UNJournal Lee Sung Jun | Korea Aerospace University has completed its 2026 Summer Overseas Volunteer Corps program in Uzbekistan, wrapping up 10 nights and 11 days of educational and cultural exchange activities in Tashkent and Bukhara that ran from July 21 to 31.

The delegation, comprising 15 members including 13 students, Dean of Student Affairs Lee Sang-hak and Professor Shavkat, visited Tashkent Transport University (TSTU) and Bukhara University of Innovation and Medical Education (BIMU) to conduct programs centered on aviation, drones, artificial intelligence and Korean culture. Ju Min-jae, vice president of the university's student council, led the group, with student Jang Hyun-jin serving as deputy team leader.

This year's program received additional institutional backing from Korea Aerospace University's Aviation & Drone Business Group and its SW-Centered University Business Group, allowing organizers to expand the major-related curriculum offered to local students.

The volunteers divided into three specialized teams to deliver the coursework. The Aviation & Drone Team introduced students to the flight principles and structure of drones before leading hands-on practice with FPV flight simulators, giving participants direct experience operating the controls. The AI Team taught storyboarding techniques and guided students through producing short-form videos using the generative platform Higgs Field, with participants completing projects tied to their own career interests. The Korean Culture Team introduced the origins and structure of Hangeul, the Korean writing system, and had students write their names in Hangeul while making beaded keyrings.

Organizers said local students remained highly engaged throughout the program despite daytime temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, with volunteers describing a strong rapport that developed with participants over the course of the exchange.

According to the volunteer group, students at Tashkent Transport University showed particular interest in Korea Aerospace University, and several of those who took part in the program are expected to travel to Korea this September to enroll in courses in the university's Department of Aviation Operations.

"Since the local students provided significant assistance with the volunteer group's education and activities, if we meet them again on the Korea Aerospace University campus, we will do our utmost to help them adapt well to life in Korea," said team leader Ju Min-jae.

Preparations for the program began in June 2025, with the group holding preliminary meetings, drafting team-specific training plans and conducting final simulations ahead of departure. Ju also managed communication with members and university officials throughout the trip to adjust the schedule as needed.

Reflecting on the experience, Ju said the process of representing the university on-site, including conducting presentations and interviews in English, was "an enjoyable challenge" that taught him responsibility as a leader. "I hope this experience of sharing and challenge serves as a solid foundation for the members to advance toward a wider world," he said, adding that he intends to continue supporting the volunteer program in future years.

The group also credited Professor Shavkat, Dean Lee Sang-hak and the university's Student Affairs Office for their support with logistics, safety management and coordination between the two institutions. The Overseas Volunteer Corps program, which Korea Aerospace University has run since 2023, is continuing to develop based on lessons from previous years, with this year's activities in Uzbekistan combining specialized academic instruction with broader cultural exchange between students of both countries.