Although the First
International AIU – 2026 Summer School held in Astana has
concluded, this large-scale project continues to unfold. Currently, students of
the «International Business» double-degree educational program from Astana International University and
the University of International Business and Economics are spending their
summer break in China. Organized by the leadership of these universities, the
summer school initiative aims to foster bilateral educational development and
train qualified specialists. Today, this strategic project has become an integral
part of the joint activities carried out by the Kazakhstan-China Institute of
International Business and Economics.
This year, from July
19 to 29, a delegation consisting of 28 double-degree students and two faculty
members from Astana International University participated in the 4th
International Summer School of the Kazakhstan-China Institute of International
Business and Economics. This event brought together the UIBE educational
program in Beijing and the New Eurasian Land Bridge International Talent
Exchange Program implemented by Jiangsu Ocean University in Lianyungang.
Organized for the fourth consecutive year, the summer school unites students
and young professionals from more than ten countries, serving as an
international platform for studying economics, international cooperation,
Chinese culture, and advancing intercultural dialogue.
The first stage of the
program took place in Beijing on the campus of UIBE. The students explored
China’s historical and cultural heritage by visiting the Great Wall and the
Imperial Palace, and attended a special lecture dedicated to the modern
development of the «Belt and Road» initiative. The program enabled participants to gain a deeper
understanding of China’s role in contemporary international economic processes
and discuss the prospects of Eurasian cooperation.
From July 22 to 29,
the summer school continued in Lianyungang at Jiangsu Ocean University under
the New Eurasian Land Bridge International Talent Exchange Program. The
educational curriculum featured lectures on the «Belt and Road» initiative, Lianyungang's role in
international logistics, the history and culture of the region, as well as the
cultural heritage associated with the classic Chinese novel Journey to the
West.
Particular emphasis
was placed on exploring China's contemporary economic development. The students
visited the SCO Logistics Park, the China-Kazakhstan International Logistics
Base, and the Port of Lianyungang – a
key eastern hub of the New Eurasian Land Bridge and Kazakhstan’s maritime
gateway to China, which plays a vital role in boosting transport and logistics
cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, the itinerary included
visits to the JD Logistics smart logistics park, the Yanghe Distillery enterprise,
and the Donghai County Crystal Industrial Park.
Consequently, an
immersive cultural and educational program became an essential component of the
summer school. Students engaged in practical Chinese language classes, a
Chinese language speed-proficiency competition, traditional culture
masterclasses, explored intangible cultural heritage sites of China, and tested
their skills in various sports activities, including kayaking and dragon boat
racing. Collaborative work in international teams helped foster intercultural
communication, leadership, and project-based interaction skills in a
multinational environment.
The final stage of the
program featured team project presentations, the closing ceremony, and an
international youth festival, where participants showcased the outcomes of
their joint efforts, exchanged experiences with peers from various countries,
and received certificates of successful completion of the International Summer
School. A special highlight of the final day was a cultural concert, during
which the delegation from Astana International University proudly showcased
Kazakhstan's national culture, introducing participants to Kazakh traditions
and contributing to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue, friendship,
and mutual understanding among youth from around the globe.
For the double-degree
program students, participating in the summer school was not only an
opportunity to expand their knowledge in international economics, logistics,
and Chinese culture, but also a crucial milestone in personal development.
Furthermore, this large-scale initiative has further strengthened the
partnership between Astana International University and the University of
International Business and Economics, making a substantial contribution to
promoting international-standard education and fostering friendship among
nations.