On December 30, 2024, a Regional Online Information Day was held for Khorog State University named after M. Nazarshoev and the University of Central Asia in Khorog as part of the Erasmus+ program. The event gathered students, faculty members, and representatives from higher educational institutions across Khorog and other regions of Tajikistan. It served as an important platform for exchanging information about the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ program, and its impact on education, and for discussing ways to enhance collaboration between Tajik educational institutions and the European Union. As international educational initiatives continue to gain momentum, the Erasmus+ program opens new horizons for students and faculty and contributes to the modernization of education in the country.
Dr. Nakhatzoda emphasized the importance of the Erasmus+ program for the educational system in Tajikistan and explained how it contributes to improving educational standards, strengthening ties with European universities, and fostering long-term cooperation in academic and scientific fields. In her presentation, she focused on key aspects of the program, including academic exchanges, faculty development, student internships, and research collaborations. She also highlighted that Erasmus+ offers students unique opportunities to study at top European universities with scholarships, which significantly improves their professional prospects and promotes intercultural dialogue.
Additionally, Dr. Nakhatzoda emphasized the role of the Erasmus+ National Office in Tajikistan, which actively promotes the program, provides training, and offers consulting support at every stage of project implementation. She also shared successful examples of Erasmus+ projects in Tajikistan, including international internships and research collaborations, which have positively impacted the country’s educational development. These examples were particularly valuable for the participants, as they saw firsthand how the program has successfully been implemented and how it has positively influenced the development of the country’s educational and professional landscape.
Saidkosim Mukhtorov introduced the Jean Monnet initiatives, which focus on deepening the study of European integration and European studies in Tajikistan. He explained how participating in Jean Monnet projects enhances academic mobility and strengthens educational standards in the country. Mukhtorov outlined the procedure for applying for Jean Monnet projects, including the requirements and application process. He highlighted how participation in these projects not only improves education but also helps create educational and research centers focused on European studies, thus fostering greater academic and cultural integration with the European Union.

Mukhtorov also shared the long-term benefits of Jean Monnet activities, which provide scholars and students the opportunity to engage in high-level European research networks, enhancing their academic and professional expertise. He stressed that these projects not only contribute to academic development but also play a key role in building stronger international ties and collaborative networks between Tajikistan and European institutions.
Firuz Okhunov provided an overview of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) program, which offers Tajik students unique opportunities to study at leading universities worldwide with full scholarships. Okhunov emphasized that the EMJM program is not just about earning a master’s degree; it offers students the chance to study in multiple countries, which fosters intercultural exchange and broadens students’ professional horizons. He explained the structure of the program, the application process, and the benefits it brings, such as professional development, enhanced employability, and the opportunity to network with peers and professors from different cultural backgrounds.

Okhunov also detailed how students can apply to the EMJM program and how the involvement of multiple universities from different countries provides a rich, multicultural academic experience. He highlighted that participating in the EMJM program opens up significant opportunities for both academic and professional growth and is a crucial step in preparing students for successful
international careers.
At the conclusion of the presentations, a Q&A session was held, during which participants had the opportunity to ask questions about the application process, requirements, and the opportunities available through Erasmus+ programs. The speakers provided detailed responses, clarifying the process and addressing any concerns participants had about applying to the various Erasmus+ components. This interactive session allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the program and provided them with the necessary information to get involved in Erasmus+ opportunities.
Outcomes and Conclusions
The Regional Online Information Day was an important event for students and faculty members of Khorog State University named after M. Nazarshoev and the University of Central Asia in Khorog. The participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ and how it can support their academic and professional development.
The event demonstrated that such online initiatives are key to spreading information about Erasmus+ and expanding cooperation between Tajikistan and the European Union. These events contribute to strengthening educational ties, creating new partnerships, and opening up new opportunities for students and faculty to engage in international programs.
