On 15 October 2026, the International Engineering and Technological University (METU) held a meeting dedicated to academic mobility and new opportunities to study abroad. Organised by the Department of International Cooperation, the event brought together second- and third-year students from all academic programmes. It combined an overview of international study destinations with an open discussion of the personal experiences of students who had participated in international exchanges.

Karlygash Nurlanovna Shokhayeva, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, delivered a presentation outlining the expanding geographical reach of METU’s partnerships. She introduced partner universities and explained the conditions for participation in academic mobility programmes. Particular attention was given to choosing a destination aligned with students’ academic programmes, language preparation and the timely completion of the required documentation.

The updated presentation highlighted opportunities to study at universities in the United Kingdom, Poland, Malaysia, China, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The expansion of these partnerships provides METU students with more options for shaping their individual educational pathways, exploring different academic traditions and gaining international learning experience.

The meeting continued with presentations by students who had studied at partner universities in Türkiye, China, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan during the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Having returned to METU, they shared their impressions of the semester abroad and described their studies and everyday lives in another country.

This part of the event brought a particularly engaging atmosphere to the meeting. University names and lists of destinations came to life through personal stories about new experiences, independence, and the benefits and challenges of living abroad. By speaking openly about their experiences, the students helped prospective participants gain a more comprehensive understanding of academic mobility and recognise what they should prepare for in advance.

The speakers shared their experiences with enthusiasm and a desire to support those still considering studying abroad. They encouraged fellow students to make the most of the opportunities offered by the university, take initiative and begin preparing to participate in the programme. Their stories demonstrated how the decision to spend a semester in another country can broaden perspectives on education and personal potential.

The meeting combined practical information with firsthand student experience. It offered prospective participants an opportunity to compare their expectations with the realities of studying abroad, identify destinations of interest and make informed plans for an overseas semester.

METU continues to expand its international cooperation, creating opportunities for students’ academic and professional development. Information on available destinations, participation requirements and application procedures can be obtained from the Department of International Cooperation.