Memorial University hosted the vice-president of a South Korean university recently, resulting in the development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and numerous potential collaborations between the two institutions.

Dr. Seung Ryul Jeong, vice-president of International Affairs and Public Relations and a professor in the School of Management Information Systems at Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea, touched down on Memorial’s St. John’s campus recently as part of a tour of select North American universities.

Representatives from Memorial first became acquainted with Dr. Jeong at an international education fair in Saudi Arabia in April. Dr. Grant Gardner, associate vice-president (academic) at Memorial, met Dr. Jeong at the event. He says that Kookmin has a lot in common with Memorial in the areas of the arts, the fine arts, science and business and that both institutions are interested in finding ways to provide culturally diverse experiences to our students. 

“There are many areas in which we can collaborate, from providing a broader range of quality study abroad experiences to creating joint programs with other academic units,” said Dr. Gardner. “I am confident we will be able to develop a good working relationship.”

Upon touring the St. John’s campus and meeting representatives from the International Centre, the School of Graduate Studies, the Office of Student Recruitment, the Admissions Office, the ESL Programs Office and the Faculty of Business Administration, Dr. Jeong says he is convinced a partnership between the two universities will provide students with unique global opportunities and benefits.

“The idea of establishing a relationship with a wonderful school like Memorial University is an exciting prospect in itself,” he said. “Yet, it is even more so now, having had the privilege to meet with the people, see the facilities of the school and take in the surroundings and the city of St. John’s – all of which were incredibly impressive. I want to thank everyone for the hospitable welcome that was extended to me during my visit, and I am looking forward to the results of our partnership.”

Sonja Knutson, acting director of the International Centre at Memorial, says she is optimistic Dr. Jeong’s site visit will lead to a mutually beneficial partnership with Kookmin University.

“Canada attracts many students from Korea, but so far, very few of them attend Memorial,” she said. “I am pleased to see the interest by a Korean university in us, and what we have to offer.”

 Dr. Noreen Golfman, dean of Memorial’s School of Graduate Studies, says partnering with Kookmin is in line with Memorial’s strategic priorities to increase international exchange opportunities and enhance international student recruitment.

“The School of Graduate Studies welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Kookmin University to expand our outreach activities and internationalize graduate education at Memorial,” she said.

Kookmin University is a private comprehensive university with more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 1,100 faculty members.