| | 8 AUGUST 2024HIGHERReviewA fter the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1991, a new association took its place which consisted of some of the former soviet republics and it is called Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). At present, CIS consists of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. CIS is considered to be more of a symbolic organization with little real power and yet, the role it plays as a foundation for collaborative efforts in the region can't be overlooked. And in the late 90's some of the member states in CIS started to establish a more active collaboration especially when it comes to developing their economies. This even includes a common market space as well as a customs union. Then, in 2000, the heads of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan established the Eurasian Economic Community more commonly known as EAEC and it aims to become one of the leading powers in the region.Over the last decade, member countries of CIS is giving major emphasis on improving the quality of higher education in the region and by doing so, develop into an international education hub for students from across the globe. And they are focusing on three key areas in improving the quality of higher education in CIS countries. Let's analyze these segments and see how it is improving the quality of education in CIS region.Increasing International AppealCIS countries are now focusing more on the internationalization of education in the region and this is further highlighted in the fact that last year in Russia, the government expenses for services offered by HEIs reached 385,000 Russian rubles per student. And Belarus with their project titled- "Belarus - Higher Education Modernization" is aiming to improving the learning environment in the country. While these two are just some of the examples, there has been a palpable shift in focus when it comes to internationalization of higher education in CIS countries. The inception of more international relations departments in many universities in the region can also be seen as a welcoming change. While some might not understand the significance of independent international relations departments in educational institutions, these entities engage in expanding international partnerships which allows for faculty and student exchange programs, dual degree courses, and collaborative research. Most of these international tie-ups are happening with other educational institutions in Europe as well as Asia. The significant increase in the number of English taught programs in CIS universities can also be seen as a clear change in focus of these institutes in becoming a more appealing study destination for international students. And by doing so, educators and policy makers in the region aspires to climb the list of top international study abroad destinations in the world.THE CHANGING LANDSCAPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CIS COUNTRIESFOCAL POINT
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