As part of the Erasmus+ programme, students from the University of Zadar in Croatia are undertaking an academic exchange at Abai University. The international academic mobility programme has brought six master’s students, two bachelor’s students, one doctoral student and one professor to the university. 

The exchange programme runs from 17 October to 1 November. It aims to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions, enhance educational and research practices, and foster cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Croatia.

Students from the University of Zadar are developing their professional knowledge at the Department of Russian Language and Literature of the Faculty of Philology, while improving their language and communication skills. As part of the programme, they are exploring the university’s educational and research activities and attending classes and academic events. This experience enables them to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in an international academic environment.

During the exchange, Professor Rafaela Božić of the University of Zadar, Doctor of Philological Sciences, delivered a lecture entitled “Issues of the Dystopian Genre in Russian Literature” to master’s students and academic staff at Abai University. The lecture covered the origins and historical development of dystopian literature, its historical and cultural foundations, and its representation in Russian literature. The professor also examined the ideological and artistic features of dystopian works and the ways in which they portray social phenomena and societal contradictions.

Dystopia is a literary genre that explores the contradictions of social development, threats to human freedom, and the potential consequences of societal change. Studying such works provides deeper insight into social processes, transformations in human consciousness, and the role of literature in interpreting social phenomena. Following the lecture, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange views on the topic.

During their stay, the Croatian participants will also gain a broader understanding of Kazakhstan’s history, national values, traditions and contemporary cultural life. This will help them become more familiar with the spiritual heritage of the Kazakh people and strengthen intercultural understanding.

The Erasmus+ programme creates opportunities to develop partnerships between higher education institutions, enhance the professional skills of students and academic staff, support research, and implement joint educational projects. The academic exchange of representatives from the University of Zadar at Abai University is expected to broaden cooperation between Kazakhstan and Croatia in education and science and further strengthen international academic partnerships.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   «Abai University» Media Center