Member stories: advising international students
As our series of posts dedicated to EAIE members comes to a close, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the diverse individuals in the EAIE community who are working to internationalise their institutions in various ways. Read our final story featuring Albina Kozhakhmetova. In her work as an international officer, she is inspired by opportunities to advise international students and facilitate academic exchange. Help her with answers to her questions about succeeding in the international higher education field.
Profile
What is your role at your institution?
As an international officer, my main responsibilities include advising international students, and working with academic partnerships and international grants.
Why did you decide to start working in the field of international higher education?
My beloved alma mater, KIMEP University, where I’m now currently employed, gave me a big motivation to work in the field of international higher education. The idea of being able to give students the opportunity to experience the world through academic exchanges is really inspiring to me. Realizing the importance of the contribution I am making to my country by helping to bring international expertise to Kazakhstan is certainly something that made me fall in love with my job and with the field.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding parts of my job are the opportunities I have for personal and professional development. It’s gratifying to see how my horizon seems to grow with each new year.
What words of wisdom do you have for those starting in the higher education field?
As said by the great Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. With that in mind, my advice would be to start out by developing and changing yourself. Take time to travel and learn about the world. Bring change where you are.
What do you want to learn from fellow EAIE members?
What advice do fellow EAIE members have for making a prosperous career in the international higher education field? What are the key skills one needs to be a successful study abroad and foreign student adviser?
