UzSWLU Hosts Meeting with Representatives of American Councils for International Education

UzSWLU Hosts Meeting with Representatives of American Councils for International Education

On June 18, representatives of American Councils for International Education visited the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages (UzSWLU). The delegation included Graham Hettinger, Director of the Higher Education Programs Division, and Dinara Seitnazarova, Director of the organization's representative office in Uzbekistan.

The guests were welcomed by A. Nasirov, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation; O. Yusupov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation; Kh. Yuldashev, Head of the International Cooperation Department; and K. Alimova, Lead Specialist of the department.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the activities of American Councils for International Education and discussed the organization’s projects in the fields of international education, academic exchange, language learning, educational research, and professional development.

The Council develops and implements a wide range of educational programs, including:

• Academic exchange programs;
• Study abroad opportunities;
• Foreign language instruction and language immersion programs;
• Professional development initiatives for teachers and faculty members;
• Professional training and leadership development programs;
• Educational research and assessment projects;
• International scholarship programs;
• University partnership and cooperation projects.

During the discussion, Graham Hettinger provided information about student exchange programs, particularly initiatives aimed at organizing language and cultural immersion programs for students from U.S. higher education institutions in various countries. He noted that similar programs have already been successfully implemented in cooperation with educational institutions in Russia, Tajikistan, and other countries.

The primary purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for U.S. students to participate in short-term Uzbek and Russian language and culture courses at UzSWLU during the summer break. The delegation also reviewed the conditions available for one or two American students to study the Uzbek language at the university for an academic semester.

Vice-Rector for International Cooperation A. Nasirov emphasized that the university has extensive experience in this area. He noted that language and cultural programs are currently being successfully organized for students from universities in Europe, Asia, and the United States, including the University of Arizona. He also expressed the university’s readiness to implement relevant programs in cooperation with American Councils for International Education.

The parties discussed the development of exchange programs for students and faculty members of U.S. universities, professional development opportunities for academic staff, the implementation of joint educational projects, and cooperation in other promising areas.

At the conclusion of the meeting, preliminary agreements were reached on launching student and faculty exchange programs, organizing professional development courses, and expanding international academic cooperation with American Councils for International Education.

This meeting will contribute to expanding UzSWLU’s international partnership network, introducing new educational programs for international students, and further strengthening the university’s international reputation.

Background: American Councils for International Education is one of the leading U.S. non-profit organizations working in the fields of international education, academic exchange, language learning, educational research, and professional development. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization has spent more than 50 years fostering mutual understanding among nations through education and international cooperation.