Reason: I'd like to learn if the Kazakhstani youth know about this movement, which gives opportunities to exchange used books and read more books without spending a lot of money on new books. I first learned about this movement when I studied in the US, but then I found out that it came to Kazakhstan. For example, I saw two book exchange places in the Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen and along Abay Avenue. However, I am not sure if many young people know about bookcrossing.

Research question: "Are young people in Almaty aware of the bookcrossing movement?"

Article: I have found a newspaper article, which I am planning to use in my research.

Reason: I choose this topic as a movies enjoyer. The streaming platforms have significantly changed the way people watch films. A lot of people enjoy the services that streamings are offering and prefer to watch movies at home instead of going to a movie theater, which can impact the theaters and traditional cinema. This topic is relevant, since the streaming platforms are continuing to grow. Understanding their influence can let us understand how the movie industry is evolving.

Research Question:

1. What challenges do traditional movie theaters face because of streaming platforms?

2. How have streaming platforms changed audience viewing habits?

3. Can movie theaters adapt to the rise of streaming services?

Reason: I chose this topic because cashless payments are a major part of everyday life for students in Almaty. Most students rarely use cash and instead rely on digital payment systems, especially Kaspi Bank, for QR payments, transfers, online shopping, and installment plans.

As a finance major, I am interested in understanding how financial tools influence real consumer behavior, not just theory. Since I personally use these payment systems, this topic is both relevant and personalized.

This topic also allows me to apply basic concepts of behavioral finance to real-life financial decisions made by students.

Research questions:

Main question:

- How does the use of cashless payment systems, particularly Kaspi Bank, influence the spending behavior of university students in Almaty?

Supporting questions:

- Does the convenience of Kaspi QR payments reduce awareness of spending?

- How do Kaspi Red installment payments affect students’ budgeting and saving behavior?

- Are students who use cash more likely to track and control their expenses?

Newspaper article: https://thefintechtimes.com/from-nomad-trails-to-digital-rails-kazakhstans-banking-revolution/

Reason: I chose this topic, partly, because it touches my own interests - me and my family members have been using electronic books for plenty of years. Nevertheless, in modern literature world the use of e-books is very questionable. It has already become a source of debates - whether to read printed or electronic books. Hence, I would like to find out which way of reading is actually more popular among people living in Kazakhstan and what makes them choose one or another side.

Research question: "Why people in Kazakhstan opt for electronic or printed books?"

Article: I have found a journal article, which I am planning to use in further stages of my research.

Reason: chose this topic because many young adults in Kazakhstan face daily stress from studying, work, and fast-paced city life, and they need healthy ways to cope with emotions. Modern dance is a specific type of physical activity that combines movement and self-expression

Research question: How does modern dance help young adults from Kazakhstan reduce stress and transform emotions into positive psychological well-being? I also find this topic personally meaningful because I have been involved in sports since childhood, and I am interested in how movement can transform emotions into a more positive psychological state.

Article:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/how-dance-boosts-brain-and-mood

Reason: I decided upon this topic as it is a very intricate matter in Kazakhstani contemporary society, of which people are frequently not aware. Recently I discovered an article that brings up the mother-daughter bond and how mothers set specific expectations on their daughters' body, in order for it to be "socially acceptable". After reading it, I recalled that most of the girls with ED, with whom I am acquainted with, claim that it was their mothers constantly criticizing their looks, resulting in them being sick. Indeed, it is quite relevant in Kazakhstan, due to the patriarchal society, gender norms, family honor and "bride value". I would like to examine this topic in depth and learn how exactly the process of societal norms' transmission operates from a mother to daughter.

Research question: How are body image norms transmitted from mothers to daughters among young women in Kazakhstan?

Article: I found an article that is related to my topic

The Role of Drawing and Art Therapy in Reducing Stress Among University Students in Kazakhstan

Reason:I chose this topic because stress is a common problem among university students. Drawing and art therapy are creative methods that may help students express emotions and reduce stress in a healthy way.

Research question:

How can drawing and art therapy help reduce stress among university students in Kazakhstan?

Reason: I choose this topic because in recent years Kazakhstan experienced inflation leading to higher prices for food, housing, transportation, and basic services. University students are especially at risk from these changes as they frequently depend on stable incomes as scholarships, parental assistance, or low-paid part-time jobs. Rising living costs can reduce student’s purchasing power, increase financial stress and negatively influence their academic life and well being. Studying this issue is important to understand how economic pressure affects students and to highlight potential gaps in student support policies in our country.

Research question: How do rising food and housing costs influence student’s daily expenses and study habits in Kazakhstan?

Article:https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/chasov-na-dorogu-700-za-sem-kvartiry-kak-zhivut-ne-poluchivshie-obschezhitie-studenty-v-almaty-i-reshaema-li-problema-/33556045.html

Reason: Id like to explore the popularity of cat cafes among peoples in KZ, particularly in Almaty. I have visited several time cat cafes in Karaganda and Almaty, and Cat Cafes combine food service with interaction with cats. I first learned about this through social media and examples from countries such as Japan and South Korea, where they are very popular. This topic is interesting for me because it connects culture, leisure activities, and attitudes toward animals.

research question: Are university students in Karaganda and Almaty aware of cat cafes and their concept?

What are the benefits of visiting cat cafes in this cities for university students?

Article:https://www.bluezones.com/2019/02/cat-cafes-help-reduce-loneliness-in-a-time-of-political-unrest/

Reason:I chose this topic because I believe that university is not only about studying and getting a diploma. At KIMEP University, students communicate with ambitious and well-connected people. Many students come from business, political, or international backgrounds. These connections can play an important role in future career opportunities. That is why I want to explore how networking at KIMEP can influence students’ professional success.

Research question:How does networking at KIMEP University influence students’ future career opportunities?

Reason: I chose this topic because I am a content creator on social media. By creating videos, I build my personal brand and become recognized by a wider audience. For example, I share content about psychology, education, English learning and already have 8,500 followers. In the future, as a psychologist, I can use my social media presence to share my services. By establishing a strong personal brand early, social media popularity can directly support career growth and open various opportunities.

Research question: How does content creation on social media help Kazakhstani students develop a personal brand and expand career opportunities?

Article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399570840_THE_INFLUENCE_OF_PERSONAL_BRANDING_IN_SOCIAL_MEDIA_AND_SELF-CONFIDENCE_ON_STUDENT_EMPLOYABILITY

Reason: I have my own experience in improving my mental state through sports. I've been involved in sports for five full years now. I believe that even more people will find their calling in sports, because it's not just about the physical body, but also about mental health.

Research question:

What techniques do Kazakhstani young people who exercises regularly in the gym find most effective for their own mental well-being?

Article:

https://gymgoals.org/mental-health-gym-programs-breaking-the-stigma-around-fitness-and-mental-well-being/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Reason: I chose this topic because cultural events related to the Francophone world (festivals, film screenings, competitions) provide Kazakhstani students with hands-on experience of French language and culture outside the university. I have an experience in participating at such events, I learn French for many years and find their culture and lifestyle interesting. I believe that these festivals increase interest in French, enhance understanding of Francophone cultures, and expand students’ international perspectives.

Research Question: How does participation in Francophone cultural festivals in Kazakhstan influence students’ motivation to learn French, French culture and create opportunities for international cultural exchange?

Article: https://astanatimes.com/2025/06/kazakh-french-festival-brings-spirit-of-exploration-and-cross-cultural-dialogue/

Reason: I chose this topic because music has always been a significant part of my life and the lives of people around me. I have noticed how different genres can shape moods, attitudes, and even the way people express themselves. Also, in the modern world, people argue whether music truly molds character traits or simply reflects them. I would like to explore how music affects people’s personalities, what kind of impact it has on their behavior and identity, and whether certain genres are more influential than others among people living in Kazakhstan.

Research question: How can music influence people's personality?

Article: https://www.verywellmind.com/music-and-personality-2795424

Reason: I chose this topic because it is connected to my life and my business. I want to talk about the inner world of my project, how I create clothing, and highlight young talents in Almaty. I will also share the challenges of balancing studies and work, my approach to building a team, and how I welcome people into the project’s community. The main purpose of this project is to inspire young people to follow their talents and believe in their path as creators and entrepreneurs.

Research Question:

1. How does a structured learning project affect student life and academic performance?

2. what difficulties arise along the way

Article: https://astanatimes.com/2018/09/young-kazakh-entrepreneurs-share-keys-to-success-lessons-from-failures/

Reason: I chose this topic because housing affordability directly affects the life opportunities and future stability of young people in Almaty. As apartment prices rise much faster than average salaries, many young adults cannot afford to buy a home without taking on long-term debt or financial support from family. This creates economic pressure, delays independence, and increases social inequality between those who can afford housing and those who cannot. Studying this issue helps us understand a social problem of how housing affects when people start families, where they work, their mental well-being, and whether they choose to stay in Kazakhstan or move abroad.

Questions:

1. How does the inability to buy housing affect young people’s decisions about marriage and starting a family?

2. Does housing unaffordability increase financial dependence of young adults on their parents?

3. How does long-term mortgage debt affect the quality of life and stress levels of young families?

Article: https://dknews.kz/en/articles-in-english/380616-housing-prices-are-rising-faster-than-inflation-what

Reason: I chose this topic because I am an international student in my first year at KIMEP University, and living with my roommate has significantly influenced my daily routines, study habits, and social adaptation. My experiences made me curious about how roommates and dormitory environment affect other international students’ academic performance and social comfort, especially when adapting to a new culture and university life.

Research question: How do roommates and the dormitory social environment influence the academic performance and social adaptation of international students at KIMEP University?

Article: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/dec/17/students-uk-university-halls-isolated-lonely-poll-shows?utm_source

Reason: Every student counts on finding a decent job that will fulfill all of their inner desires after they graduate. Young people tend to exhibit great ambition and determination when it comes to pursuing the goals they have set for themselves. Unfortunately, there are lots of university graduates who struggle with choosing the place of occupation, whether due to lack of academic interests or deep personal problems, which can be influenced by global or local economy. Kazakhstan is not an exception in the rule. Although it has a below average unemployment rate, some more specific data shows that efficient employment is not included in the statistics. Moreover, according to different researches, the inability to find a job that matches a person’s interests is not a rare occurrence in Kazakhstan and that causes people to lose motivation, increasing the NEET rate. I believe, that young people need to be provided with more opportunities, as they are an essential part of every country’s future.

Questions regarding the research:

1) What is the reason behind such problems in our country?

2) What can increased unemployment lead to?

3) What can universities do to contribute to resolving the issue?

Articles/Sources:

https://en.orda.kz/behind-the-numbers-the-hidden-problems-in-kazakhstans-job-market-6932/

Research question: How have Pixar animated films influenced the values of Kazakhstani youth, particularly their attitudes toward dreaming, failure, and finding meaning beyond success?

Reason:

I chose this topic because during my globalization course, I heard an idea that helped me clearly understand something I had felt for a long time but could not fully explain. Animated films are one of the most powerful ways to influence children.

I started thinking about why even as children we are often very different from our parents. I also noticed that my younger cousin, who is 13 years younger than me, has a completely different worldview and behavior compared to my younger brother and sister. Of course, this can be explained by many factors such as different environments, personalities, parenting styles, and time periods. However, I believe that the animated films we watch from childhood, and continue to watch as we grow up, play an important role in shaping who we become.

I am a big fan of Pixar Animation Studios, not only because they break traditional stereotypes and clichés, but also because they include a deep philosophy in each of their films. Pixar characters are not princes, princesses, or heroes who are special because of their status. Instead, they are ordinary, average characters who decide to change their lives, and through this choice, they become special.

I chose this topic because Pixar films have supported me for many years. They taught me not to give up and helped me believe that even if I do not achieve success or reach my dreams in the way I originally planned, I will still be able to find my own place and meaning in life.

Article: https://badgerherald.com/artsetc/art/2021/02/10/importance-of-pixar-movies/

I am interested in this topic because many students do not get enough sleep, especially during the exam week. Sleep affects our health, mood, and learning.

How does sleep affect students’ academic performance?

If students understand the importance of sleep, they can improve their learning and overall well-being.

Article for the research project

The University of British Columbia

https://students.ubc.ca/health/health-topics/sleep-success/

Reason: I chose this topic because traditional Kazakh food is not only about eating, but also about culture. In modern society, especially among young people, fast food and global cuisines are becoming more popular, so I wanted to explore how traditional food is still preserved and what role it plays in keeping cultural traditions alive.

Research questions:

• How does traditional Kazakh food help preserve cultural identity in Kazakhstan?

• Do young people prefer traditional food or modern fast food, and why?

Article: https://globalvoices.org/2024/01/11/kazakhstans-national-identity-is-deeply-connected-to-its-food-culture/

Reason: I chose this topic because horses have been part of my life since childhood. My interest in horse riding was passed down from my father, and I even attended equestrian camps when I was younger, where I learned to ride and care for horses. This personal experience connects closely with Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage, where horses have always played an important cultural role. Exploring equestrian sports in Almaty allows me to link my own story with a broader national tradition that continues to shape youth identity today.

Research question: How participation in horse riding connects young people in Almaty to Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage?

Article:

https://astanatimes.com/2023/04/horses-and-humans-ancient-bond/

https://tengrinews.kz/curious/priezjayut-samom-vkusnom-kone-verhovaya-ezda-novyiy-531255/amp/

https://madeniportal.kz/ru/news/budushhee-konnogo-sporta-v-kazaxstane-v-epoxu-texnologii