UC Davis Welcomes Kazakh Scholars to Build Global Connections
Professional development program fosters research, teaching and cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and the United States
“I have always been passionate about improving crop productivity and soil health in my country,” said Ayagoz Kereyeva, an agrochemist and soil scientist from Kazakhstan. “UC Davis is one of the world’s leading universities in agriculture and environmental sciences, so I was inspired to come here to expand my knowledge, learn from top experts and gain international experience.”
Ayagoz is one of 20 Kazakh scholars from across Kazakhstan who arrived at UC Davis this month to participate in a professional development program as part of the Bolashak Scholarship for J-1 international scholars. This training program promotes collaboration between the United States and Kazakhstan, giving scholars the chance to learn from UC Davis faculty and build connections in higher education and scientific research.
Diverse Scholars, Shared Ambitions
From agriculture and cybersecurity to linguistics and music, the scholars represent diverse areas of study and professional experience.
“It is an unusual experience for me to return to student life,” said Akerke, a lecturer at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University who conducts research in corpus linguistics.
“I’m interested in attending lectures by leading linguists at UC Davis and applying the knowledge to improve higher education, language teaching methods and the use of IT tools in language and literature instruction when I return to Kazakhstan,” she said.
For Azamat Zheltyrguzov, a renowned opera singer with broad experience performing around the world, the Bolashak Scholarship is an opportunity to study and intern in the United States—something he has dreamed of since joining American opera singers on a recording of Bellini’s I Puritani.
“I am convinced that knowledge and experience are what stay with us for the rest of our lives,” said Azamat. “I will apply what I learn at UC Davis in my concert and teaching activities.”
Learning Across Disciplines
Along with English language learning and online coursework on Coursera, the scholars are attending UC Davis courses related to their fields, including:
- Language and linguistics
- Electric power systems (grid) and alternative energies
- Agriculture
- Journalism, communication and multimedia storytelling
- Machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and generative AI
- Music
- Business analytics
- Geology
Ayagoz, whose goal is to support farmers and policymakers in making agriculture in Kazakhstan more resilient and productive, is eager to experiencing the academic environment at UC Davis and learning more about California’s diverse agriculture.
“I’m most excited to learn advanced approaches in soil management, sustainable farming practices and modern laboratory techniques,” said Ayagoz. “I also hope to gain more expertise in data analysis and agricultural innovations that can be applied in Kazakhstan to improve food security and environmental sustainability.”
Expanding Expertise and Building Networks
Gulzinat Ordabayeva, a senior lecturer in the Department of Cybersecurity and Cryptology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, is particularly excited to learn about UC Davis professor Matt Bishop's work and the university’s Computer Security Lab.
“Matt Bishop is one of the most renowned professors of information security,” said Gulzinat. “One of my goals is to adopt the AI methods being used in cybersecurity here and teach my colleagues. I also hope to develop an international project on cybersecurity.”
Zhanna Kuzembekova, who works in educational research at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, is also looking to expand her network. “I applied to this program to gain academic and research experience in the United States, broaden my horizons and build professional connections,” she said.
Interested in exploring applied linguistics and educational assessment, Zhanna plans to make the most of her time at UC Davis and contribute to the advancement of science in Kazakhstan.
“Living and studying in California is a great opportunity to experience a new culture, engage with the academic community and learn about innovative approaches in education that I can bring back to my teaching and research in Kazakhstan,” she said.
A Global Exchange of Knowledge and Culture
The scholars appreciate the significance of this opportunity, not just for the chance to grow academically and professionally, but for the ripple effects in their communities back home.
“California is a dream,” said Zhanar Zheltyrguzova, a flutist and senior flute teacher at Kazakh National University of Arts who hopes to learn modern performance techniques. “My goal is to be the most useful and qualified specialist in my field. I am waiting for experiences that will change my life. And I, in turn, will be able to change someone else's.”
“Being a part of this program means personal growth, new opportunities and the chance to represent Kazakhstan on an international stage,” said Ayagoz, who is excited to bring new ideas back to Kazakhstan. “For me, it is also a way to contribute to building cross-cultural understanding and stronger academic and cultural connections between Kazakhstan and the United States.”