Chungcheongnam-do announced on May 8 that Governor Kim Tae Heum had met with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov of Uzbekistan and Minister of Higher Education and Science Innovation, Kongratbay Sharipov, on May 7 (UZB) to discuss attracting students from Uzbekistan.
During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s office in Uzbekistan, Kim expressed his hope that more students from Uzbekistan would come to universities in Korea and Chungcheongnam-do.
He added, “We plan to improve the system where students from Uzbekistan study in Korea and then return home. We will make it possible for them to earn their tuition and living expenses while studying abroad. Additionally, we will help them settle in Korea and work for good companies after graduation.”
Sharipov said, “Uzbekistan recognizes Korea as an important partner and friend. Governor Kim’s visit to Uzbekistan is a great opportunity to stimulate new projects.”
Chungcheongnam-do plans to provide a stable living environment for foreign students by setting up a foreign student recruitment center in the second half of the year. This will support Korean language education and information on living, studying, and visas in Korea.
Chungcheongnam-do is implementing a work-study program that allows foreign students to gain credit through on-site and job training during their studies. Additionally, the region is promoting a visa project that facilitates extending their stay by converting their student visas (D-2) to residence visas (F-2-R) after graduation.
On May 6, Kim received an honorary degree from Fergana National University.
Kim also asked Sharipov at the Ministry of Higher Education and Science Innovation building in Ukraine to “make it possible for more students from Uzbekistan to visit Chungcheongnam-do.”