WESTMINSTER IN TASHKENT

Westminster is a proudly global institution, with a long history of international collaborations and partnerships. In 2002, the University founded the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) – the first international university in Uzbekistan to offer a Western-style education with UK qualifications.

Since opening in 2002 with 120 students, WIUT has expanded to now host over 3,600 students, each of whom contribute to the global diversity of Uzbekistan and the development of Central Asian communities as a whole.

We got in touch with Lobar Babakhodjaeva, Westminster alumna and Dean of Teaching and Learning at WIUT, to learn some more about the campus and the culture, and to ask how our partner university has fared during the pandemic.

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about Uzbekistani culture? “Uzbekistan is a sunny country, and the sun makes people kind and very welcoming. We typically like to host friends and guests, and those invited to our houses are treated with great respect. In Tashkent, the majority of the population are youngsters, but respect towards older people is in the blood. Uzbek cuisine is also delicious. It is a mixture of Uygur, Russian and Asian food. The best kind is the street food, which ranges from very cheap and nice to expensive and luxurious.”

What is your role at the University? “I have been working at Westminster International University in Tashkent in a number of different roles for the last 15 years. The experience has given me a deep insight into the teaching and learning approaches employed in the Western educational system.

“I’ve grown professionally and learnt a lot from working with my colleagues on different educational issues. As a member of the WIUT-UoW Partnership Board, it’s a pleasure to be engaged in the ongoing development of the unique transnational education partnership between our universities.

“During my academic career, my responsibilities have included those of Course Leader, Head of Research, Deputy Dean and now Dean of Teaching and Learning for the last two years. This position has given me the opportunity to develop support for student learning and the growth of graduate attributes, which is essential in the rapidly changing external environment.

“As a Dean of Teaching and Learning, I hold responsibility for over 3,500 students including 1,200 at International Foundation Certificate level, over 160 academic and administrative staff and more than 40 part-time visiting lecturers. My responsibilities comprise all aspects of strategic planning for the future growth and resilience of the Faculty.”

In your opinion, what makes WIUT special? “WIUT is a young and growing institution, which has already gained a high reputation internationally, as well as in the region. It’s very dynamic in its nature, but the students are what makes it special – they organise lots of clubs and social events, which makes life on campus much more interesting. We believe we not only teach them, but learn with them how to be creative, critical thinkers; to see the issues and solutions outside of the box.

“My favourite place on campus is the Library or Learning Resources Center. It’s big and spacious, with open shelves and lots of social space for student learning. It’s informal, welcoming, and an environment where you have the freedom to learn the way that suits you. It’s loved by both staff and students.

“Tashkent itself is very diverse, which is reflected in the art scene. For example, you can visit modern and classical theatres, pop concerts or art exhibitions of handmade objects. As a capital city, Tashkent has gone through major renovations lately, but you still can find old houses made from clay in the heart of the city, next to the modern, spacious business centres.

In what ways has WIUT been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? “The pandemic caught us at the end of Semester Two, so we were lucky to complete all main activities face-to-face, before moving quickly online. There were some students in rural areas who unfortunately had difficulties with access to technology, but we were still able to deliver learning and assessments online. I was quite amazed at how quickly we transitioned, and I feel very proud of my colleagues who have been creative and accommodating in their online delivery to students.”