquility of the campus, the diligence of students, and the responsibility of professors became a real school for me. Every day brought new thoughts, new ideas, and new inspiration. The greatest achievement of this trip is that I was able to represent Kazakhstan science at the international level. And this was made possible thanks to the support of KazNU,” said Aisulu Otepova.

It should be noted that during her research, Aisulu Otepova studied the changes in vegetation cover in Western Kazakhstan using NDVI analysis for the period 1995–2025. The generated maps clearly illustrate ecosystem dynamics, vegetation loss, and land cover transformations. These findings are valuable for assessing the ecological situation of the region and for developing sustainable land-use strategies.

During the program, she also immersed herself in Japanese culture. The academic discipline, research enthusiasm of students, and the hospitality and modesty of Japanese people gave her great inspiration.

Aisulu plans to apply the knowledge gained during the internship in her future scientific work and teaching career. According to her, this internship became an important milestone in her academic journey.