In the context of the global digital transformation of higher education, Almaty Management University (AlmaU) continues to strengthen its position as an international academic hub. A significant step in this direction was the visit of the delegation from EKA University of Applied Sciences (Riga, Latvia), which took place from March 16 to 20, 2026, under the Erasmus+ program.
The delegation included Professors Natalia Verina and Elena Titko, who visited AlmaU to participate in academic mobility programs (Staff Mobility for Teaching and Training). The main objectives of the visit were to exchange best practices in educational digitalization, develop joint research initiatives, and familiarize themselves with the university’s modern research infrastructure.
Integration into the Academic Environment and Conference Participation
The visit program began with an official meeting with the university leadership. The guests toured the AlmaU campus, explored the infrastructure, and learned about the university’s educational approaches.
A highlight of the business program was the participation of the professors in the 1st International Scientific and Practical Conference “Digital Education in the Age of AI,” where they discussed current challenges and opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence into the educational process.
Teaching Mobility: Bringing International Experience to AlmaU Students
As part of the Teaching Mobility program, Professor Natalia Verina conducted a series of open lectures for undergraduate students of the School of Management. Over 40 students participated in the sessions.
The lectures were integrated into the following courses:
- “Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding” (Lecturer – Samal Tazhiyeva)
- “Corporate Management” (Lecturer – Nursulu Kiyash)
These sessions sparked strong interest among students and served as an effective platform for professional dialogue, allowing international academic experience to be incorporated into AlmaU’s educational process.
Research Collaboration and Neuromarketing: Work at NeuroLab
Professor Elena Titko, under the Training Mobility program, focused on in-depth exploration of AlmaU’s research infrastructure. She became acquainted with NeuroLab – one of the university’s unique research facilities. Under the guidance of Akdana Abuzhalitova and Alexandra Pankratova, she studied methodologies for using laboratory equipment and discussed prospects for joint interdisciplinary projects in neuromanagement, neuromarketing, and consumer behavior research.
Strategic Dialogue with AlmaU Leadership
The business program also included a series of meetings with AlmaU’s top management, during which both parties reaffirmed their interest in long-term collaboration. The meetings were attended by Renata Kudaybergenova, Vice-Rector for Science and Commercialization; Sholpan Tazabek, Vice-Rector for Global Partnerships; Azamat Auezkhanuly, Dean of the School of Management; Darkhan Erezhep, Director of the Technology Commercialization Center; Aliya Akpaeva, Director of the International Cooperation Department; and Asem Kabulova, representative of the Creative Industries Center.
Key topics of discussion included the commercialization of scientific developments, expanding grant opportunities, and preparations for signing an official scientific cooperation agreement between AlmaU and EKA University of Applied Sciences.
Outcomes and Prospects for Cooperation
The five-day mobility program proved to be not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also an important step in building a sustainable international partnership. As a result of the visit, agreements were reached to launch joint research projects in neuromarketing and neuromanagement, as well as to further expand academic collaboration within Erasmus+.
The guests highly appreciated the organization of the visit, the openness of the academic community, and AlmaU’s modern material and technical facilities.
At the conclusion of the program, Professors Natalia Verina and Elena Titko were awarded certificates confirming the completion of their internship.