Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | The Korea Aerospace University ‘2026 Summer Overseas Volunteer Corps’ has safely completed its entire schedule of educational volunteering and cultural exchange activities in Uzbekistan.

From July 21 to 31, the volunteer corps visited Tashkent Transport University (TSTU) and Bukhara University of Innovation and Medical Education (BIMU) for 10 nights and 11 days to operate education programs on aviation, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and Korean culture.

The volunteer corps consisted of a total of 15 members, including 13 students, Dean of Student Affairs Lee Sang-hak, and Professor Shavkat. Student Vice President of the Student Council, Ju Min-jae, served as the team leader, and Student Jang Hyun-jin served as the deputy team leader, leading the local activities.
This year, major-related education was further strengthened with support from the Korea Aerospace University's Aviation & Drone Business Group and the SW-Centered University Business Group.

Customized Education by Three Teams: Drone, AI, and Korean Culture:
The volunteer group conducted the program by dividing into three teams—the Aviation & Drone Team, the AI Team, and the Korean Culture Team—based on the members' majors and capabilities.
The Aviation & Drone Team introduced the flight principles and structure of drones, followed by precision control practice using FPV simulators. Local students experienced aviation technology firsthand by taking control sticks and manipulating the drones' movements.

The AI Team guided local students in constructing storyboards using artificial intelligence and producing short-form videos using the video generation platform Higgs field. Participating students learned the process of AI content creation by completing videos on topics related to their career paths and areas of interest.
The Korean Culture Team introduced the principles behind the creation of Hangeul and the structure of the characters. Local students naturally experienced Korean language and culture by writing their names in Hangul and creating personalized beaded keyrings.

Despite the sweltering weather approaching 40 degrees Celsius, the local students actively participated in each program. The volunteers also spent time connecting with them, transcending language and borders by making eye contact and laughing together.

High Interest in Korea Aerospace University Among Local Students:
According to the volunteer group, students from Tashkent University of Transportation showed a very high degree of interest in Korea Aerospace University.

Some of the students who participated in the local education program or supported the volunteer activities are scheduled to visit Korea this coming September to attend classes in the Department of Aviation Operations at Korea Aerospace University.

Group Leader Ju Min-jae stated, "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."

This activity was further significant in that Korea Aerospace University students not only shared knowledge and skills but also formed a lasting human network with the Uzbekistani students. “Sharing and Challenge: A Foundation for a Wider World”

The volunteer group began preparing for the program last June, conducting preliminary meetings, drafting team-specific training plans, and carrying out final training simulations.

Team Leader Ju Min-jae communicated with members and university officials to adjust the schedule whenever unexpected situations arose on-site, leading the group to ensure members could focus on educational and exchange activities.

Team Leader Ju shared his thoughts, stating, “The entire process of introducing Korea Aerospace University on-site on behalf of the school and students, and conducting presentations and official interviews in English, was an enjoyable challenge.” He added, “It was a valuable time where I learned responsibility as a leader and was able to grow to the next level.”

He continued, “I hope this experience of sharing and challenge serves as a solid foundation for the members to advance toward a wider world,” and added, “I will continue to contribute my efforts to ensure that the overseas volunteer group continues to offer meaningful educational and cultural exchange programs every year.”

The volunteer group also expressed their gratitude to Professor Shavkat, Dean of Student Affairs Lee Sang-hak, and the staff of the Student Affairs Office for supporting the on-site schedule, safety management, and inter-university communication. The Korea Aerospace University Summer Overseas Volunteer Corps is continuously developing its program based on the experience gained since 2023. This activity in Uzbekistan served as a venue for international exchange that broadened understanding and friendship between university students of both countries by combining educational volunteering utilizing specialized knowledge with cultural exchange.