SCOLAR Network

KAU International Summer School 2026: Strengthening International Youth Cooperation through Education and Cultural Exchange

From 22 to 27 June 2026, the KAU International Summer School was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, organized by the Kazakh-American University (KAU) in partnership with SCOLAR Network. The Summer School was conducted within the framework of the SCOLAR Almaty Candidate Hub initiative, aimed at expanding the Network’s presence in Kazakhstan and strengthening international youth cooperation across the SCO region.

The program brought together 22 participants from seven countries: the United States, China, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Greece, and the host country, Kazakhstan. Among the participants were 10 active members representing the SCOLAR Beijing, Bishkek, and Tashkent Hubs, creating an environment that encouraged the exchange of experience between established SCOLAR communities and prospective members of the Almaty Candidate Hub.

Throughout the week, participants took part in an intensive academic program dedicated to digital diplomacy, international cooperation, leadership, intercultural communication, and the development of practical professional competencies. In addition to strengthening subject-specific knowledge, the Summer School placed significant emphasis on developing soft skills, including leadership, teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, and effective communication.

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SCOLAR Hubs Monthly Meeting is back with a new insightful session dedicated to strengthening communication and collaboration within our international community 🌍✨

This month’s training will focus on “Cross-Cultural Communication” — one of the most essential skills in today’s globalized world. As SCOLAR continues to unite young leaders, students, researchers, and professionals from different cultural and academic backgrounds across the SCO region and beyond, understanding how to communicate effectively across cultures becomes increasingly important.

The session will be conducted by Victoria Khu, President of SCOLAR, who will share practical insights on intercultural dialogue, overcoming communication barriers, cultural sensitivity, and building meaningful international connections. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on how cultural diversity shapes teamwork, leadership, and cooperation in international platforms and organizations.

📅 Date: May 24, 2026
🕓 Time: 16:00-17.00 (Beijing Time)

This meeting is a great opportunity for SCOLAR Hubs members and for all who interested to exchange experiences, deepen mutual understanding, and develop skills that are essential for both professional and personal growth in multicultural environments.

We warmly invite all SCOLAR Hubs members and participants to join the session and become part of this important discussion 🤍

As part of our series introducing the people behind SCOLAR Network, we continue asking one simple question: “What does friendship mean to you?”🤍

Today, we would like to introduce Liu Ruina / Olia — Administrative Director of SCOLAR Network.
Originally from China, Olia graduated from Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University in Russia with a Master’s degree in Financial Management. From working in international media and youth organizations to founding her own Russian-Chinese translation studio, her journey has always been connected with communication between people and cultures.

Since joining SCOLAR in 2021, Olia has become an essential part of the team, contributing to the development of youth cultural exchanges with responsibility, warmth, and dedication. Her story reminds us that friendship can also be built through understanding, dialogue, and the willingness to connect people across borders✨