UCA and Soonchunhyang University Strengthen Partnership with New Student Exchange and Mobility Agreement

The University of Central Asia (UCA) continues to strengthen its partnership with Soonchunhyang University (SHU), Republic of Korea, through the signing of a Student Exchange and Mobility Agreement under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The collaboration began in October 2018, when 18 SHU students led by Professor Young Gwan Lee visited Kyrgyzstan, including UCA’s Naryn campus, and took part in joint academic and student activities. The partnership was formalised in March 2019 with the signing of the first MoU by Dr Byung Wook Yoo, Dean of SHU’s School of Global Education and Exchange, and Dr Diana Pauna, Dean of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences.

Our academic cooperation continued in July 2024, when three SHU students from the Department of Global Cultural Industry conducted a project in Kyrgyzstan. They presented their findings at UCA’s Central Office and visited the Naryn campus.

Under the current agreement, the two institutions will promote a range of academic and educational initiatives, including the exchange of students, academic information and publications, and other academic activities as mutually agreed by both parties. The agreement also supports placing visiting scholars and creating internship opportunities for students.

In a recent visit to Bishkek, 15 SHU students took part in joint academic and project-based activities with students from UCA and the International University of Kyrgyzstan (IUK). The programme included collaborative project work hosted at the IUK’s start-up centre - UNexus Hub, as well as site visits to partner universities and healthcare institutions. The visit concluded with joint project presentations held within the framework of the Global Capstone Design Competition, followed by an awards ceremony. Students also visited UCA’s office and participated in a cultural programme introducing them to Kyrgyzstan’s history and traditions.

This new agreement reflects UCA’s commitment to expanding international mobility, enriching academic experiences, and fostering cross-cultural collaboration for students and faculty across the region and beyond.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) has strengthened its collaboration with Soonchunhyang University (SHU) of the Republic of Korea through the signing of a new Student Exchange and Mobility Agreement under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was formalised during an official visit by an SHU delegation led by President Dr. Byeong-kug Song, together with UCA Rector Professor Christopher Gerry, on 29 January 2026.

The partnership between UCA and SHU began in 2018, when SHU students first visited UCA’s Naryn campus as part of a study tour. The collaboration was formalised with the signing of an MoU in 2019 and has continued to grow, including a project undertaken by three SHU students from the Department of Global Cultural Industry to promote tourism in Kyrgyzstan.

As part of the current visit, students from UCA, SHU, and the International University of Kyrgyzstan (IUK) are participating in a programme that includes an event at IUK’s UNexus Hub start-up centre, visits to partner universities and healthcare institutions, and collaborative project work focused on modernising healthcare in Kyrgyzstan. These projects form part of the Global Capstone Design Competition, which will culminate in an awards ceremony on 30 January 2026, where a panel of judges will select the best team.

SHU students also had the opportunity to visit UCA’s Bishkek office, where they gained insight into the University’s academic programmes, initiatives, and institutional activities.

The newly signed agreement expands opportunities for student exchanges, internships, visiting scholars, and broader academic collaboration, reinforcing UCA’s commitment to cross-cultural learning and international mobility.