Comparative and International Higher Education Policy Specialist; Focus on Central Asia
Watch out, this post ends with a pun that's even worse than this one. Another blog post, another story about privatization in Kazakhstan's higher education. No stranger to privatization, Kazakhstan's universities and colleges have been on quite the rollercoaster ride in terms of ownership and funding. Most recently, I reported that the President had seemingly …
Continue reading Selling out? Kazakhstan’s KIMEP University goes fully private
If you're in Almaty on June 26, this upcoming University of Central Asia lecture looks great (although the word 'modernization' makes me queasy). Take some notes for me? Values, Identities and the Problems of Modernisation in Central Asia Eset Esengaraev Sociologist, Candidate of Historical Sciences Abstract Central Asian societies feature characteristics of both a traditional and …
The latest wave of privatization in higher education in Kazakhstan is well underway, with news this week that four higher education institutions (HEIs) are up for sale[ru]. The range of offerings is quite diverse - as are the starting prices - so there's sure to be something to suit all tastes. Take your pick from: …
I've had a small gallery of my pictures of Central Asia's universities up on this site for a while, and have been meaning to update it after taking lots more photos this summer. So here we are, for your viewing pleasure (well, mainly for mine), here is a new and updated gallery showcasing just a …
Continue reading A visual tour of Central Asia’s universities
Did you know that Kazakhstan's first university was opened in Tashkent - in today's Uzbekistan? Or that the its first Rector (Vice-Chancellor) was a final year student? Or that throughout the Soviet period, there was only ever one university in Kazakhstan's capital? All these fun (yes, they are fun!) facts and more can be found in a …
After recent reports of unsanitary and unsafe living conditions at a Kazakh university in the western city of Atyrau comes a new report of questionable accommodation standards - but this time at the country's oldest (and one of its most prestigious) universities, Abay Kazakh Pedagogical University [ru]. Complaints have been made about the irregular supply of water, overcrowded dorm rooms …
Continue reading Bedbugs and overcrowding in Kazakh uni dorms
Emma Sabzalieva 