2025, May 5
Share this articleNazarbayev University (NU) has been awarded the Gold Award for Excellence in Innovative Practices at the prestigious international MENASA Area Merit Awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This recognition was granted for the successful implementation of the "Home Away from Home" program, developed by NU’s Department of Internationalization.
The program was recognized for its creative and effective approach to student engagement and fostering both academic and personal success. "Home Away from Home" offers comprehensive support for international students, contributing to the creation of an inclusive, welcoming, and culturally enriching educational environment. As part of the program, a variety of campus events are held, including the vibrant and now well-established World on Wednesdays (WOW) initiative, which celebrates the cultural diversity of the university community.
The project was initiated by Aray Saniyazova, Head of International Student and Scholars Services at the Department of Internationalization.
The second place in this award category was granted to the Qatar Finance and Business Academy – Northumbria University for their program “Catalyzing Student Entrepreneurship: Enterprise Hub.”
The MENASA Excellence in Innovative Practices Award highlights creative and effective approaches to enhancing student engagement and achievement. It recognizes programs or initiatives that introduce new ideas, methods, or technologies aimed at enriching the student experience on campus.
The MENASA Area Merit Awards are organized by NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, a U.S.-based organization that brings together over 15,000 professionals from more than 2,100 institutions worldwide, all committed to excellence and student support in higher education. The MENASA region under NASPA encompasses the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, including Kazakhstan.
This award underscores NU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and internationally focused academic community.
