Pre-departure orientation session for EMJM 2025 students

On July 17, 2025, the Pre-departure orientation session for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) students took place, with the participation of 43 scholarship holders and 11 non-scholarship holders, representatives of the European Union Delegation to Kazakhstan, and the Embassies of Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium to Kazakhstan.

The session commenced with welcoming remarks by H.E. Ms. Aleska Simkic, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan. She extended her heartfelt congratulations to the admitted students and commended the diversity and relevance of the Erasmus Mundus programmes in which they had been enrolled. Her Excellency encouraged students to "engage, ask many questions, and step outside their comfort zones." She also emphasized the important role the students will play as cultural ambassadors of Kazakhstan in Europe and, upon completion of their studies, as bridges bringing European perspectives back to Kazakhstan.

Further remarks were delivered by H.E. Ms. Monica Iwersen, Ambassador of Germany to the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Luis Francisco Martinez Montes, Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Ms. Andrea Bacher, Ambassador of Austria, and H.E. Mr. Antonello De Riu, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Kazakhstan. They warmly congratulated the admitted students and offered practical advice and recommendations related to living and studying in their respective countries.

Current EMJM student Ms. Aizhan Sakentay shared insights from her own academic journey, offering key tips and recommendations for the newly admitted students. The session also featured Mr. Amir Tussupov, Country Representative of the Erasmus Mundus Association and EMJM alumnus, who spoke about post-graduation opportunities and next steps following the completion of studies.

The agenda included a Q&A session during which representatives of the Embassies of Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium addressed students' questions and provided guidance on visa procedures and other country-specific matters. The session equipped participants with essential information and created a valuable platform for students to connect and begin building their international network.

The National Erasmus+ Office in Kazakhstan extends gratitude to the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Embassies of the EU Member States, current EMJM students, alumni, and EMJM students 2025 for their contribution to the event. We wish our students great success in their upcoming studies!