OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN ATTRACTING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO UZBEK UNIVERSITIES
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, international students, higher education, challenges, internationalization, policy reform, global competitivenessAbstract
The globalization of higher education has created a competitive environment for universities worldwide to attract international students. For Uzbekistan, increasing the enrollment of international students is pivotal for enhancing the global standing of its universities. However, challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited internationalization strategies, and cultural barriers persist. This study examines the primary obstacles faced by Uzbek universities in attracting international students and provides strategic recommendations to address these challenges. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys with institutional leaders and focus group discussions with international students. The findings highlight the necessity of policy reforms, enhanced marketing strategies, and improved academic offerings to bolster Uzbekistan’s appeal as a study destination. Addressing these issues can pave the way for sustainable internationalization in Uzbek higher education.
References
1. Altbach, P. G., & Knight, J. (2007). The internationalization of higher education: Motivations and realities. Journal of Studies in International Education, 11(3-4), 290-305. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315307303542
2. Knight, J. (2015). Updated definition of internationalization. International Higher Education, 33, 2-3. https://doi.org/10.6017/ihe.2015.33.4917
3. Marginson, S. (2011). Global perspectives and strategies of Asia-Pacific higher education. The International Journal of Higher Education Research, 62(6), 587-607. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-011-9465-8
4. Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2020). National strategy for higher education development 2030. Retrieved from https://www.edu.uz
5. OECD. (2021). Education at a glance: Uzbekistan. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd.org
6. Sood, A. (2020). International student mobility trends: A global overview. Journal of International Education Research, 16(4), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.19030/jier.v16i4.10295
7. Bakhtiyorov, A. (2023). ACCELERATING EXPANSION OF DIGITALIZED HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEMS FOR CREATING BETTER LEARNING CONDITIONS WORLDWIDE. Open Access Repository, 4(3), 916-919.
