Maqsut Narikbayev University is proud to announce the launch of an academic partnership with Phrase, one of the global leaders in localisation technology. As part of this collaboration, the university has been granted access to the cutting-edge Phrase Localisation platform through the Academic Plan — a programme designed to support educational institutions and foster the next generation of professionals in the language services industry.
The Academic Plan is more than just technological support — it is a strategic investment in education. It offers students and faculty unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard localisation tools. Thanks to this partnership, graduate students specialising in translation, applied linguistics, and intercultural communication will be able to work on real-world cases and deepen their understanding of how content is adapted for various markets and cultures.
For Maqsut Narikbayev University, this is a significant step toward integrating advanced digital solutions into the educational process. The Phrase Localisation platform will help make academic programmes more relevant and practice-oriented, while also expanding academic and career opportunities for students.
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) recently welcomed representatives from one of the leading universities in the United States — Penn State University. The American delegation met with the senior leadership of MNU to discuss the enhancement of the existing partnership.
The Penn State University delegation comprised Assistant Professor Phillip Jolly and Associate Director for Partnership Agreements and Eurasia Partnerships, Vlad Likholetov. Professor Jolly presented the academic offerings of the School of Hospitality Management, which has produced over 17,000 graduates and is recognised globally as a leader in hospitality education. He also expressed the university’s interest in increasing the enrolment of students from Kazakhstan.
The representatives of Penn State University met with Talgat Narikbayev, Chairman of the Board of MNU, and familiarised themselves with the university’s activities. Sergey Pen, Provost of Maqsut Narikbayev University, provided a detailed overview of MNU’s educational programmes and explored potential opportunities for collaboration in the fields of tourism and hospitality, development of dual degree programmes, international accreditation, and academic mobility. Anar Ibrayeva, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, highlighted MNU’s achievements in preparing professionals for the tourism industry, including international internships, partnerships with global hotel chains, and the successful launch of collaborative programmes with universities in France and Switzerland.
Founded in 1855, Penn State University is one of the largest and most respected research institutions in the United States. Earlier this year, Chairman of the Board of MNU Talgat Narikbayev and Provost Sergey Pen visited Penn State University, where agreements were reached to expand cooperation. During that visit, plans were outlined for the implementation of joint academic initiatives in the fields of hospitality management, journalism, communications, and international relations. These initiatives include the development of joint educational programmes such as 2+2, 3+1, BA+MA, and an opportunity for graduates of MNU’s Law School to pursue studies under the SJD programme — the American equivalent of a PhD.
This meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between Kazakhstan and the United States, with MNU serving as an open platform for the exchange of global knowledge, best practices, and innovation.
The Euronews Academy courses are held at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU). Leading experts from the largest international television channel teach students the fundamentals of television and digital journalism, sharing their extensive practical experience.
The Euronews Academy courses aim to develop professional skills in journalism and media. Students gain unique access to the educational programmes and internship opportunities offered by the channel, receiving hands-on knowledge from prominent international specialists. This initiative is carried out under a memorandum of cooperation between Euronews, the Media Damytu Qory Corporate Foundation, and three universities in Astana, with MNU designated as the base institution for delivering the courses.
The Euronews Academy’s educational programme is offered free of charge and comprises several modules, including Television Journalism and Digital Journalism. In the first course, Bojan Brkic, an experienced media manager and head of the Euronews office in Astana, along with Sergio Cantone, an international expert, served as trainers. They taught students effective interviewing techniques and how to present confidently on camera. Participants explored various roles, filming reports, hosting on screen, and working in a live broadcast format.
The second course features intensive training in digital content creation, the application of artificial intelligence, social media promotion, and practical work with modern digital media tools. Trainers for this course include Euronews journalists and producers Tuba Altunkaya, Hannah Brown, Fatih Yetim, and Pierre Assémat. The course is scheduled to conclude on 19 May 2025.
It is worth noting that the majority of participants are students from the MNU International School of Journalism, who were selected by specialists from Euronews and the Media Damytu Qory Fund. Upon successful completion, students receive Euronews certificates acknowledging their participation and newly acquired competencies. In addition, international experts will deliver separate open lectures, and bespoke modules will be introduced for media professionals.
Euronews is the largest international television channel, headquartered in Brussels, with a broadcast reach of over 400 million households across 160 countries and attracting 25 million unique online visitors each month.
Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) hosted the first-ever Kapuscinski Lecture in Central Asia, held as part of the Kapuscinski Lectures project, organised with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission. Professor Abhimanyu Sharma from the University of Cambridge delivered a lecture on Language Policy, Development, and Inclusion—a topic that sparked great interest among MNU students and guests of the university.
Abhimanyu Sharma is a distinguished scholar in the field of language policy. His doctoral research focused on the European Union’s language policy in the context of India. During his lecture at the Kapuscinski Talks, he explored the profound impact of language policy on development. The discussion centred around two core areas: the role of English-language education and the marginalisation of deaf communities resulting from the absence of sign language instruction.
In his address, the speaker emphasised two key dimensions of language policy. The first part introduced fundamental concepts of public policy, language policy, and development. The second part delved into the role of the English language in India, particularly in relation to identity formation and social mobility. The final section addressed policies concerning people with hearing impairments, the social stigma they face, and the critical importance of sign languages.
“Languages are often perceived merely as tools of communication. Perhaps this bias exists because the impact of languages on our daily life is not as tangible and visual to policymakers as, let us say, a unity party or a group. We tend to forget that languages are also powerful markers of identity. And because languages are so inherently intertwined with our self-perception and the way we define ourselves, they must be integral to public policy,” said Abhimanyu Sharma.
The speaker placed particular emphasis on those whose voices frequently remain unheard—members of marginalised linguistic communities. Their inclusion in the public, educational, and cultural spheres is not simply a matter of fairness, but a prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive development. According to Professor Sharma, empowering these communities by giving them a voice, granting access to essential resources, and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes is vital for building a future in which every individual feels valued and included.
“Language policy has a profound influence on the processes of social cohesion, because languages play a crucial role in tension building. They are fundamental in defining who or what states are. Thus, the strategic and inclusive governance of linguistic diversity has become a critical component of sustainable and equitable state development,” Abhimanyu Sharma underscored.
It is worth noting that the Kapuscinski Lectures project is named in honour of the renowned Polish journalist and writer Ryszard Kapuściński. MNU takes pride in being part of this international initiative, contributing to the advancement of an open, just, and inclusive society.
Delegates from prestigious U.S. educational institutions, including Harvard, Wellesley, Barnard, Grinnell and Middlebury visited Maqsut Narikbayev University. The American colleagues familiarized themselves with MNU’s educational programs and discussed promising areas of cooperation.
Middlebury College, one of the leading universities in the U.S., actively promotes the study of foreign languages among its students. As part of a long-standing partnership with Maqsut Narikbayev University, American students studying Russian travel to Kazakhstan every year. In addition, they undertake full coursework in various disciplines.
The U.S. guests expressed interest in the educational programs, academic process and comfortable learning conditions at MNU. University Provost Sergey Pen provided detailed information about the university’s achievements and guided them through the campus facilities. The parties expressed hope for strengthening international student exchange programs.
“Our university annually hosts students from various countries and we are confident that academic mobility opportunities will attract leading global universities. MNU is a center for the active development of linguistic studies. We are grateful to our partners from Middlebury College for recommending us as a reliable partner in language education,” said Anar Ibrayeva, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts.
It is worth noting that the Applied Linguistics educational program quickly proved its high demand and ranked first in the updated rating of university educational programs by the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan, “Atameken”.
Нарикбаев Талгат Максутович
Председатель Правления АО «Университет КАЗГЮУ имени М.С. Нарикбаева»
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