EMPIRICAL – THEORETICAL MODEL OF ACADEMIC INTERACTION: EUROPE – CENTRAL ASIA (using the example of the Al–Farabi Scientific, Educational and Cultural Center at St. Kliment Ohridsky Sofia University)

Abstract. The article presents a situational and chronological analysis of the academic educational situation in Central Asia from the point of view of European policy and the internalization of higher education. A conceptual empirical-theoretical model is proposed that describes the activities of the al-Farabi Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Center at Sofia University. „St. Kliment Ohridski“. Activities carried out in scientific, educational, and sociocultural terms are discussed. The European view on cooperation between universities in Central Asia and the Republic of Bulgaria in higher education is presented using the example of a university center. Keywords: intercultural dialogue and interaction, higher education, intercultural reflection, model, educational policy, educational strategies, European advisory, and policy documents.