Going Global 4 – the international education conference has attracted this year over 1200 delegates from more than 70 countries, making it the largest international education conference in the United Kingdom.

This year's conference theme was “WORLD POTENTIAL: MAKING EDUCATION MEET THE CHALLENGE.”  Kazakhstan was represented by five delegates: Serik Omirbaev, HE Director from the Ministry of Education and Science, Nurilya Shakhanova, Direct of the National Accreditation Centre, Aslan Sarinzhipov, president of the New University in Astana, Nazipa Ayupova, Deputy Chairperson of the Orken Intellectual Schools and Ulzhan Kanzhigalina, Deputy Director, British Council.

Delegates from across all education sectors, government, corporations, representative bodies, NGOs, development assistance organisations and media were provided with the opportunity to debate the drivers and motivations for international education, at both national and institutional level.  They considered how strategic approaches at both levels might be integrated, and how they might support elements such as research, curriculum development, teaching, the student experience and staff development.

In the face of the worst recession in decades, countries are increasingly becoming isolationist. If so, what are the implications for international education? How is the global mobility of staff and students affected and what should they do? Furthermore  how does this impact on the sharing of knowledge and ideas worldwide? Is the vision of a truly international education system under threat?

The Kazakhstan delegation was involved in debates which explored trends and implications; explored models for change drawing on case studies from across the world and examined the barriers and delivered frameworks for action across a number of areas. These areas included: Staff and Student Mobility, Global partnerships, Global citizens and Policy and Leadership.

Professor Serik Omirbayev and Dr Nurilya Shakhanova made a presentation in the session “New Horizons: the future of the HE partnerships” which led to a lively debate around the issues of internationalising higher education in the changing world.

Universities and governments are now developing more strategic international engagements. Much can be gained from working in partnership; as well as achieving the obvious economies of scale and reach; partnerships bring immeasurable benefits to universities.

How are governments and universities in Central and South Asia making this happen? In the debates the speakers explored different aspects of partnerships including:

• New horizons for collaboration and international programme delivery
• National policies to encourage international partnerships
• Ambitious approaches to staff and student mobility

The conference offered valuable opportunities to extend professional networks with new contacts from around the world through a range of services including receptions, poster presentations, exhibitions and a unique wireless handheld device Spot-Me which allowed delegates to network, communicate and build relationships at the conference; enabling delegates to locate one another, exchange messages and swap electronic business cards.

“What an amazing event Going Global was, with so many delegates. Well done British Council!”

“The conference management was exceptionally excellent and provided the most suitable environment for the educators to share their experience, knowledge and skills in the area of higher education …In conclusion Going Global 3 could be evaluated as one of the top educational phenomenon for the first decade of 21st century”(from the delegates’ feedback).

You can learn more about GG4 and materials at  www.britishcouncil.org/goingglobal