The strategic relationship between the two universities continues to strengthen, and cooperation reflects progressive dynamics and a high level of mutual understanding. On June 5, 2024, a delegation from Penn State University returned to the campus of Narxoz University.
On the American side, the meeting was attended by the following: Vice Provost of Penn State University (Global) Sabina Klar, Deputy Dean of International Programs Stephen Barnes, Director of Global Partnerships Alexandra Persico, Deputy Director of Partnership Agreements and Central Asia Vlad Likholetov, Associate Professor, Director of IST Bachelor's Degree Programs Nick Jacobi, Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Petroleum Engineering Hamid Emami-Maybody, Associate Professor of the Department of Mathematics Penn State Mont Alto Ermek Nurkhaidarov, Natalia Vodopyanova is an assistant professor at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Corporate Communications Program.
A delegation from Narxoz University visited Penn State in April 2024, and Penn State accepted the invitation to visit Almaty in June. Then, a new chapter of cooperation was formed, expanding international opportunities for Narxoz students.
As part of the institutional partnership, the universities announced their intention to scale dual degree programs, conduct joint research, and exchange students and teachers at the level of all faculties.
In Almaty, the parties again noted the agreement on goals and priorities and the vision of training future leaders. They also agreed on their beliefs in the need to continue building strong and trusting partnerships and explored additional opportunities for cooperation.
Narxoz is working on cooperation formats with Penn State's leading academic departments. One of the most promising areas is joint work with Smeal College of Business on corporate programs, advanced training courses, and leading academic departments at Penn State. Another exciting area of joint work is with Smeal College of Business regarding corporate programs, advanced training courses, and student exchange.
The partnership between the two universities started in 2019 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the School of Law and Public Administration of Narxoz and the School of Law at Penn State University.
Today, Narxoz students are offered unique opportunities—education from the best professors, increasing their competitiveness in Kazakhstan and beyond, an academic mobility program, discounts on master's degree programs up to 100%, lectures, and joint events.
Narxoz teachers get the opportunity to undergo scientific and academic internships at Penn State, including through funding under the 500 Scientists program, which was discussed at the information session by Abai Rakhmet, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bolashak Center for International Programs.
Narxoz teachers get the opportunity to undergo scientific and academic internships at Penn State, including through funding under the 500 Scientists program, which was discussed at the information session by Abai Rakhmet, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Bolashak Center for International Programs.
"By a happy coincidence, I learned about the possibility of studying under the LLM program provided by my alma mater, Narxoz, at Penn State University. The alarm was caused by the complexity that it was necessary to unlearn and take the course in less than a year – more precisely, in 9 months, from August to May. It should be noted that the program allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of law and pass exams during the academic year. And since I have devoted the last few years to my family and children, it was tough for me to return to being a student… However, brilliant professors, a multicultural environment, and a friendly atmosphere made it possible to adjust quickly. It would be unfair not to mention the region where the university is located—a cozy and, importantly, safe and comfortable campus. If there is a desire to learn, there is an aspiration. Then everything will work out, and your expectations will be met.
As with everything else, of course, your discipline is essential. The teachers showed that they remembered each student from the first day. The diverse experience of specialists and, at the same time, uniform requirements for students create the dynamics of the educational process, and you do not have time to get tired of the subjects as the exams approach rapidly. What I want to add on my behalf is my respect for the teachers, their knowledge of their subjects, and their personal qualities that helped me study at the university.”
Bayan Amerkhozhaeva recommends that future and present students boldly discover the world, especially the professional one.
She highlighted the main advantages of the LLM program.
- The program allows you to gain in-depth law knowledge in one academic year.
- A diverse selection of legal disciplines.
- Wide access to the necessary scientific sources.
- The opportunity to communicate with law students from all over the world.
- A high level of professorship.
Pennsylvania State University is among the top 100 universities in the QS world. It has "5 stars" from the QS rating agency regarding education quality and career prospects. Like Narxoz University, the American university is among the top 200 universities for in-demand graduates.
A unique opportunity to study at the LLM program is open to graduates of the Narkhoz of all years and specialties. For all questions, please contact academic.mobility@narxoz.kz