An Ethiopian student sees Kazakhstan’s education model as a model for Ethiopia

ASTANA – “One of the most remarkable aspects of Kazakh society is its meritocratic nature. In my experience, skills and knowledge are the most important, and I have never experienced discrimination based on origin,” Samson Dawit Bekele, a third-year computer science student at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, said in an interview with The Astana Times .

Bekele, originally from Ethiopia, was determined to study at a top research university and relied on platforms such as QS and Times Higher Education rankings to find highly rated institutions. Although he initially studied in Türkiyeambition took him to Kazakhstan after discovering the prestigious reputation of Al-Farabi University, which was ranked 150th in the 2022 QS World University Rankings.

Accepted into the Bologna Process scholarship program, which covered his studies and provided a stipend, Bekele emphasized that despite the challenges of being an international student, his experience in Kazakhstan was overwhelmingly positive.

“The people are warm and hospitable, and Almaty, with its lush greenery and stunning mountain views, is breathtaking. “I felt like I had stepped into a scene from a movie and I knew I would be comfortable here,” he said.

Cultural connections

Discussing the cultural contrasts and similarities between Ethiopia and Kazakhstan, Bekele emphasized that both nations place a deep emphasis on hospitality and shared values.

“What impressed me most was the mutual respect that defines social interactions here. “Professors greet students with warmth and respect, often shaking hands with them – a gesture that is not as common in Ethiopia,” he said, noting how terms such as “agai” (older brother) and “apai” (older sister) convey respect and closeness.

Although the language was a challenge, Bekele saw it as an opportunity to develop new skills and become more independent.

“I learned enough Kazakh to cope with my daily duties, and this experience made me more independent in my studies and routine,” Bekele said.

He also noted differences in family life between the two countries, noting that Kazakhs tend to marry earlier, balancing family and career, while in urban areas of Ethiopia, people often marry later, focusing primarily on personal and professional development.

Kazakhstan’s merit-based environment was crucial to Bekele.

“This culture of meritocracy allowed me to join my department’s research lab where I participated in real-world research. This experience changed me and confirmed my belief that hard work is truly valued here,” he said.

A vision for Ethiopia’s educational future

Bekele praised Kazakhstan’s education system for its practical, hands-on approach, including lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions.

“Laboratory sessions, during which theory meets practice, are invaluable. We also encourage students to take courses on platforms like Coursera to expand their knowledge,” he said.

Bekele believes that Ethiopia could benefit from similar educational practices, such as smaller class sizes and a balance between theoretical knowledge and its practical application.

He also appreciated Kazakhstan’s research capabilities, made possible by significant domestic investment, noting that this model could inspire Ethiopia to nurture local talent and support innovative projects.

Bekele emphasized the importance of the country Bołasz programwhich supports graduates and PhD students studying abroad. He hopes to establish a similar program in Ethiopia to expand local expertise.

“By investing in its brightest minds, Ethiopia could accelerate its progress in various fields,” he said.

He also advocated for Ethiopia to adopt the Kazakh dual mentoring model for PhD students, in which students have both a local and an international supervisor, ensuring high-quality mentoring and global exposure.

Reflecting on his time in the country, Bekele said it broadened his knowledge of global citizenship.

“I now realize that global citizenship is not just about recognizing diversity, but also about creating an environment where different ideas, cultures and knowledge systems can coexist and cooperate,” he said.

Kazakhstan’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has had a profound impact on its worldview, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness and cooperation.

Looking to the future, he expressed his desire to support international cooperation between Ethiopian universities and leading institutions in Kazakhstan. He noted that replicating the country’s research and innovation investment model could be transformative for Ethiopia.

“Kazakhstan allocates significant funds to scientific research, creating opportunities through grants and competitions aimed at young scientists,” he said, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives.

He added that he hopes to work on initiatives to promote cultural exchange programs between the two countries.

“These programs could enable students from both countries to learn about each other’s cultures, gain insight into different educational systems and gain a deeper understanding of global citizenship,” he said. “Intercultural learning would not only enrich students academically, but would also promote tolerance, cooperation and shared responsibility in tackling global challenges. Such exchanges could be a powerful tool for strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between our nations.”