Boynazarov Jahongir – student of the 2nd year at IETTSUC, his major “World economy”, Erasmus exchange student at Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.
Learning is a very interesting process that takes up most of your time and attention. In addition, learning shapes the future life path. Tashkent University of Information Technology named after Mukhammad al-Khwarizmi is one of the top universities in Uzbekistan. The University meets all the criteria of the educational process and student life. Firstly, it has the fourth level of accreditation, which means its high status and the possibility of obtaining a master’s degree. Secondly, this university has a very extensive system of study areas. Here at the Tashkent University of IT named after Mukhammad al-Khwarizmi, students can choose the necessary subjects voluntarily. I think that this is very good because there is a possibility of a suitable choice from many options. In addition, in this case, it is possible to enroll in another direction, while simultaneously studying in the main specialty. This opportunity is very useful, because nowadays sometimes one diploma is not enough to get a prestigious job, so more and more students are trying to study in several departments at once.
Rahmanova Dilnoza a 3rd-year student of the IET TSUC, specialty “Finance and Credit in FEA”, shared her experience as an Erasmus+ student at the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek (NUUz).
The National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek is considered to be the first and leading higher education institution not only in Uzbekistan but also in Central Asia.
Since I am Faculty of Economics and Innovative Technologies, of IET TSUC, I was assigned to the Faculty of Economics of the NUUz.
On the first day of training, we were introduced to the 8-story faculty. NUUz students study in groups with Uzbek and Russian languages of instruction. Studying there in the period from 18.04.2022 to 30.04.2022, I discovered a lot of interesting things in the field of economics, as well as in the culture of both the Uzbek people and the University in general.
I thank UNICAC Mobility and the International Relations Department of the IET TSUC for the opportunity to visit and study in Uzbekistan.
We had an amazing experience of trainings from 18.04.2022 to 24.04.2022 in the National University of Uzbekistan in Tashkent City. The aim of training was to provide the staff of International relationship offices and Foreign Languages Department with managerial expertise and specific skills in thematic areas related to the operative administration of international relationship offices and new methods of teaching in online and offline format and the development of internationalization.
Our training in 18.04.2022 started with welcome speeches of the vice-rector for international relations of NUUz, Raima Shirinova, representers of Host universities prof. Elina Wainio – LAUREA university (Finland) and me – Mutriba Ismoilova – IET TSUC in Khujand (Tajikistan) has welcomed all the guests.
During the first day we visited the Department of Uzbek linguistics of the Faculty of Journalism and the Faculty of Social Sciences Department “Ethics and aesthetics”. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the problems of Uzbek language and foreign language learning and teaching of social-humanitarian subjects and their solutions.
The second day was very fruitful too, we had meeting with UNICAC partners in the frame of program in topic: Development of Potentials for International Cooperation in Teaching/Learning/Research – 3.7 Pilot Testing: Mobility actions of students and professors. The consortium engaged attendees from the University of Torino (Italy), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University (Tajikistan), National University of Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan), and Tashkent University of Information Technologies (Uzbekistan).
During the meeting we discussed several significant topics such as internationalization in HEI. The internalization program is a response to the challenges and needs that globalization brings more specifically the globalization of education. This achieves due to academic programs such as the present project UNICAC. The meeting was purposeful with the opening speech by Nilufar Sadullaeva, local coordinator of UNICAC project, Raima Shirinova, vice-rector for international relations of NUUz, Aziza Abdurakhmanova, NEO Coordinator, Gulnoza Odilova “Gastronomy tourism of Uzbekistan”, Nadia Coggiola “The main features and accomplishments of UNICAC project”, Elmira Jandullaeva “Implementation of innovative ideas, technologies and projects”. I presented the topic about “Introduction to the Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University of Commerce: Challenges in Internationalisation of Research and Teaching” in this meeting
After meeting there was hold cultural program: Excursion around the NUUz campus.
The third day in 20.04.2022 we had online session with Italian Professor with the staff of Department “Ethics and aesthetics” it was very informative and interactive meeting.
In 21.04.2022, the program of the first training was evaluated by filling out a feedback survey and having an evaluation discussion.
Cultural Program: Visit to “Ethno cultural show”
Tour to Samarkand was held in 22.04.2022-23.04.2022, it was enlightening for all participants. We were in Samarkand which is one of the most beautiful and mysterious cities of Uzbekistan. It is one of the most ancient cities in the world and is the second largest city in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This is one of the oldest cities in the world and the central point of the Great Silk Road between China and Europe. Being the same age as ancient Athens and Rome, Samarkand has a thousand-year history.
This mobility became the great platform of experience and skills exchange in the international level for all participants in the frame of UNICAC program.
Starting from Monday, 18.04.2022 to Saturday, 22.04.2022-23.04.2022 a group of lecturers, members of IRO at the IET TSUC and the students of English groups participated in the UNICAC mobility program training under the supervision of UNICAC program in NUUz, Uzbekistan.
The training provided the staff of International relationship offices with managerial expertise and specific skills in thematic areas related to the efficient administration of international relationship offices and the development of internationalization. This learning module conveyed knowledge about networking, international networks, and cooperation agreements as well as funding opportunities for cooperation programs. The first day of the training started with welcome speeches of the vice-rector for international relations of NUUz, Raima Shirinova, representers of Host universities prof. Elina Wainio – LAUREA university (Finland) and Mutriba Ismoilova – IET TSUC in Khujand (Tadjikistan) has welcomed all the guests, introduced the university’s general strategy and mission, and expressed interest in cooperation with all partners. Afterward, Prof. Raima Shirinova continued with the Internationalization strategy and ongoing international projects. Mrs. Nasriddinova Maisara and Farangiz Komilova from IET TSUC expressed their gratitude to have the opportunity to take part in this training in Tashkent. They emphasized the general idea of UNICAC and how it could be beneficial for all consortia members. All of them wished for a very fruitful training at NUUz. Every participating organization presented her/his own institution and themselves.
In the course of the training project partners visited the Department of Uzbek linguistics of the Faculty of Journalism and the Faculty of Social Sciences Department “Ethics and aesthetics”. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the problems of Uzbek language and foreign language learning and teaching of social-humanitarian subjects and their solutions. Doctoral students talked about their scientific work and received interesting information on their topics.
The second day of the training (Tuesday, 19.04.2022) was devoted to increasing the potential for international and cross-regional cooperation HEIs. It served for better international networking, enhancement, and taking better advantage of collaboration. The consortium engaged attendees from the University of Torino (Italy), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University (Tajikistan), National University of Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan), and Tashkent University of Information Technologies (Uzbekistan).
During the meeting there were discussed several significant topics such as internationalization in HEI. The internalization program is a response to the challenges and needs the globalization to bring more specifically the globalization of education. This achieves due to academic programs such as the present project UNICAC. The meeting started with the opening speech by Nilufar Sadullaeva, local coordinator of UNICAC project, Raima Shirinova, vice-rector for international relations of NUUz, Aziza Abdurakhmanova, NEO Coordinator, Hikmat Saburov, vice-rector for scientific works and innovations. The plenary reports were presented by leading scientists from different countries: Zarina Rahmonova “NUUz IRO and University international relations”, Shahzoda Egamberdieva “NUUz and internationalization processes”, Nargiza Nurmuhamedova “Scientific potential of the NUUz”, Elina Wainio “Perspectives to Internationalization”, Mutriba Ismoilova “Introduction to the Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University of Commerce: Challenges in Internationalisation of Research and Teaching”, Gulnoza Odilova “Gastronomy tourism of Uzbekistan”, Malika Fayziyeva “El Yurt: opportunities for talented youth”, Nadia Coggiola “The main features and accomplishments of UNICAC project”, Elmira Jandullaeva “Implementation of innovative ideas, technologies and projects”, Hulkar Rahimboeva “Historical places of Uzbekistan”.
After the training there was an excursion around the NUUz campus.
On the third day of the training (Wednesday, 20.04.2022) there was a workshop seminar for students, they participated in various lessons, seminars at the Faculty of Foreign Philology. They engaged in activities provided by teachers. During the seminar the first minister of Higher and secondary special education Komiljon Karimov, heads of the international relations department, and project members took part in the event. In his speech, Karimov expressed his views on the internationalization of higher education institutions in the Republic, increasing the international rating, attracting foreign professors and teachers and foreign students, further expansion of international projects, and thanked the National Office of Erasmus+ for cooperation in the implementation of international projects. Lectures and presentations by Prof. Nadia Coggiola, Prof. Elina Wainio, Maisara Nasriddinova listened to this seminar training.
The next day (Thursday, 21.04.2022) the program of the first training was evaluated by filling out a feedback survey and having an evaluation discussion. The timetable and more detailed objectives of the ACTIVITY: Development of Potentials for International Cooperation in Teaching/Learning/Research – 3.7 Pilot Testing: Mobility actions of students and professors were also discussed. It seemed not to be clear to the participants what the contents and practicalities of different work packages were, the coordinators had to emphasize this more in the future. It was decided and agreed, that the participants list had to be prepared in prior and if it was not the previous participants from same workpackage, they needed to be informed about the project idea, scope and some summary from last training, so he knew participants could participate in trainings with some preparation.
After the training the participants of it visited “Ethno cultural show”
And at the end of the training – Friday-Saturday, 22.04.2022-23.04.2022 there was a tour to Samarkand.
On Monday, 25.04.2022 lecturers and staff members returned to the IET TSUC. The four students from the Institute have to attend classes at the Faculty of Economics in the Department “Of Economic Theory” for a week more.
Mr. Saidoqosim Mukhtorov presented an overview about the Tajikistan economy, included resources and needs for research and innovation activities.
Considering the huge amount of information regarding the RDI activities in different universities and their partner networks as well as the societal needs and rules and regulations related to RFOs, the seminar was exceptionally interactive showing high motivation to develop international RDI. Thanks to the available translation service, active participation of all participants was possible.
As wrapping up the results there were jointly composed a roadmap with concrete steps to enhance international RDI . Based on the previous sessions, both the IET TSUC (Institute of Economy and Trade, Tajik State University of Commerce in Khujand city) and Khorog University (Khorog State University named after Moensho Nasarschov) co-designed and introduced their roadmaps. The IET TSUC roadmap is in figure 1 and Khorog University’s roadmap is in figure 2. Both universities will continue developing and implementing their roadmaps.
Mr. Saidoqosim Mukhtorov – UNICAC institutional coordinator, presented UNICAC projects results. Emphasizing all the project highlights and impact in developing, boosting internationalisation at IET TSUC. The main achievement, the contribution of the IET TSUC was presented. In continue Ms. Mohinav Gaforova presented the results and impact of the UNICAC for the Khorog State University.
The day continued with getting knowing research potential and interest of Tajikistan, in particular for the IET TSUC, and KhoGU. The vice-director on research and international relations Dalerjon Mirpcohoev presented the research potential of the IET TSUC, main research areas, and challenges and opportunities. In details of currently research activities of the IET TSUC continued the head of the Research department Mr Farukh Kamolov. Also, the head of the newly established Research center Ms Ismoilova Dilbar has presented the mission, aim and strategy of the research center.
Tuija Hirvikoski made a presentation which the Helsinki EU office had prepared for the use of the seminar material also related to the EU funding opportunities specifically for the collaboration between EU stakeholders and Central Asian partners. It was emphasized that more information and other EU partners can be found from the Funding and Tenders Portal or by approaching the European University alliances. As a rule of thumb, for example, when searching for partners for a specific Innovation Action (IA ) call of the Horizon Europa programme, a one-pager making the RDI idea and its impact on global and regional levels clear would be needed to convince the international RDI community. Therefore, it is important to understand the key policy aims of the funding and the call in question. In addition, in the one-pager, one could justify why it would be important to involve Tajikistan in the consortium. Tajikistan’s economy and society, as part of Central Asia, would provide many RDI opportunities for example to test, or scale up and transfer the RDI outcomes more widely and meaningfully. With the help of the one-pager, the European researchers would become aware of those opportunities and the added value of the collaboration.
On the second day, representatives of local businesses also attended the seminar. From the point of view of business life, they presented how local and international research and innovation activities could be increased and, on the other hand, what kind of activities companies expect from higher education institutions.
Tuija Hirvikoski presented also Laurea’s RDI services. As the international RDI funding system is relatively complex and calls for persistence and professional know-how from its beneficiaries, Laurea has developed RDI services for its staffmemebers. Laurea’s administrative RDI system and services were introduced starting with how to create a consortium, find a funding instrument, understand what are the criteria for a winning proposal and how lead successfully an externally funded international RDI project. In addition, a video message from vice-president Mari Vuolteenaho was received with advice on when the research data should be opened and when it should be protected. The EU and OECD have been promoting Open Science and FAIRData for more than a decade, the openness of science, innovation and learning is becoming mainstream in Finland.
Workshop started with welcome speeches of the Host Institution Rector Hoshimzoda Homid Hasan.
With welcoming speech continued the vice-rector of the Khorog State University on research and international relations Ms Olga Sayfulloeva.
Dalerjon Mirpochoev, deputy director on research and international relations presented briefly Research and Innovations activities at IET TSUC.
Director Tuija Hirvikoski presented shortly the objectives and work plan for the seminar
There were discussed and shared participants’ individual roles, expectations and offerings related to the internationalisation of their RDI activities.
Tuija Hirvikoski presented as an inspiration, an example of how Finland as an EU member state benefitted from the Pan-European RDI collaboration. It was explained how the Finnish economy and society profited from multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary RDI collaboration among the higher education institutions (HEIs), cities, public players, corporations, SMEs and NGOs or CSOs
The Institute of Economy and Trade of TSUC is expanding international cooperation with foreign Universities to join the world system of science and education.
Last Thursday, on November 25, 2021, we completed a series of seminars within the framework of the UNICAC project. We recall that from 10.18.2021 to 11.25.2021, in the International Relations Department of the Institute of Economy and Trade of TSUC, together with Laurea University and UNICAC partners, was held online mobility for foreign students under WP3.7.2. “Multicultural and Multidisciplinary Professional”.
The seminar was attended by:
• Professor Tiina Wikstrom from Laurea University of UAS,
• Hoshimov F. Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences (IET TSUC)
• Sharipova S. Assistant of the Department of World Economy, (IET TSUC)
• Dr. Fengxin Yan from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University,
• Hasanova Nozima, National University of Uzbekistan,
The workshop program included presentations and group work.
As part of the opening ceremony, moderator Tiina Wikstrom greeted the seminar participants and made a summary of the whole courses we held during 8 weeks.
The general themes were:
• Understanding Culture and Diversity
• Cultural Competence and Globalization
• Sustainability and Resilience in the Future Working Life
• Sustainable International Business and Cooperation
• Future Leadership
• Technology and Project Work in Future Working Life
On these topics, the seminar participants gained good experience in the field of international culture, leadership, technology in the modern world, business policy, complex and innovative topics, globalization problems, and others.
During the seminar, Tiina Wikstrom delivered on the theme “We Live in a Complex World” and mentioned the following: “We live in a complex world, where we see ourselves from sustainable to resilience, and then we witness disaster in one country and peace in another. As we live in a complex world, we witness pandemic situations and see the quick global change in some counties there are draught, chaotic situations and in other people are dying of hunger. The solution might not be easy but we need to address to people”
After, some questions were asked for discussion in groups with foreign students:
– What are the complexities in my field of studies? Why?
– What are the complex situations in my home country? Why?
– How is nature relevant in my field of studies? Why?
– What does sustainability mean to me?
– Do you want to be a leader? Why?
– What are the biggest problems in your fields of studies or future work? What about solutions?
– Is technology important for your future? Why?
– Are interculturality and multiprofessionality important to you and why?
All participants discussed complexities in the field of study, leadership and from technology to the definition of sustainability and with other topics. Some points of view were mentioned on complexity, for instance as Boisot and MC Kelly said “It takes complexity to beat complexity” and “The only thing that is constant is change” by Heraclitus.
All participants enjoyed the process of discussion found out a lot of new and interesting information, gained new experiences, and shared their views.
At the end of the seminar, all participants expressed their opinions and left a good review for this event.
On November 18,2021, within the framework of the UNICAC project was held online mobility under WP3.7.2. «Multicultural and multidisciplinary professional».
7 MODULE Theme: Technology and Project Work in Future Working Life
The panel event was attended by Professor Tiina Wilkstrom from Laurea UAS, Lecturer Akmal Ibodulloev (Social Sciences dpt.), Institute of Economy and Trade TSUC, Tajikistan. Assistant Teacher of the World Economy, Shahnoza Sharipova, Institute of Economy and Trade TSUC, Tajikistan Saidqosim Mukhtorov Institute of Economy and Trade TSUC Head of International Relations department, Nozima Khasanova, National University of Uzbekistan, teacher at the department of Theory of Translation and Comparative Linguistics, Razokova Sarvar Officer of International Relations Department, and other UNICAC partners.
Professor Tiina Wilkstrom informed the participants about the topic of the seminar and made presentation on the given topic where she explained the importance of technology in this technology-dependent society we live. Later the topic went on about the use of Technology and the achievements of different countries in the sphere of technology especially the invention of robots in Japan which aimed at nursing the elderly people and so on. The representatives of different states explained the achievements of their country and all the participants got acquainted with the new information during the conference.
Also, Hoshimov F. expressed his thoughts on technology in future working life and stated: « Tajikistan is also paying huge attention to development in the sphere of technology in our country and the Leader of Nation, The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, respected Emomali Rahmon is funding the organizations to invent the new technologies. We can bring a clear example in the name of Azizjon Azimi who is the alumnus of Stanford and Harvard universities, who is the founder of Zypl.AI in Tajikistan who has opened the first “Artificial Intelligence” hub in Central Asia and he has built a product line which focuses on applying machine learning in underwriting credit to first-time financial customers».
During the event Professor Tiina Wilkstrom displayed the videos where the trust and interactions of people and technology were explained, where the participants got more information on new technologies which are ahead of us and their benefits. Also, the students discussed, shared and exchanged their views on strength, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of technologies in Finland and Tajikistan.
On November 4, 2021, online mobility under WP 3.7.2: “Multicultural and Multidisciplinary Professional” was held in the framework of the UNICAC project.
5 MODULE Theme: “Sustainable International Business and Co-operation”.
The next seminar was attended by Tiina Wiksrom from Laurea UAS, professor Nozima Khasanova from the National University of Uzbekistan, UNICAC project coordinator – Head of the International Relations Department of IET TSUC Saidkosim Mukhtorov, IRD officer Razoqova Sarvar, Lecture of World Economy dpt. Qobilov Sh., Assistant of World Economy dpt. Sharipova Sh., Assistant of Social Science dpt. Hoshimov F., Department of Human Sciences, Dr. Fengxin Yan.
Introduction by Tiina Wikström was about the Round Table takeaway, topic Afghanistan. She briefly delivered about the effects of the situation in Afghanistan on Central Asia. Proceeded with presentation Dr. Fengxin Yan of Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University on the theme: “Innovation and entrepreneurship education NWSUAF, China”. Then Tiina Wikström delivered a lecture on the theme: “World Circular Economy Forum 2021 Summary Report”.
At the end of the lecture was an interesting discussion about: What are the biggest challenges in your country related to:
-Nature
-Resilience (of people, groups, companies, society, etc.)
-Sustainability
-Globalization
-Business & Economy
-Future and exchanged their views, best practices, and best solution.
