'A merit-based education system in Kazakhstan' with Jean-François Caron

Icebreakers: A conversation about Canadian and Eurasian business

Today we’re hosting Dr. Jean-François Caron, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he teaches Political Theory. Dr. Caron has authored 6 monographs and more than 20 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.

Jean-François shares a story of his career development in a cross-national perspective, forming family, teaching and living in Kazakhstan. He also elaborates on principles and admission criteria in the Nazarbayev University, as well as discusses State Scholarship Opportunities for foreign students.

Related links to this episode:

• Nazarbayev University

Timeline:

0:40 – Introducing Jean-François Caron

2:18 – Early life integration into educational environment

3:41 – English-based teaching in Nazarbayev University

4:59 – From Plato to Francisco Nguema

7:45 – From Canadian Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs to affiliate work in Poland

9:41 – Meeting significant other on a 1st day in Kazakhstan

12:43 – Merit-based admission to Nazarbayev University

16:15 – hard work is always gets paid off

18:57 – The logic of meritocracy

24:17 – Adjusting to virtual environment

29:27 – Tapping into technology

30:37 – Subtleties of the Kazakh language

33:54 – Kazakh wedding traditions

35:52 – Canada-Kazakhstan cooperation opportunities in education

39:20 – Foreign students at Nazarbayev University

41:05 – What made Dr.Caron a leader?

42:46 – What does the future hold for Dr.Caron?

44:29 – Kazakh hospitality

47:22 – Closing

Icebreakers is produced by CECC, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.canadaeurasia.com