It is not without reason that they say that language is the basis of society, the primary means of communication, reflecting the spirit of the people, one of the state symbols, and a national spiritual value. Language was formed in connection with the need for dialogue, during which humanity’s innovations, the fruits of thinking, are realized. Language is carefully preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

Today, in Uzbekistan, special attention is paid to the quality education of young people, teaching foreign languages and professions. The youth of New Uzbekistan strives for deep mastery of foreign languages and studies the lifestyle and traditions of other peoples. Many such young people are in the Academic Lyceum of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.

This lyceum, which has a 20-year history, is located in the center of the ancient city and is considered the only professional educational institution specializing in teaching foreign languages. 

The territory of the educational institution has modern buildings equipped with a suitable material and technical base, teaching foreign languages (English, German, French, Korean, Chinese, Russian) and humanitarian subjects.

Here is what local and foreign experts and professors who arrived from various countries say about the lyceum:

Fazliddin Ruzikulov, Acting Rector of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages:

– The Academic Lyceum is an educational institution that trains the best students for the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages. Lyceum graduates who entered the Institute are distinguished by their depth of knowledge and desire for science. It should be recognized that among the students who achieve high results, the majority are graduates of the lyceum.

To improve the quality of education at the academic lyceum, appropriate practical work is carried out in collaboration with the teachers of the Institute. For example, this is an IT office created by the Institute, a “Rector’s Scholarship” assigned to students, and material incentives for the most worthy teachers. Future lyceum graduates are taught by qualified foreign and local teachers working at the Institute.

The Institute staff speaks positively about the transformations being carried out at the lyceum and innovative projects carried out jointly with prestigious universities in foreign countries.

Giuseppe Andrea Sapienza, Vice Rector of UDEA, Professor at Coventry University (UK):

– The Academic Lyceum of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages cooperates with more than 20 foreign and local educational organizations. Cooperation with the universities of England, Germany, Türkiye, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan is getting stronger yearly. Summer schools and seminars for teachers are being organized with the assistance of partners.

Boburjon Abdurazzokov, Executive Director of the Academic Lyceum:

– We should be proud that dozens of our students have achieved high results in Science Olympiads and prestigious national and international competitions, defending the honor of our Lyceum and the entire country.

Considering that every student is the owner of their future, a person who builds the country’s bright future, we strive to give them good knowledge and increase their potential. We are all working together on this path. Our main goal is to prepare harmoniously developed young people who can contribute to society’s development.

Qin Feng, Chinese language teacher (China):

– Together with foreign partner organizations, the activity of foreign teachers has been established at the academic lyceum. Experts from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China, and South Korea visit to hold seminars for students. Teachers from China and South Korea were regularly involved in the teaching process.

In this educational institution, much attention is paid to studying the traditions and culture of different peoples. Thematic events are held regularly. All conditions have been created for teaching foreign languages. I want to note that the students here also greatly respect their teachers.

Mirjalol Duvlanov, English language teacher:

– 25 highly qualified teachers are working in the lyceum. Twelve of them are foreign language teachers. All foreign language teachers have obtained international and local certificates that determine the level of knowledge of a foreign language. Training seminars for teachers are held every month. During the workshops, foreign specialists teach their pedagogical skills and help improve teachers’ skills.

Academic lyceum teachers also pay special attention to the scientific field. Five teachers of the academic lyceum are conducting research in linguistics and history. Over the past year, the teachers have published about 100 scientific articles in the resources of the Scopus database, in prestigious scientific journals, journals, and collections of international and republican scientific conferences.

The Academic Lyceum of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages allows students to obtain a more profound knowledge of foreign languages. The most important priority for students and teachers is getting higher results from the IELTS and CEFR national language exams.

Shin Hyun-mi, Korean language teacher (Republic of Korea):

– Special attention is paid to teaching the Korean language at the academic lyceum. Strong relations have been established with universities and schools in South Korea and Korean language centers in Tashkent. As part of cooperation with South Korean universities, academic lyceum students attended language courses in this country.

More and more students are showing interest in Korea and are starting to learn the language of this country. Seeing how curious and eager to learn about Korea makes me love the students and want to teach them more.

Nafisa Kuvvatova, Uzbek language and literature teacher:

– Today, about 350 students study at the academic lyceum. 104 of the students have obtained international and 70 national language certificates. Two types of scholarships have been introduced for students at the academic lyceum. These are “Pride of Academic Lyceum” and “Rector’s Scholarship”.

Lyceum students actively participate in competitions and take high places throughout the country. Literature has an incomparable role in establishing good values and traditions in students’ lives, raising their thinking and outlook, and educating a well-rounded person who loves the Motherland and people. Everything necessary is also done to develop students’ love for literature.

The Academic Lyceum of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages plans to improve the quality of education. As part of this work, it plans to send teachers for internships at prestigious foreign universities and summer training courses in foreign universities and conduct scientific and practical seminars and conferences regularly.

UzA