Diplomatic Visit: Discussing Educational Cooperation Between AIU and Belgium

Astana International University (AIU) welcomed the Ambassador of Belgium to Kazakhstan, H.E. Henri Vantieghem, as part of his official visit. During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of educational cooperation between the two countries, with a particular focus on experience exchange in higher education, engineering training, and space research.

Ambassador Vantieghem noted that universities in Belgium enjoy a high degree of autonomy, yet their activities are fully funded by the state. This allows them to maintain high-quality education while keeping tuition fees relatively low. Additionally, a variety of scholarship programs are available for students, making higher education in Belgium both accessible and attractive to international students, including those from Kazakhstan.

Special attention was given to engineering education. Belgian engineering schools adhere to high international standards and are known for their practice-oriented approach to teaching. Their graduates not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop valuable hands-on skills by working with modern technologies. In this regard, Kazakhstan and Belgium have the potential to establish fruitful collaboration through educational programs and internships.

Another key topic of discussion was multilingualism in education. Belgium has a strong tradition of supporting multilingual learning, which gives it a competitive edge in the global educational landscape. Kazakhstan is also actively developing a trilingual education model, creating a solid foundation for the exchange of teaching methodologies and the development of joint programs.

Space research was highlighted as a promising area of cooperation. Kazakhstan has significant potential in this field, including satellite development and launches. AIU already operates a space technology laboratory and is planning to launch its first satellite. In this context, the Belgian side expressed interest in potential collaboration on space research and scientific data exchange.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue their dialogue and further define potential areas of cooperation. Further discussions on specific projects are planned, aiming to strengthen educational ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium and create new opportunities for students and researchers from both countries.