In 2016, residents of Almaty formed a human chain to rescue a dog and its owner who had become trapped in a river. Ten years later, in March 2026, an art installation commemorating the dramatic rescue was unveiled on the Ulken River, which flows into the Sairan Reservoir, one of the city’s most popular recreational areas.

The sculpture stands near the site of the incident. The dog had fallen into the water and was unable to climb out because of the steep riverbanks. Its owner climbed down in an attempt to help but also became stranded. Witnesses then joined forces to pull them to safety. A video of the rescue quickly went viral, reportedly attracting about 15 million views on the Daily Mail’s Facebook page and a further 6.5 million views across other social media platforms. International television networks also covered the story.

The installation depicts a chain of people holding onto one another, symbolizing solidarity and mutual assistance. The hand of the final figure extends beyond the fence, allowing visitors to grasp it and symbolically take part in the rescue. City officials said the sculpture was funded by private donations. According to media reports, the identities of the individuals who took part in the rescue remain unknown.

“The concept of the installation is based on the ideas of mutual aid, solidarity, and unity. The composition shows figures linked in a chain, symbolizing support and collective action in overcoming difficulties. It is inspired by an image that resonated widely with the public and reflects values close to every resident,” an official statement said.

Still from the 2016 rescue video

The installation was created by Yerbosyn Meldibekov, a prominent contemporary artist from Kazakhstan whose works are held in museum collections in Antwerp, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other cities.

This is not the first time that acts of animal rescue in Kazakhstan have inspired artistic tributes. In 2019 in Almaty and in 2020 in Karaganda, murals were painted on residential buildings in memory of forestry inspector Yerlan Nurgaliyev, who was killed by poachers. The murals depict him holding a rescued saiga calf and are based on a photograph that went viral after his death.

The incident took place in January 2019 in the Karaganda Region. Game wardens Pyotr Nitsik and Yerlan Nurgaliyev were pursuing poachers illegally hunting saiga antelopes when they were attacked. Nurgaliyev was killed, while his colleague survived with serious injuries. The perpetrators were later detained. Nurgaliyev was posthumously awarded the Order of Barys for bravery and self-sacrifice in the line of duty, and Nitsik also received a state award.

An increasing number of students in Kazakhstan are considering education abroad. For some, it offers access to high-quality academic programs; for others, it provides opportunities to gain international experience, learn new languages, and improve career prospects. Interest in foreign universities is growing among school graduates and their parents, who increasingly view overseas education as an investment in their children’s future.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, 678,100 students were enrolled in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, data from the International Trade Administration indicate that more than 90,000 Kazakhstani citizens are currently studying abroad. 

Sanzhar Uvashev, an employee of InterPress Abroad, a company that assists applicants seeking admission to foreign universities, spoke about the factors influencing students’ choices and the opportunities offered by international education.

TCA: Tell us about your work. What does your organization do?

Uvashev: Our company helps students apply to universities abroad. We support applicants in selecting academic programs, preparing documents, and navigating the entire admissions process. One of our distinguishing features is that we are not limited to a specific list of partner institutions or countries. We can assist students in applying to a wide range of universities, depending on their individual preferences.

TCA: Which countries are currently the most popular destinations?

Uvashev: We work with a broad range of destinations, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, as well as countries across Europe and Asia. Recently, students have shown greater interest in exploring multiple options rather than focusing on a single country. Some prioritize studying in an English-speaking environment, others seek more affordable tuition, while some focus on scholarship opportunities and employment prospects after graduation.

TCA: What opportunities exist today for students from Central Asia to study abroad?

Uvashev: Opportunities are expanding. Many universities are paying closer attention to applicants from Central Asia, as international students contribute to a more diverse academic environment. As a result, institutions are offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and preparatory programs. Awareness of the region is growing, and with it the range of options available to students.

TCA: Why do students continue to choose the U.S. and other destinations?

Uvashev: The U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations because of its strong universities and perceived career opportunities. At the same time, countries such as Italy, Austria, and China are also attracting interest. Italy and Austria appeal to students because public universities there can offer relatively affordable, and in some cases almost free, education. China has gained popularity due to the quality of its universities, their rising positions in global rankings, and the availability of scholarships for international students.

TCA: Are there programs that allow students to study free of charge?

Uvashev: Yes. Students often inquire about scholarship schemes that significantly reduce tuition fees or cover them entirely. Examples include the Bolashak international scholarship program, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Erasmus Mundus. These initiatives provide talented applicants with real opportunities to obtain an education abroad, provided they are well prepared and meet the eligibility requirements.

TCA: Why do many young people want to study abroad?

Uvashev: The main reasons are educational quality, broader life experience, and career prospects. Many students want to gain international exposure and study in a competitive academic environment. Foreign universities often offer more practical training, modern teaching methods, and internship opportunities, which can significantly improve graduates’ chances of securing employment.

There is also a longstanding trend among young people to seek opportunities beyond their home country. For many, studying abroad is not only about education but also about gaining independence and new life experiences.

TCA: What challenges exist in Kazakhstan’s higher education system?

Uvashev: One issue is the limited level of international integration at some universities. Not all institutions have strong links with global academic networks, foreign faculty members, or extensive exchange and internship programs.

As a result, some students feel that local education may restrict their prospects, particularly if they aim to work in international companies or pursue careers abroad. The challenge therefore concerns not only academic quality but also how effectively the system prepares graduates to compete in the global labor market.

TCA: Do students usually return home after completing their studies?

Uvashev: Outcomes vary. Some graduates return and apply their knowledge in Kazakhstan, while others remain abroad if they find employment and are able to secure residence or work permits. Decisions about returning often depend less on personal preference and more on practical circumstances, such as visa regulations and career opportunities.

TCA: What changes would you like to see in Kazakhstan’s education system?

Uvashev: Greater involvement of foreign lecturers, more international internships, and expanded academic mobility would be positive developments. It is important that students can gain international experience not only by studying abroad for extended periods but also through exchange programs, joint research projects, and short-term study opportunities.

If such initiatives become more widespread, domestic higher education will also strengthen. Students will feel they can acquire modern, competitive skills without necessarily leaving the country for long periods.