GRAND OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF STUDENT TOURISM OF THE NORTH-CAUCASUS FEDERAL UNIVERSITY (RUSSIA) HOSTED BY ASTANA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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.