“KAFU Specialized Class”: New Academic Year and Expanded School Partnerships

On September 9, 2026, the Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU) hosted a meeting with 11th-grade students from Schools No. 39 and No. 50 in Oskemen to mark the start of the new academic year for the “KAFU Specialized Class” project. The event was attended by university leadership and faculty, as well as school administrators.

For School No. 39, a pilot participant in the project, this marks the fifth year of collaboration with KAFU in this initiative. This academic year, students from School No. 50 have also joined the project.

The students were welcomed by KAFU First Vice-President Zhassulan Y. Baikenov and Vice-President for International Programs and Cooperation Daniel Ballast. Also participating in the event were the principals of the two schools: Gulmira K. Abyurova (School No. 39) and Rakhat T. Ibraimova (School No. 50). Gulmira K. Abyurova shared insights from the school’s partnership with the university, highlighting the project’s opportunities for in-depth English language study and the development of student-led startup projects.

Natalia A. Nesterenko, Advisor to the KAFU Rector, addressed the students with words of encouragement. She emphasized the project’s importance in fostering university-school collaboration and supporting career guidance. Special attention was paid to KAFU’s role as an institution built on international partnerships, helping students make informed decisions regarding their future education and careers.

During the meeting, the students were introduced to the curriculum. Throughout the academic year, they will study business English, the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship, and information technology. The program will culminate in the presentation of their own projects at the “Oskemen Hub,” where students will demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills they have acquired. Ilona V. Bordiyanu, Head of the Business Department, and Didar Muratuly, lecturer and head of “Oskemen Hub,” outlined the upcoming activities. Yulia V. Novitskaya, Head of the Foreign Languages ​​Department, introduced the participants to the language training component of the program.

Azamat B. Berdybekov, Head of the Marketing and Admissions Department, provided information on the university admission process.

The “KAFU Specialized Class” project allows high school students to experience university life, explore various fields, and gain hands-on experience in bringing their own ideas to life. Participation helps prospective graduates identify their interests and prepare for further education.