ACCESS PROGRAM: U.S. CONSUL GENERAL PAYS SPECIAL VISIT TO OUR UNIVERSITY

U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter Kaufman Visits Our University as Part of the English Access Scholarship Program (ACCESS)

U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter Kaufman paid a special visit to our university as part of the English Access Scholarship Program (ACCESS).

The distinguished guest was welcomed by the Rector, Zhanar Temirbekova.

During the meeting, the Rector provided the Consul General with a comprehensive overview of the university's history, its role and achievements in science and education. She also spoke about academic mobility programs, internship opportunities for students, and other initiatives implemented at the university.

In turn, Consul General Peter Kaufman noted that this was his first visit to Turkistan and expressed his gratitude to the university leadership and staff for their warm welcome.

At the end of the meeting, both parties exchanged commemorative gifts. The Rector then introduced the Consul General to the university campus. The guest also visited the Panoramic Museum of the History of Turkic Peoples at the Cultural Centre, where he learned about the shared history of the Kazakh people and other Turkic peoples.

Following the campus tour, U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter Kaufman, Rector Zhanar Temirbekova, and Tatyana Letyaykina, the partner responsible for implementing the ACCESS program, met with students participating in the English Access Scholarship Program (ACCESS).

The main purpose of the meeting was to strengthen international cooperation within the ACCESS program, increase young people's interest in learning English, recognize the achievements of program participants, and encourage their commitment to education.

Opening the meeting, Rector Zhanar Temirbekova said:

"First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty and the program's partner, the Kazakhstani Association of Teachers of English (KazTEA), for their support and cooperation in implementing the English Access educational program at our university.

We highly value the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States in education, youth development, and intercultural exchange.

This year marks an important milestone for our university, as we are launching the English Access program for the first time. A distinctive feature of this year's program is its particular focus on students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Following a competitive selection process consisting of three stages, 32 students were selected to participate in this program, which comprises a total of 360 academic hours."

The Rector also encouraged the students to use their English language skills to open up new opportunities, gain international knowledge and experience, develop their professional competencies, and make the most of the opportunities offered by the program.

It is worth noting that since 2004, the ACCESS program has provided more than 200,000 young people in over 85 countries with opportunities to learn English and develop their leadership skills.

The Consul General highlighted this achievement, noting that ACCESS alumni have gone on to become entrepreneurs, engineers, teachers, public servants, and leaders in their communities.

In his remarks, the Consul General also emphasized the importance of friendly relations between Kazakhstan and the United States and their cooperation in education. He highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Turkistan and Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, expressing his pleasure that the ACCESS program was being implemented at the university.

"The Access Scholarship Program for learning English is about much more than simply acquiring language skills. What matters most is what you will accomplish and what achievements you will reach in the future by putting that language to use.

This program will require hard work and perseverance from you. Alongside your regular studies, you will dedicate time twice a week to the program, actively participate, and continue developing your abilities.

This partnership is one example of the deep and growing friendship between the United States and Kazakhstan. Today, our two countries maintain close cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy, and critical minerals.

I would like to express my gratitude to Rector Zhanar Temirbekova, the KazTEA association, teachers, and parents for investing in the future of such talented young people and supporting them," said Peter Kaufman.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Consul General presented certificates to all 32 students participating in the program. He also listened to their feedback and impressions and joined them for commemorative photographs.