Syracuse Sun

A delegation from Syracuse University recently spent two weeks in South Korea to strengthen academic and cultural collaborations with multiple Korean universities and the university'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 explored the possibility of establishing 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 stated that a center could provide 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 supporting 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," said 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."

The delegation visited several universities during their trip. They dined with members of Syracuse University's Korean Alumni Association and met two School of Architecture students studying at Ewha Women’s University as well as a group participating in a Maymester design course led by Seyeon Lee, associate professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

At Sungkyunkwan University, they heard a presentation from alumnus Youngseek Kim G’08, G’13, now an associate professor there. The trip also allowed Architecture Dean Michael Speaks and Daekwon Park, undergraduate program chair, to meet high school students and their parents regarding program opportunities.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi expressed appreciation for pursuing new partnerships in Korea: "I am confident in the potential of these connections...to develop new opportunities for student exchange, internships, university-industry partnerships."

Speaks added: "We all look forward to continuing our efforts...with the goal of establishing a new Asia center for the University."

Syracuse University's Academic Strategic Plan calls for expanding study abroad programs. In addition to Mortazavi, Speaks, Young, Park; Andrew Sears (then-dean), Nicole Collins (director), Brian Kim L’19 (international engagement specialist) were part of this delegation.