COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

2025-2026 Kazakhstan Visiting scholars

Each of our departments has its own policies and procedures for working with international scholars. If you're interested in being a visiting scholar, please contact the department directly.

Ainur Abdina

Position: Associate Professor
University: Astana IT University
Email: ainur.abdina@astanait.edu.kz

Areas of interest:

  • Philosophical Anthropology
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Inclusive Education
  • Well-being Studies

Degrees:

  • MBA, International Russian-Norwegian Program (Saint-Petersburg, 2022)
  • Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Almaty, 2007)
  • PhD, Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University (Almaty, 1997)
  • Specialist Degree in Philosophy , Belorussian State University (Minsk, 1991)
     

I am an Associate Professor at Astana IT University, where I teach several courses related to the history and philosophy of science and education. My research primarily focuses  on various aspects of inclusive education, one of the significant areas of modern educational systems. I am currently working on the research project "Assistive Technologies in Inclusive Education: Application Practice in Universities of Kazakhstan."

Furthermore, in my future research, I am interested in expanding my work on inclusivity and integrating it with well-being and demographic transformation themes. Studies of well-being with an emphasis on the quality of life and inclusion of Kazakhstan's elderly population in the era of digitalization are crucial for understanding the ongoing changes that affect societies across the globe, including Kazakhstan.

Through the internship at the University of Minnesota, I aim to develop initiatives at universities in Kazakhstan that advance innovation in inclusivity and well-being research and practice.

Beyond academia, I enjoy fitness training and follow a vegan lifestyle — practices that help me stay focused, energized, and aligned with my values of sustainability and health.
 

Selected Publications:

Abdina, A., Uyzbayeva, A., & Kuchko, E. (2025). Digital inclusion in philosophical discourse: An analysis of government programs in Kazakhstan and Belarus. Jete - Journal of Philosophy, Religious and Cultural Studies, 1(150), 23-42. https://doi.org/10.32523/3080-1281-2025-150-1-23-42
Turebayeva, G., Abdina, A., & Uyzbayeva, A. (2025). Philosophical foundations of emotional intelligence and inclusion. Bulletin of the Karaganda University. Series of History and Philosophy, 30, 1(117), 363-373. https://doi.org/10.31489/2025HPh1/363-373

Abdina, A., & Uyzbaeva, A. (2024). Philosophy of well-being: Quality of life and inclusion of the elderly population of Kazakhstan in the era of digitalization. Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU. Historical Sciences Series. Philosophy. Religious Studies, 3(148), 164-177. https://doi.org/10.32523/2616-7255-2024-148-3-164-177

Turebaeva, G., Abdina, A., & Uyzbaeva, A. (2024). Existentialist perspectives on emotional intelligence in coaching in foreign studies. Bulletin of the Karaganda University. Series of History and Philosophy, 29, 2(114), 321-328. http://doi.org/10.31489/2024HPh2/321-328

Abdina, A., Uyzbaeva, A., & Zhanarstanjva, M. (2023). Analysis of inclusive education in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the philosophy of independent living. Bulletin of Al Farabi Kazakh National University. Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Political Science Series, 4(86). https://doi.org/10.26577/jpcp.2023.v.86.i4.03

Sarsenbekov, N., & Abdina, A. (2023). Ahmet Yesevi'nin hikmetlerindeki varoluş kategorileri yorumuna yönelimsel yaklaşım [Intentional approach to the interpretation of existence categories in Ahmet Yesevi's wisdom]. Türk Kültürü ve Haci Bektaş Veli Araştırma Dergisi / Turkish Culture and Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly, 106. https://hbvdergisi.hacibayram.edu.tr/index.php/TKHBVD/article/view/3335
 

Selected Courses taught:

  • Philosophy
  • History and Philosophy of Science
  • Project Activity in Cultural Studies
  • Research Ethics

Zhazira Kuanyshbayeva

Position: Senior Lecturer, Executive Secretary of the Bulletin of Abai KazNPU Journal
University: Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University
Email: kuany005@umn.edu

Areas of interest:

  •  Political Science and Socio-Philosophical Education
  •  Conformity and Value Development in Youth
  •  Management in Social Sciences
  •  Education Policy and Reform

Degrees: PhD in Political Science, Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi.

I am a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Socio-Philosophical Disciplines at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, with a PhD in Political Science. I arrived at the University of Minnesota as part of the "Scientific Internships" program within the "500 Scientists" project, in the field of "Management in Social Sciences." Here, I am exploring how young people's stereotypes, beliefs, and values are influenced by conformity, aiming to help them find ways to positively impact the development of social and political values. I have been teaching since 2004, starting my career as an Assistant Professor at Satbayev University and eventually becoming the Head of the Department. In 2023, I was awarded the "Abai" medal for my contributions to education. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in teaching and administration. Now, I am fully dedicated to research.
 

Selected Publications:

Khussainova, G. and Kuanyshbayeva, Z. (2024). Religion in the modern world: A political
outlook. Pharos Journal of Theology, https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.105.529

Kim, K. and Kuanyshbayeva, Z. (2023). Conformity study in socio-political discussions.
Bulletin of Abai KazNPU. Series of Sociological and Political sciences., 58– 69.https://doi.org/10.51889/2959-6270.2023.84.4.007.

Zhaksylykovna, P.P. and Kuanyshbayeva, Z. (2022). Dual education conditions for pedagogical
bases of specialists inclusive training. Cypri of Educational Science. 17(3), 765-771.
https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v1713.6937


Selected Courses taught:

  •  Methodology of Teaching Political Science
  •  Political Technologies
  • Sociological Methods of Data Processing and Analysis
  • Theoretical Sociology

Aigul Sultangubiyeva

Position: Associate Professor
University: Dosmukhamedov Atyrau State University
Email: asultang@umn.edu


Areas of interest:

  •  Linguistics
  • Language Learning
  •  AI-Driven Technology
  • Inclusive Education
  • Translation Studies

Degrees:

  •  Candidate of Philological Sciences, Kazakh National University named after Al-
    Farabi, Linguistics
  • BA, Dosmukhamedov Atyrau State University, Teaching English

I have 27 years of experience in teaching students and researching linguistics, language learning, and education. I supervise the Department and carry out administrative work. I got my Candidate of Philological Sciences in Comparative and Contrastive typology, and my BA in Teaching English. I worked as a teacher of English at Atyrau University of Oil and Gas and as a Head of the Department, Director of the International Relations Department, and Faculty Dean at Atyrau State University.

As a visiting scholar at the UMN CEHD, I would like to share and exchange effective research methods, innovative teaching approaches, and language learning technology, as well as attend academic seminars and workshops. Furthermore, I aim to improve my English and build a network through the program.

Selected Publications:
Sultangubiyeva, A., and Mukhanbetzhanov Zh. (2020). Specific vowel sounds of Kazakh and English languages. Bulletin of Science and Life of Kazakhstan journal. Volume №12 Issue 3 (149).

Tuyakova U, Alekeshova L, Sultangubiyeva A, Baizhumanova B. (2021). The role of developing teachers' emotional intelligence in their professional activities. Bulletin of ENU named after Gumilev, Issue 3 (136), 191-206 https://bulpedps.enu.kz/index.php/main/issue/view/14 

Avakova R, Sultangubiyeva A, Alekeshova L. (2022). Innovative approaches in language learning. Bulletin of KazNU named after al-Farabi. Philology: Science and Education, № 1(185),218-223 https://philart.kaznu.kz/index.php/1-FIL/issue/view/70

Sultangubiyeva A, Bainiyeva K, Sametova F, Kuvanbakiyeva A (2022). Specifics of English- language military terminology and problems of its translation. Bulletin of KazIRandFLU named after Abylaikhan, Issue 2 (65), 220-232 https://doi.org/10.48371/PHILS.2022.65.2 

Sultangubiyeva A, Koishigulova L, Mukhanbetzhanova A (2024). Problems of socialization of displaced children with disabilities. Bulletinof Kh.Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University. Pedagogics. – Issue 73 (2), 99-106.https://www.vestnik-asu.kz/jour/issue/view/3Sultangubiyeva A, Avakova R, Gabdullina Z, Ibraggimkyzy S, Imangaliyeva S. (2021). 

Linguistic units of the concept “heart” in the world linguistic image (on the material of Kazakhand English languages). Astra Salvensis Suplement no. 1, 187-198 https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.085107024308&origin=AuthorNamesList&txGid=e9b8d45946b32f6a72d2bad51042ac8d

Leonova A, Abdol E, Kismetova G, Kairliyeva N, Sultangubiyeva A, Umarova A, Adilbayeva E, Kuvanbakiyeva A. (2021). Metaphor in the aspects of cultural linguistics. Revista entrelinguas. Volume 7, Special Edition. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=8596109

Sultangubiyeva A and Adiletova A. (2024). Using the illustration method as a pedagogical tool in English language classes. Pedagogy and education No. 42 (189), 173-180, https://archive.interconf.center/index.php/2709-4685/article/view/5453

Yeleuova A, Sultangubiyeva A. (2024). Using culturally significant precedent names in newspaper headlines. Norwegian Journal of development of the International Science No. 124 https://nor-ijournal.com/2024/01/12/124-14/

Selected Courses taught: 

  • English for Specific Purposes
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Audio-Visual Translation

Gulzhana Kuzembayeva

Position: Associate Professor
University: Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University
Email: kuzem004@umn.edu

Areas of interest:

  • Research in Education
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Ethnocultural Studies

Degrees:

  • Ph.D., Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education, Linguistics and
    Literature
  • Master of Pedagogy and Psychology, K.Zhubanov Aktobe State University
  •  Specialist degree of Teacher of English and German languages, Aktobe State Pedagogical Institute

My academic career involves EFL teacher training, supporting graduate students in their research pursuits, and conducting research on education development and linguistic and cultural studies. I was engaged in the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project “Transition to university autonomy in Kazakhstan – TRUNAK” in 2019-2021 and research projects funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of
Kazakhstan including:

  1. “Basic values of Kazakh culture: ethnopsycholinguistic study” as a project leader;
  2. "Research capacity building of young scientists of regional universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan: a model of mentoring” as a senior researcher.
     

I am the holder of the 2024 Mukhtar Auezov award for talented young researchers in humanities from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

My goal as a visiting scholar at UMN is to explore the best international practices in researchcapacity building in education and language programs and study implementing research-based learning from preschool through university level.

Selected Publications:

Yermekbayeva, G., Kuzembayeva, G., Maydangalieva, Zh., & Goncharenko, O. (2024). Implementing Research-Based Learning in Kazakhstan’s Pre-Service Teacher Education. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 15(4), 316-337. https://jsser.org/index.php/jsser/article/view/5822

Kuzembayeva, G., Idrissov, G., Tashmukhambetov, B., Jumagaliyeva, U., & Maydangalieva, Zh. (2024). Capacity Building of Early Career Researchers through the Mentoring Program in Kazakhstan. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 15(5), 266-296. https://jsser.org/index.php/jsser/article/view/5806

Kuzembayeva, G., Maigeldiyeva, Zh., Kussanova, B., & Maydangalieva, Zh. (2024). Heritage Language Experiences and Proficiency Among Ethnic Kazakhs Abroad: Exploring Challenges, Language Skill Requirements, and Acquisition Barriers. Journal of Social Studies Education Research, 15(3), 348-373. https://jsser.org/index.php/jsser/article/view/5655/

Kuzembayeva G. (2023). Axiological Dimension of Citizenship and Patriotism in a Worldview of Kazakhs: Psycholinguistic Study. East European Journal of Psycholinguistics, 10(1), 116-135. https://doi.org/10.29038/eejpl.2023.10.1.kuz
 

Selected Courses taught:
● Psycholinguistics
● Linguistic and Cultural Studies

Yelmar Orazbek

Position: Senior Lecturer
University: International IT University
Email: orazb002@umn.edu

Areas of interest:

  •  Human Capital Development
  • Personal Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence in Education
  •  Digital Transformation


Degrees:

  • PhD Student, Turan University, Economics
  •  MEcon, Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages,
    Economics
  • Bachelor's Degree, Zhetysu State University, Tourism

I am a PhD student at Turan University, focusing on improving university competitiveness by developing human capital. My research explores strategies to enhance the performance and innovation of higher education institutions, which is an important area for the economic growth of Kazakhstan. Alongside my PhD studies, I work at the International Information Technology University (IITU), where I apply my knowledge and research to improve the quality of education and provide better opportunities for students to succeed.

I hold a master’s degree in economics from Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, where I gained valuable research and academic skills. My experience there allowed me to explore economic concepts in depth, which I now build on in my PhD studies.

As a visiting scholar at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development, I am excited to expand my research skills and learn from experienced mentors. My main interest in this program is to explore how artificial intelligence can be applied to personalized learning, enabling the development of more effective teaching methods. This program will give me the tools and knowledge to make a real difference at IITU and beyond, helping to improve education in Kazakhstan and positively impact the future of students and universities.

Selected Publications:

Orazbek, Y., & Davletova, M. T. (2023). Assessment and improvement of the competitiveness of OHPE based on the use of digital marketing tools. Bulletin of "Turan" University, (1), 212–226.(In Russian). https://doi.org/10.46914/1562-2959-2023-1-1-212-226

Orazbek, Y., Davletova, M. T., & Dulatbekova, N. S. (2024). Assessment of digitalization in higher education: A case study of Turan University. Bulletin of the Karaganda University Economy Series, 11529(3), 79–88. https://doi.org/10.31489/2024ec3/79-88

Orazbek, Y., Zakirova, D., & Grinevich, Y. (2024). Development of human capital in Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions: Financial investments, faculty qualifications, and research output (2018–2022). Bulletin of "Turan" University, (3), 335–347. (In Russian).https://doi.org/10.46914/1562-2959-2024-1-3-335-347

Orazbek, Y., Balkenova, A., & Burkit, D. (2024). Trends and impact of neural network researchin Kazakhstan: A comprehensive analysis from 1992 to 2024. Procedia Computer Science, 251,555–560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.11.148
 

Selected Courses taught:

  •  Economics and Industrial Engineering
  • Startups and Entrepreneurship
  •  Project Management
  •  Organizational Behavior and Leadership

Guldana Akhmetova

Position: PhD, Associate Professor 
University: Karaganda Medical University
Email: 

Areas of interest:

  •  Higher Education Development
  • Teaching Approaches/Innovative Methods of Teaching
  • Academic Writing


Degrees:

  •  PhD, Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Education (class 2017)

Profile: 

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

I am Guldana Akhmetova, Associate Professor of the Department of History of Kazakhstan and Social and Political Disciplines at the Karaganda Medical University. I began my career at the Karaganda State Medical Academy (KSMA) in 2006. My previous roles include:

  • Lecturer at the Department of History of Kazakhstan and Social and Humanitarian Disciplines
  • Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department
  • Deputy Dean of the Faculty of General Medicine for Foreign Students

Additionally, I worked as a senior expert in the Department of Methodological Support of the Bologna Process and Academic Mobility Center of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2012–2013). In 2016, I defended my doctoral thesis (PhD) on the topic of “Faculty Perceptions and Experiences of Curriculum Renewal in Kazakhstan’s Higher Education” at the Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Education (NUGSE). From 2017 to 2018, I worked as a project manager for the TRUNAK [Transition to University Autonomy in Kazakhstan] project to develop a model of academic autonomy in universities in Kazakhstan. 

I also participated as a researcher in the WELCOME project to study the internationalization of universities. In 2021, I completed my post-doctoral studies at the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education (NUGSE) as part of the Nazarbayev University Collaborative Research Program (NU-CRP 2021-2023), focusing on Graduate students’ challenges with academic reading and writing in English medium universities in Kazakhstan. My research interests include higher education reform management, innovative teaching methods, and curriculum development issues. I have published 16 articles in reputable journals in Russia and Kazakhstan, and in Scopus Q1 and Q2 journals. My Hirsch Index in Scopus is 2, and my Hirsch Index in Google Scholar is 2. 

During my time as a visiting scholar at the University of Minnesota, I plan to publish a monograph/text book in English, translate it into Kazakh, and write two papers for Q1 journals. While writing my monograph/textbook I would like to learn new approaches to academic writing that I can share with my doctoral students. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, reading in multiple languages, and studying French.

Selected Publications:

Akhmetova, G., & Turmukhambetova, A. (2017, October). Transitioning to student-centered learning in Kazakhstan: Undergraduate Student Experiences. In Official Conference Proceedings. The Asian Conference on Education 2017 “Education for change” Kobe, Japan. pp.249-259. https://papers.iafor.org/submission38048/

Akhmetova, G., Hendrikxon, V., & Temirgaliev K. (2019, May). Medical Students’ Experiences of a Project Design. In Official Conference Proceedings. The IAFOR Conference on Educational Research and Innovation (ERI-2019), Virginia, USA. pp.1-10 https://papers.iafor.org/submission45706/

Akhmetova,G., Hendrixson, V., and Nuralieva, U. (2019). Faculty Development Framework: Experience of Kazakhstani Medical Schools. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(11), 2278-2286. https://doi:10.13189/ujer.2019.071105

Akhmetova, G. (2020). Matritsa razrabotki zadanii dlya prakticheskih zanyatii [Matrix of task development for practical lessons], Vysshee obrazonanyie segonnya=Higher Education Today, 11, 32-36. [In Russ.] https://doi:10.25586/RNU.HET.20.11.P.32 

Akhmetova, G.& Beisenova, A. (2021). Pochemy studenty boyat’sya otvenstvennosti za svoe obrazovanye [Why Do Students Fear to Take Responsibility for Their Own Learning?], Bulletin of Toraighyrov University, Humanities Series 1, 66-86. In Russ., abstract in Eng. https://doi.org/10.48081/SFLL6324

Afzal, M.T., Shegebayev, M., Akhmetova,G., Gordyn, R., & Anthwi, S. (2021). The Challenges that Kazakhstani Graduate Students Experience with Academic Reading and Writing in English. Toraighyrov University Journal. The Pedagogical Series,3, 276-285. https://doi.org/10.48081/OHKJ9928

Akmetova,G. & Sciala, M. (2021). Challenges in online learning of International Students at the Medical University of Karaganda. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Bulletin Psychology and Sociology, 3(78), 4-12. https://doi.org/10.26577/JPsS.2021.v78.i3.01

Akhmetova, G. & Alieva, M. (2022). Zhobaga negizdelgen bilim: meditsyna universyteti studentterinin tazhirybesi [Knowledge-Based on Projects: Medical University Students’ Experiences], Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Journal of Educational Sciences, 1 (70), 138-146. [In Kazakh] https://doi.org/10.26577/JES.2022.v70.i1.12

Akhmetova, G., Sciala, M., Temirgaliev, K. (2022). Employing the Socratic Circle as a Method to Engage Medical Students in Deep Learning. Bulletin of the Karaganda University. Pedagogy Series, 1(105), 24-31. https://DOI10.31489/2022Ped1/24-31

Akhmetova, G., Shamatov,D., Afzal Tajik, M.A. (2022), “Education in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan”, In Wolhuter, C.C. and Wiseman,A.W. (Ed.) World Education Patterns in the Global South: The Ebb of Global Forces and the Flow of Contextual Imperatives (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 43B).
Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp.43-58 . https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-36792022000043B003

Tajik, M.A., Akhmetova, G.Y., Fillipova, L.N., Shamatov, D.A., Zhunussova, G.D. (2022). Students’ Struggles with EMI in Kazakhstani Universities. The Education and Science Journal=Obrazovanie i nauka, 24(8), 95-115. https://DOI:10.17853/1994-5639-2022-8-95-115 [In English]

Akhmetova, G., Makoelle, T. (2022). Exploring Constructive Learning Through Grounded Theory: Experience Of First-Year International Students At A Kazakhstani University. Bulletin of Kazakh National Pedagogic University named after Abai, Pedagogical Sciences Series, 3(75), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.51889/8188.2022.34.51.002

Akhmetova, G.Y. & Khaliullina, L.R. (2023). Reflective writing in social sciences: challenges and opportunities for medical students, Reflective Practice, 24(6), 693-706 https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2023.2237447

Liliya R. Khaliullina1., Nailya N. Askhadullina, Guldana E. Akhmetova, and Anastasia V. Ledeneva (2023). The influence of intelligence types on the professional choice of high school students: On the example of specialized classes of psychological and pedagogical orientation. E3S Web of Conferences 449, PDSED. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202344907015
 

Selected Courses taught:

  • Methods of Social Studies
  • Academic Writing
  • Political Science