The Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University held its “2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony” on the 13th at the Yulgok Hall Auditorium. A total of 70 graduates were awarded degrees from four departments.

The ceremony began with a report of academic affair, followed by congratulatory remarks from the Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies, a congratulatory address from the Chief of Education Division at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, conferral of thedegrees, conferral of the awards, and valedictory speeches by student representatives. Department chairs and faculty members of the Graduate School of International Studies, as well as officials from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea and the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan, attended the ceremony to offer their congratulations.

The 70 graduates who received degrees came from eight countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. The Department of International Business produced the largest number of graduates with 48 students. This was followed by the Department of International Trade (9 graduates), the Department of Civil Society (6 graduates), and the Department of International Development Cooperation (7 graduates).

In his congratulatory address, Dean Jang Byung-yoon quoted a poem by Korean poet Yoon Dong-ju, congratulating the graduates on their new beginnings. Shakhzod Kurbanov, Chief of Education at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, also took the stage to deliver his congratulations and words of encouragement.

Two student representatives then delivered valedictory speeches.

Ferdous Jannatul, a Bangladeshi student who received the President’s Award, said, “Studying at the Graduate School of International Studies gave me confidence in myself, and that time made me stronger. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of the professors and staff.”

Representing participants in the dual degree program between Ajou University’s Graduate School of International Studies and the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan, Toirov Saidjasirkhon remarked, “I cannot say that the journey to earning this degree was an easy one. The valuable experiences at Ajou University and every moment along the way strengthened me and enabled me to achieve my dreams.”

Meanwhile, Ajou University signed an agreement with the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan in 2022 and began operating a dual degree program. The program is designed for Uzbek government officials and employees of related institutions. Students complete two semesters in Uzbekistan and two semesters at Ajou University to receive degrees from both institutions. This marks the third graduating class of the program. Including this year’s 16 graduates, a total of 58 students have completed the program to date.