The International Engineering and Technology University (METU) hosted a pivotal meeting with Laura Palaunova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan, marking an important milestone in the university’s journey toward global academic integration. The event celebrated METU’s recent inclusion in the Erasmus+ consortium and outlined actionable strategies for enhancing mobility, academic cooperation, and research collaboration with European partners.
The meeting reflected METU’s growing commitment to aligning its academic mission with international education trends and empowering its students and faculty to participate in EU-funded opportunities for learning, innovation, and capacity-building.
Empowering Faculty and Students through Erasmus+ Opportunities
During the session, Rector Gulnar Sarsenbekova presented METU’s internationalization vision, emphasizing the university’s ambition to strengthen its global presence through meaningful academic partnerships. In response, Laura Palaunova introduced the broad spectrum of Erasmus+ programs, highlighting:
- Academic mobility for students, researchers, and faculty members;
- Joint research and curriculum development opportunities;
- Capacity-building and institutional development projects;
- Practical guidance on grant applications and consortium participation.
The discussion resonated strongly with students, professors, and administrators, who actively engaged in Q&A sessions and expressed keen interest in joining future Erasmus+ initiatives.
Building a Foundation for Global Academic Integration
The event was a significant step in formalizing METU’s long-term international strategy, focusing on:
- Establishing European academic partnerships through mobility and joint degree programs;
- Enhancing research visibility and funding through cross-border projects;
- Supporting student and staff development through intercultural exchange and international exposure.
Participants welcomed the opportunity to address both possibilities and challenges, including the need for institutional support in navigating Erasmus+ procedures, clarifying eligibility criteria, and managing administrative steps.
Rector Sarsenbekova reaffirmed METU’s commitment to providing such support structures, ensuring that participation in Erasmus+ becomes accessible and impactful for all university members.
