Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Internationalization Competency Team conducted educational and cultural volunteer activities in Kyrgyzstan, taking steps to expand inter-university international exchange cooperation and to lay the groundwork for attracting global talent.

JBNU said that 25 members of the Internationalization Competency Team operated various educational and cultural programs at Arabaeva National University and the Bishkek Sejong Institute in Kyrgyzstan from July 2 to July 12, conducting exchange activities for local students and Korean language learners.

The team ran a range of programs at Arabaeva National University, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most prestigious universities, and at the Bishkek Sejong Institute, which has been selected as a top Sejong Institute for four consecutive years. Programs included Korean language instruction, taekwondo, traditional games, K-POP, and hands-on experiences of Korean culture.

Through these activities, participants were given direct opportunities to experience the Korean language and culture. The events also provided a forum for students from both countries to communicate and engage in global cultural exchange.

In addition, JBNU conducted recruitment promotion and admissions counseling introducing JBNU’s educational environment, support systems for international students, scholarship programs, and international exchange programs. The efforts increased local students’ interest in studying at JBNU and, it is assessed, helped lay a foundation for substantive international exchanges such as undergraduate and graduate admissions and exchange student programs.

This initiative served as an opportunity to establish an international educational cooperation model linking Arabaeva National University and the Bishkek Sejong Institute, and to create a sustainable basis for cooperation to expand student exchanges, operate joint educational programs, revitalize Korean language education, and increase recruitment of outstanding international students.

Jeong Gyu-hyeong, Professor, Department of Social Welfare, and head of the Internationalization Competency Team, said, “This activity was a meaningful time that not only developed the global competencies of JBNU students, the university ranked first in overseas student dispatch, but also strengthened the cooperative network between JBNU and Kyrgyzstani educational institutions. Going forward, we will continue to expand cooperation with local educational institutions such as Arabaeva National University and the Bishkek Sejong Institute, activate student exchanges and joint educational programs, and actively work to attract outstanding international students.”