Uzbekistan and South Korea are deepening their educational ties through innovative student exchange programs aimed at benefiting underserved youth. A memorandum of mutual agreement was signed on May 13, 2024, between Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT) and Gimcheon High School. This partnership aims to offer educational opportunities for students from socially vulnerable families.
The initiative allows for five selected students from Samarkand to study at Gimcheon High School, one of the prestigious educational institutions in South Korea. The participants will be supported by grants covering their tuition, housing, and living expenses, thanks to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of SIUT, Bakhtiyor Fazilov.
Following rigorous selection processes, which included IQ tests and evaluations of potential, the students chosen are Mavlonbek Rabbimov, Shohimardon Sharofov, Rabbim Ravshanov, Ozodbek Yuldoshev, and Umrbek Yuldoshev. These bright young minds will engage in intensive preparatory programs at SIUT, focusing on mathematics, English, and Korean languages from July 2024 until their departure for South Korea.
Three of the students are set to begin their studies at Gimcheon High School starting March 1, 2025, with the remaining two joining them later, as per the schedule. A visit from the Gimcheon delegation, led by Deputy Principal Lee Seong-min on February 21, reaffirmed the commitment to this partnership, highlighting the importance of educational exchanges for both nations.
Adiz Boboev, the acting governor of the Samarkand region, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "According to the agreements, students from socially vulnerable families will be able to study for free in South Korea for three years. Historically, Uzbekistan and South Korea share strong ties of friendship, and collaboration in education benefits both countries. We are always pleased to expand such initiatives."
Lee Seong-min echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "This program provides Samarkand students with additional opportunities to receive quality education in the Republic of Korea. We are always ready to welcome talented students from Uzbekistan." This highlights the proactive approach both nations are taking to improve educational access for underprivileged groups.
Educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea has been growing steadily, as evidenced by past initiatives and collaborations. SIUT's rector, Yusuf Abdullaev, mentioned plans for future competitions inviting more students from low-income families to apply for study opportunities abroad. "This investment not only empowers students but also strengthens cultural ties between our countries," he noted.
It is worth mentioning Gimcheon High School's long-standing tradition of inclusivity, accepting international students from diverse backgrounds, including China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The upcoming integration of students from Uzbekistan marks a significant milestone, being the first time students from the country will enroll at this school. This move signifies the breadth of opportunities available within the global educational framework.
With this newly established agreement, both Gimcheon High School and SIUT aim to lay the groundwork for continual exchanges and educational partnerships, fostering mutual growth and cross-cultural learning. The response from the broader community reflects optimism about these initiatives, which promise to uplift students and tailor educational prospects for those who need it most.
The collaboration not only enhances individual student's futures but also contributes to the broader educational strategies of both nations, reinforcing their commitment to investing in human capital as part of global initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
Continuing this effort, future memoranda and agreements are likely as Uzbekistan and South Korea commit to enriching their educational portfolios. The developments herald promising avenues for more students, setting the stage for impactful educational transformations.