On December 9, 2025, the Astana
International University (AIU) hosted the grand opening of the International School of Student Tourism
(ISST) a joint educational
initiative organized by the North-Caucasus
Federal University (NCFU) with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of
the Russian Federation, «Россотрудничество», the Program for Youth and Student Tourism (StudTurizm), and Astana International University.
The opening ceremony took
place in the university’s assembly hall and brought together representatives of
universities from Russia and Kazakhstan, heads of educational institutions, as
well as representatives of the StudTurizm
program and «Россотрудничество». Among the speakers addressing the participants were Serik Aztaevich Irsaliyev, President
of Astana International University; Konstantin
Dmitrievich Malyshev, Head of the Department for International Youth
Cooperation and Tourism of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of
Russia; Anna Gennadievna Etko,
Head of the Center for International Cooperation Development at NCFU; and
representatives of the university administration and the StudTurizm program.
President Irsaliyev emphasized
that one of the key goals of the project is to strengthen partnership and friendly relations between the Republic of
Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Cooperation between the two
countries is developing primarily among young people, and such initiatives make
a significant contribution to the growth of international academic exchange and
the tourism industry.
The main goal of the
International School is to develop
youth competencies in the fields of tourism and hospitality, as well as
to promote the exchange of best practices between student communities of Russia
and Kazakhstan. The focus of the school is project-based learning and tourism management. Throughout the
week, students will work in mixed teams, developing joint projects aimed at
fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting ethno-tourism, and creating
educational and cultural routes.
The International School of Student Tourism serves not only as an
educational platform but also as a space for friendship, cultural exchange, and
professional growth. During the program, participants expanded their
understanding of opportunities in the modern tourism industry, strengthened
teamwork skills, and gained inspiration to develop their own projects. The
organizers are confident that the knowledge and connections acquired during the
event will become a solid foundation for new collaborative initiatives and
professional achievements in the future.
The International School is
held in Astana from December 8 to 14,
2025. The ISST program includes a rich combination of educational,
cultural, and project-based activities. Among the key events are lectures,
master classes, project sessions, excursions, and creative workshops. The
School will conclude on December 13
with the presentation of team projects and a ceremonial awarding of certificates to all participants.