WELCOME TO USTA MENTORSHIP
The USTA Mentorship Programme connects Central Asian scholars with international peers around the world for academic exchange and career development with a goal of promoting Central Asian academic voices globally. The programme aims to overcome historical legacies of colonialism in the region by creating a thriving culture of learning, academic cooperation, and communities of support.
Our Methods
Each year we match about a dozen young scholars from the region who are enrolled in graduate and post-graduate programmes with senior academics around the world. The mentorship programme focuses on training publishing skills, soft academic skills, and intercultural academic exchange.
How do we help our mentees?
1
Published Article
Turning a draft into a published article in an international journal.
2
Networking & Community
Establishing writing communities and networking opportunities through access to larger academic circles and disciplines.
3
Workshops
Creating workshops with leading experts through advanced research methods to improve academic skills.
Timeline from March 2023 to March 2025
01 March 2023 – July 2023
Selection Process
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March – May 2023: Announcement, selection of mentees.
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June – July 2023: Matching with mentors
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September 2023: Introductory meeting with mentees and mentors. Mentees started working with their mentors, meeting them every two months.
02 September 2023 – February 2024
Enhancing Writing Skills and Empowering Voices in the Initial Drafts
During this period, we focus on enhancing writing skills...
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September 2023: Online workshop. Bridging theory and data.
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November 2023: Online workshop. Successful strategies of academic writing.
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February 2024: Online workshop.
Mentees continued working with their mentors on improving their drafts.
They were invited to join the writing marathon groups. Each mentee was asked to join at least two writing marathons (lasting one month each) during this period.
03 July 2024
In-person Workshop in Almaty for the Mentees
Three-day workshop in Almaty, Kazakhstan
04 September 2024 – November 2024
Strengthening Publication Records and Media Presence
During this period, we will focus on giving guidance and sharing skills on publication strategies:
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October 2024: Online workshop.
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December 2024: Online presentation.
Mentees will continue working with their mentors on improving their papers.
They will be invited to join the writing marathon groups. Each mentee would be asked to join at least one writing marathon (lasting one month) during this period.
05 January 2025 – March 2025
Reflections and Success Stories
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February 2025: Online Conference. We will organise an online conference that will bring together the mentees of the programme to present their final papers.
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February 2025: We will encourage mentees to apply for the CESS (Central Asian Studies Society) conference.
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March 2025: Review, submission and dissemination of the final report, results, and recommendations.