Turkmen Delegation Enhances Professional Qualifications at the University of Westminster Under the AELLCA Project
A delegation of faculty members from Turkmenistan’s leading higher education institutions – the International University for the Humanities and Development (IUHD) and Magtymguly Turkmen State University – completed an educational visit to London. The study visit took place within the framework of the British Council’s “AELLCA” educational project, aimed at improving the quality of English language teaching in Central Asia.
The professional development and collaboration program at the University of Westminster covered key tracks of modern pedagogy: “Inclusive Education and Institutionally Sustainable Practice”, “Sharing and Learning Best Practices”, and “Sustaining Ongoing Impact”.
During the intensive training modules, Turkmen specialists examined advanced British higher education methodologies in detail. Particular focus was placed on student-centered learning, inclusive teaching frameworks, support for multilingual student communities, and the adaptation of assessment systems in an era of rapid AI integration. Delegation members engaged in practical sessions, observed classroom dynamics, and held productive discussions with British colleagues specializing in pedagogical innovation.
The itinerary for the visit also included an introduction to the infrastructure of the London university. The University of Westminster is divided into four campuses: three located in central London and one in Harrow, a northern district of London situated a 20-minute tube ride from the city center. The Harrow campus houses the Business School, the School of Computer Science, and the Faculty of Media, Arts and Design. The historic heart of the university is situated right in the center, home to the main building on Regent Street. This campus includes the famous university cinema, which hosted the UK’s first paid film screening by the Lumière brothers. Another important location is Cavendish Campus. Each campus is equipped with its own libraries, computer labs, and dining facilities.
Representatives from Turkmenistan toured modern lecture halls, digital learning and research hubs, library collections, and specialized laboratories. A dedicated tour of the historic Westminster Law School – boasting over 150 years of history and renowned for its cutting-edge teaching methodologies and mock courtroom facilities – was arranged for the IUHD delegation.
Participation in the professional training served as a valuable contribution to strengthening international educational cooperation. The visit enabled Turkmen educators to acquire practical expertise that will support the ongoing modernization of the national higher education system, enhance language instruction, and drive the adoption of innovative technologies.
