Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (President Yang O-bong), which has been recruiting international students from countries across Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia, has now actively stepped up efforts to recruit students from Central Asia.

A delegation led by Jo Hwa-rim, Director of the Office of International Affairs at JBNU, visited Kyrgyzstan from the 29th of last month to February 3. They held close consultations with universities and related organizations on establishing a JBNU International Center, strengthening exchange and cooperation with local universities, and recruiting international students.

First, the delegation visited the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and met with Vice Minister Rasul Abazbekovich. They exchanged views on exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, focusing on the IT field, and on joint projects. 

They also visited Kyrgyz National University, Kyrgyz State Technical University, Eurasia University, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kyrgyzstan, the Korean Education Center, and the King Sejong Institute. 

Earlier, in September of last year, JBNU signed academic exchange agreements with the two universities, Kyrgyz National University and Kyrgyz State Technical University, pledging to cooperate and exchange.

In particular, Kyrgyz National University has a Department of Korean Language within its College of Foreign Languages and also operates Korean language classes within its Department of International Relations, indicating strong interest in the Korean language in Kyrgyzstan.

JBNU and Kyrgyz National University held serious discussions regarding Korean language training programs and participation in exchange student programs. They agreed to implement an exchange student program enrolling about 20 students annually starting in the second semester of the 2024 academic year. 

With Kyrgyz State Technical University, they discussed establishing a JBNU International Center to teach Korean language and Korean culture, and building a system in which students trained there would enter JBNU through programs such as a 2+2 dual-degree program and master's and doctoral programs. 

Additionally, JBNU and Kyrgyz State Technical University decided to first implement an exchange student program with about 15 participants per year starting in the second semester of the 2024 academic year. Considering the strengths of both universities, the program will focus primarily on engineering fields such as computer, information computing, and mechanical engineering.

The JBNU delegation also visited the Korean Education Center and the King Sejong Institute to hear about the various experiences and know-how those organizations have accumulated over recent years regarding recruiting international students. At Eurasia University and Bilimkana International High School, they promoted JBNU and carried out international student recruitment activities. 

With Eurasia University, through signing an agreement for exchanges in the field of nursing, they plan to promote a program that trains certified nursing assistants and caregiver aides using the closed Seonam University campus in Namwon. They will seek measures to ensure the program can lead to employment and settlement after graduation. This is expected to become a good model of mutual cooperation between a regional national university and local government.

As part of recruiting international students, JBNU also discussed with local stakeholders a plan to select a hub high school in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek and one in a regional location and to establish and operate a JBNU study-abroad class there.

Jo Hwa-rim, Director of the Office of International Affairs, said, 'Through this visit I was able to personally sense the high interest and enthusiasm of Kyrgyz students for Korea, the Korean language, and studying in Korea.' She added, 'We will certainly achieve JBNU's goal of attracting 5,000 international students by continuously expanding exchange and cooperation with major universities in Kyrgyzstan.'