University of Dundee students experience transformative Summer School in Kyrgyzstan

The University of Dundee Business School recently partnered with the University of Central Asia (UCA) to deliver an innovative two-week Summer School on Phone Simulation in Kyrgyzstan, providing students with an exceptional blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion.

Led by Dr Piotr Jaworski, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Dundee, ten Dundee students travelled to Central Asia for this groundbreaking educational experience. The programme, co-organised between UCA and the University of Dundee, exemplifies the University's commitment to providing students with transformative international learning opportunities.

The innovative structure combined online learning during the first week with intensive on-campus collaboration at UCA's Naryn Campus, where ten Dundee students (with one participating online) worked alongside ten carefully selected UCA students from Communications & Media and Computer Science programmes in five mixed international teams.

Academic Excellence through simulation and expert insight

The centrepiece of the academic programme was a ten-day intensive Business Simulation involving sustainable goals—five days online and five days on campus—that challenged mixed student teams to analyse market data, calculate market shares, establish KPIs, and make strategic decisions based on empirical analysis. The simulation culminated in presentations by all five teams, showcasing their strategies, results, and lessons learned. These presentations were moderated by Dr Elmira Kuchumkulova, Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the Naryn Campus and Dr. Piotr Jaworski. 

A programme highlight was a guest lecture by Dr Sebastian Stolorz, Aide to Chief Economist/Senior Vice President at the World Bank Group, who delivered insights on persistent global poverty, development challenges, and practical tools for understanding complex economic issues including the Middle-Income Trap. The lecture drew from his participation in preparing the World Development Report 2024 Middle Income Trap report.

Students also participated in a series of lectures by Dr Piotr Jaworski presenting key economic concepts: understanding the world through models, building economic models, and applying them to real-world scenarios.

Rich cultural immersion

The programme featured extensive cultural exploration that began even before reaching Kyrgyzstan. During their layover in Istanbul, students participated in a Bosphorus Tour, adding an extra dimension to their international experience.

In Naryn, students enjoyed guided tours to:

• Historical and Ethnographic Museum named after Kaken Mambetalieva
• "AS" Art Gallery showcasing regional artistic traditions

A notable moment occurred when Brian Njoroge was interviewed by Kyrgyzstan's main national TV channel during the gallery visit, highlighting the programme's visibility and cultural exchange impact.

Students also experienced Naryn's stunning mountain landscapes through guided tours and morning hikes, gaining authentic insights into local culture and the warm hospitality that defines Kyrgyzstan.

A field trip to Tash Rabat, a medieval caravanserai representing the last stop on the Silk Road before China, provided students with tangible connections to Central Asia's historic trading routes.

On the return journey, students visited Burana Tower, another ancient Silk Road monument. Their final day in Bishkek was devoted to understanding Kyrgyzstan's complete historical narrative:

• National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic for ancient and traditional history
• "Ata-Beyit" Memorial Complex for modern history, commemorating victims of communist occupation and terror and resting place of Chingiz Aytmatov, national Kyrgyz writer.

The trip resulted also in a gift for our University Library: Dr Kuchumkulova prsented UoD with two monographs, Kyrgyz Herders of Soviet Uzbekistan: Historical and Ethnographic Narratives and Cities of the dead , which resulted from the UCA research.

Transformative student outcomes

Participating Dundee students reported significant development in:

• Data analysis and strategic thinking skills through hands-on simulation experience
• Cross-cultural collaboration abilities working with international peers
• Global perspective on economics and development challenges
• Enhanced analytical capabilities for future marketing, sales, and business development roles

Hannah Ashraff captured the programme's impact in her LinkedIn reflection: 

Setting new standards for International Education

This Summer School demonstrates the University of Dundee's innovative approach to international education, successfully bridging theory and practice while using cutting-edge simulation technology to explore real-world challenges in communication, education, and development.

The programme's success reflects the University of Dundee's commitment to providing students with globally relevant, experientially rich educational opportunities that prepare them for leadership in an interconnected world.

Continuing partnership excellence

The successful collaboration between the University of Dundee Business School and UCA establishes a foundation for continued partnership, with both institutions committed to expanding opportunities for international academic exchange and collaborative learning experiences.

This programme serves as a model for how universities can create meaningful, transformative educational experiences that combine rigorous academics with deep cultural understanding, preparing students for success in our interconnected global economy.