A delegation from Syracuse University spent two weeks in South Korea recently as one of a continuing series of steps to strengthen academic and cultural collaborations with multiple Korean universities and with Syracuse’s alumni community there.
Meetings were conducted with representatives of the University of Seoul, Ewha Women’s University, Korea University and Sungkyunkwan University. The discussions were part of an exploration to consider locating a Syracuse University center in South Korea, according to Pamela Young, director of academic strategic plan implementation in the Office of Academic Affairs.
University delegates participated in discussions with Korea University officials about potential faculty research collaborations and study abroad opportunities.
Young says a center there could provide Syracuse and Korean universities with new opportunities for collaborative research, including projects focused on the semiconductor industry and gravitational wave research. It could also facilitate joint faculty and student participation in seminars and workshops, faculty and graduate student exchanges and the development of new partners that support study abroad for Syracuse students in Korea.
The expansion of collaborative efforts in East Asia is an important part of the University’s strategic vision, says Young. “There is great interest among many Syracuse University schools and colleges in partnering with Korean universities to enhance creative activities and the research enterprise, including through faculty and graduate student exchanges. There is also significant space to expand opportunities for Syracuse University students to study abroad and engage in experiential learning outside of Western Europe. Each year many students come from Korea to study and earn degrees at Syracuse. Our strong Korean alumni base has many business and industry connections that can provide students with opportunities for experiential learning, too,” she says.
The Korea Center Initiative group visited with officials at Ehwa Women’s University, one of several universities they visited in South Korea.
During the trip, the delegation enjoyed dinner with several members of Syracuse University’s Korean Alumni Association. It also caught up with two School of Architecture students who are studying at Ewha Women’s University and a group of Syracuse students who were in Seoul as part of a new Maymester design course led by Seyeon Lee, associate professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Among highlights of the trip was a dinner gathering for Syracuse University students studying abroad at Ewha Woman’s University along with a group of students participating in a Maymester program focused on South Korean design and culture led by College of Visual and Performing Arts Associate Professor Seyeon Lee.
At Sunkyunkwan University, the delegation heard a presentation from Youngseek Kim G’08, G’13, an associate professor who earned master’s and doctoral degrees at the School of Information Studies. In addition, the trip allowed Architecture Dean Michael Speaks and Daekwon Park, undergraduate program chair, to meet with high school students and their parents regarding program opportunities.
The Syracuse University delegation was also welcomed to Sunkyunkwan University. Among the presenters was alumnus Youngseek Kim G’08, G’13, who is now an associate professor there.
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi says he appreciates the opportunity to pursue new partnerships in Korea and strengthen alumni ties.
“I am confident in the potential of these connections and I am eager to work with my fellow deans at the University to develop new opportunities for student exchange, internships and university and industry partnerships in Korea,” he says.
“We all look forward to continuing our efforts to develop new opportunities for student exchange, internships and industry collaborations in Korea with the goal of establishing in Seoul a new Asia center for the University,” says Speaks.
Syracuse University is a national leader in international education, with a highly ranked study abroad program. The University’s Academic Strategic Plan, “Leading With Distinction,” calls for the expansion of study abroad and study away venues and programs and the removal of barriers to make it possible for every undergraduate to participate. In addition to Mortazavi, Speaks, Young and Park, the delegation included Andrew Sears, then-dean of the School of Information Studies; Nicole Collins, director of strategic partnerships and outreach for Syracuse Abroad; and Brian Kim L’19, international engagement specialist, who served as liaison between Syracuse University and the Korean Alumni Association.