Film and Media Blog

PhD Student Aida Kuderinova Completes Research Internship at Tallinn University

Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School recently welcomed Aida Kuderinova, a third-year PhD student from L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Kazakhstan), for a one-month remote research internship conducted from November 3 to December 2, 2025. The internship was supervised by Dr. Anastassia Zabrodskaja, Professor of Intercultural Communication.

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Throughout the program, Ms. Kuderinova demonstrated strong academic commitment and actively contributed to the intellectual environment of the school. Her internship centered on advancing her doctoral research, 鈥淭oponymic Landscape Transformation: Processes of Nomination and Renomination,鈥 which explores how place names evolve and what these transformations reveal about cultural, political, and linguistic dynamics. The topic holds particular relevance in contemporary sociolinguistic studies, as toponymic practices increasingly reflect broader societal changes, identity negotiations, and historical memory.

As an institution with a strong international orientation, the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School actively fosters cross-border academic cooperation and supports research initiatives that engage with global cultural and communicative processes. BFM regularly welcomes visiting scholars and collaborates with partner universities worldwide to advance interdisciplinary research in media, communication, and the arts.

During her internship, Ms. Kuderinova participated in in-depth research consultations and scholarly discussions that provided valuable insights for strengthening her dissertation work, while simultaneously continuing to develop her research on toponymic landscapes and their socio-cultural implications. She also contributed to the preparation of a scientific publication in her field and delivered a guest lecture on the cultural and linguistic landscape of Kazakhstan, offering participants of the Intercultural Communication course a meaningful perspective on Central Asian sociolinguistic contexts.

 

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Her presentation sparked engaging dialogue among students, further enriching the academic exchange. Her involvement not only enhanced her own academic development but also contributed new regional perspectives to the BFM community, enriching ongoing conversations around language, identity, and cultural transformation. Her participation also highlights the value of remote internships as an effective tool for expanding global academic mobility, enabling meaningful scholarly cooperation regardless of geographical distance.

Both the host supervisor, Professor Anastassia Zabrodskaja, and the School Head, Professor Riho V盲strik, commended Ms. Kuderinova for her productive participation and her successful completion of all internship requirements. The collaboration initiated during Ms. Kuderinova鈥檚 internship is expected to continue through joint research activities, potential co-authored publications, and future exchanges between Tallinn University and L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

Tallinn University Baltic Film, Media and Arts School congratulates Aida on her accomplishments and looks forward to future academic collaboration with L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Her contributions during this internship embody the spirit of international academic exchange and reinforce our shared commitment to fostering global research partnerships that benefit scholars, institutions, and the broader academic community. By supporting such initiatives, Tallinn University continues to strengthen its role as a hub for innovative, internationally engaged research and education in the field of intercultural communication.

For additional information, please reach out to Dr. Anastassia Zabrodskaja, Professor of Intercultural Communication, Head of the MA Program in Communication Management, and Executive Director of the European Masters in Intercultural Communication, at anastassia.zabrodskaja@tlu.ee.