Online NAIST briefing session for students in Uzbekistan （2021/06/02）

 On June 2, 2021, the Nagoya University Office in Uzbekistan hosted an online NAIST briefing session for Uzbekistan students.

 Uzbekistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia and used to be a republic of the Soviet Union. After its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has maintained a high economic growth rate with its abundant natural resources and large cotton production in irrigated farmland across the country. With the country's population of roughly 33 million, the largest in Central Asia, and a working age population of more than 65% of that total, further growth is expected. In addition, cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara are located on the Great Silk Road trade routes that led to ancient Nara and have World Heritage sites that attract tourists from all over the world.

 Dr. Masako Shimamoto, Global Engagement Officer of the Division for Global Education, began the zoom session with an overview of NAIST. More than 20 students and university officials participated in the briefing thanks to the support of Nagoya University Office in Uzbekistan, which disseminated information to the science and technology universities throughout the country. In the Q & A session, participants inquired about the English proficiency required for regular course enrollment and admission information. Specific questions concerning research fields and laboratories were also asked. Dr. Shimamoto virtually introduced NAIST campus and laboratories using the 3D campus created by our faculty (https://virtual.naist.jp/VRNaist/index-en.html), and received favorable comments from the participants.

 The Government of Uzbekistan has established a scholarship program to encourage students and researchers to obtain degrees abroad. As we look forward to the possibility of students from Uzbekistan coming to NAIST in the near future, the Division for Global Education will continue to actively hold NAIST briefing sessions and events in a diverse range of countries and regions.