DUSHANBE, February 29, 2016, Asia-Plus — This article by the University of Central Asia (UCA) is part of the series “Choosing a University” which explores the questions and opportunities students encounter when applying to university. This series is produced by the University of Central Asia, now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort of students in September 2016. The application deadline is March 19, 2016.
The article notes that at UCA you will complete a formal internship across three summers throughout your time earning a degree. This amounts to almost a year of full-time work experience even before you graduate, placing you far ahead of the competition from fellow graduates.
UCA’s curriculum is designed for a Central Asian context, in partnership with top international universities.
Some universities focus more on theory than practice. Practice-based curriculum is essential because it gives students the opportunity to gain transferable skills. You want to look for initiatives such as learning projects, case-method teaching, and lab work. These methods are at the heart of the UCA education.
Professors are critical facilitators to your learning. At UCA, 90 per cent of your faculty will have PhD’s and are dedicated to teaching you.
A low student to faculty ratio at a university is crucial. At very large universities, professors teach lecture halls of students at one time, and it is rare for them to know students personally. Studies have proven the superior benefits of learning in a small class with a qualified professor who can provide students personalized attention. UCA prides itself on the small student to faculty ratio (9:1).
In an increasingly global world, mastering the English language allows you to compete at an international level. But there is a difference between simply taking English courses and experiencing a fully immersive learning environment in English. While taking courses in English might help with vocabulary and grammar, being surrounded by English all the time is how you become fluent. This is a distinction worth confirming before committing to a university. UCA’s immersive English and fully residential campus life reportedly meets this highest bar for language education.
UCA, Central Asia’s first fully residential university, is committed to making world-class education highly affordable through generous scholarships and student soft loans.
The University’s first campus will open in September 2016 in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.
The second campus scheduled to open in September 2017 in Khorog, Tajikistan will offer Economics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The Tekeli, Kazakhstan campus is anticipated to open in 2019 and will feature concentrations in Engineering Sciences, and Business and Management.
The University of Central Asia was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University; ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of UCA and His Highness is the Chancellor.
UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies by offering an internationally recognized standard of higher education, and help the different peoples of the region to preserve and draw upon their rich cultural traditions and heritages as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network.
