JBNU opens international center in Uzbekistan to expand academic tie

Jeonbuk National University has opened an international center in Uzbekistan to help Uzbek students pursue degrees in Korea and expand academic ties with universities in Central Asia, the university said Wednesday.

The JBNU International Center opened Oct. 23 at Renaissance University in Tashkent during a visit by a delegation led by Cho Hwa-rim, JBNU’s head of international affairs.

The center will provide admissions information and help prospective students connect with undergraduate and graduate programs at JBNU. Its services will be available to students across Uzbekistan, a university official said.

It will also promote Korean culture and Korean studies, host joint academic seminars and research projects, and provide a venue for cultural exchanges between Korean and Uzbek students.

During the visit, the delegation met with government officials and university representatives to discuss student exchanges, joint degree programs and collaborative research.

JBNU signed an agreement with Renaissance University covering student exchanges, joint undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as joint lectures by faculty from both institutions.

It will also support Renaissance graduates seeking to pursue graduate studies at JBNU.

A separate student exchange agreement with the International School of Finance Technology and Science will give participating JBNU students opportunities to undertake internships of up to one month at local banks.

With Turan University, JBNU agreed to expand exchanges in business, humanities and education. The two institutions plan to offer student exchanges and internships at local companies for JBNU students, while supporting Turan faculty members seeking doctoral degrees at JBNU.

The delegation also visited the Academy of Public Policy and Administration under the president of Uzbekistan to discuss cooperation in international talent exchanges and policy research.

“The center will serve as a foundation for nurturing talented students from Central Asia who seek to explore not only the Korean language but also a wide range of academic disciplines in Korea,” said Renaissance University President Marufjon Vakhobov.

JBNU President Yang O-bong said the partnerships would help attract international students and give JBNU students more opportunities to gain practical experience in Central Asia.

“Through the JBNU International Center, we will promote our educational capabilities and Korean studies while developing sustainable models of educational and research cooperation with universities across Central Asia,” Yang said.