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University of Victoria and University of Central Asia Collaborate on Innovative Co-operative Education Programme

The University of Victoria (UVic) and the University of Central Asia (UCA) signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month to affirm their intent to foster multi-faceted academic cooperation, faculty and student mobility, and joint research collaborations.

“UVic is excited to partner with the University of Central Asia as we develop new opportunities for international research, scholarship, and dynamic learning that will benefit students and faculty from both institutions,” said University of Victoria President Jamie Cassels. “We look forward to working with UCA to help them build a co-operative education programme that draws from the best practices that we employ here at UVic.”


Dr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of UCA’s Board of Trustees (left), and Professor Jamie Cassel, President of UVic, signing the agreement at the UVic campus.

UVic’s co-operative education programme is ranked among the world’s best and was chosen for its global reputation as a leader in this field. The work-integrated learning model allows students to apply theoretical classroom knowledge in a professional environment, and involves UCA faculty in programme implementation to ensure educational continuity. This practical learning exposes students to real-life professional experiences within their fields of study, across public, private, and community-based sectors. Learning takes place throughout the process, from seeking employment, to learning valuable interpersonal skills, to learning on the job, as well as participating in field studies.

“We are very pleased with this collaboration, as it will help ensure that the co-operative education programme at UVic is integrated into UCA’s rigorous academic learning model, as well as provide our students with professional job training skills and support throughout the work-immersion process,” said Dr Kassim-Lakha, Chairman of UCA’s Board of Trustees.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Norah McRae, Executive Director of UVic’s Co-operative Education Programme and Career Services, said “We are thrilled to be working closely with UCA staff to develop a strong co-op curriculum that will help students gain valuable experience in the workplace. Working in the community enhances the students’ classroom studies, and is a benefit to both the employer and the student—we look forward to sharing our insights."

About the Partners 

The University of Victoria

Founded in 1963, the University of Victoria offers innovative programmes for more than 20,000 students. Dynamic hands-on learning, research that makes a vital impact, and discovery and innovation in Canada’s most extraordinary academic environment provide an edge that can’t be found anywhere else. Every year since its inception in 2011, UVic has been recognised in the Leiden University Rankings for a greater proportion of internationally co-authored research than any other Canadian university. UVic also placed fourth in Canada for its proportionate research impact in all sciences—just behind the University of Toronto, UBC and McGill. Beyond the classroom, UVic is deeply immersed in the life of communities around the world. With civic engagement a key part of its mission, their faculty, students, and staff walk side by side with community partners in Canada and abroad, tackling together the essential issues that matter to people, places, and the planet.

University of Central Asia
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000. The Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan and His Highness the Aga Khan signed the International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University, which was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of UCA and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education and helping the different peoples of the region to preserve and draw upon their rich cultural traditions and heritages as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org.