The Government of Kazakhstan‘s Center for International Programs (CIP) manages the Bolashak Fellowship Program, to allow Kazakhstani professionals to carry out research and work-based training in other countries for a period of up to twelve months. The Program can include up to six months of prior intensive language training.

CIP and the British Council have concluded a strategic partnership to support the aims of the Program, amongst other objectives.

CIP urgently wishes to identify UK training providers for two specific areas of need, initially for the 2013 allocation of Fellowships, but also for subsequent years’ allocation:

Broadcast Technicians

Practical training in the UK for up to 20 broadcast technicians, in two or more groups, selected from commercial broadcast companies in Kazakhstan. The training will need to be provided in Russian, or through translation into Russian, and must last for at least 30 days (to meet funding requirements), and for up to three months. The specific areas to be covered can be suggested by the training provider. The earliest time for the training to start is February 2014.

International Negotiation

Training in the UK for up to 10 government officials / diplomats / diplomacy trainers in aspects of international negotiation. This could be as part of existing non-degree courses aimed at diplomats / international civil servants, but should include appropriate individual internships. The participants selected may have sufficient English, but some may need prior English language training (see next paragraph). The training can be offered for between one and twelve months. The earliest time for the training to start is February 2014.

All costs of the training will be covered by CIP. The Fellowship Programme can also fund up to six month’s English language training in the UK prior to Fellows taking up their main training. UK providers, who can offer this as well, are requested to propose the two options in their proposals, ie the Fellowship on its own and the Fellowship preceded by six months’ English language training. NB for this latter option, providers should assume that the broadcasters’ main training can then be delivered in English.