EXPECTATIONS OF KAZAKHSTANI STUDENTS BOUND FOR INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Abstract

The process of internationalization provided an opportunity for Kazakhstan’s higher education sectors to implement international activities including academic mobility programs for students through the establishment of partnership agreements with universities around the globe. Academic mobility programs are commonly discussed worldwide. However, there is a gap in the literature in the Kazakhstani context regarding the factors that influence students' decisions to participate in short-term programs and what they expect from these programs. In this study, the qualitative study examined the motivations and expectations towards academic mobility programs of twelve students, who have participated in short-term programs, as well as determined their study abroad experience upon completing the program....