KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

In a recent issue of the Incheon Global Campus Journal, my story was featured, providing a deep dive into the journey and aspirations of a professional who has been actively shaping the landscape of international higher education. From my early days at one of South Korea's most innovative research universities to my mid-career leadership roles at the State University of New York Korea, I open up about my accomplishments and future hopes. Whether you are a regular reader of the IGC Journal or someone new to the world of global education, the following interview offers a comprehensive insight into my dedication and strategic approach as an expert in this field. Q.  Please introduce yourself to the IGC Journal readers. I am pursuing a career as an expert in international higher education. After graduating from Korea University, I gained substantial experience in the International Affairs of Sungkyunkwan University starting from 2010. Since 2017, I have been employed at the State Unive...

Recent media reports have once again highlighted the trend of 'medical school abroad' in South Korea. Graduates from overseas medical schools recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, who have obtained a medical license in the respective countries, can take the domestic medical licensing exam. Currently, 159 universities from 38 countries qualify for this. For instance, approximately 600 Korean students are enrolled in Hungarian medical schools. Many of these students missed out on domestic medical school admissions by a small margin or were ranked slightly lower in their national exams. Searches for 'overseas medical schools' or 'pharmacy studies abroad' easily lead to businesses providing relevant services and information on major web portals. My frequent searches on overseas studies and foreign universities have trained various social media algorithms to show me advertisements, debunking myths that average students can easily get into Japanese pharmac...

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Mr Jin Park, participated in a varied diplomatic visit to India in April 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of the commencement of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Reports suggest that the South Korean delegation were warmly received and took part in productive dialogues with their Indian counterpart, Mr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister for External Affairs of India. Consensus was reached on numerous crucial topics, inclusive of intensifying collaboration across supply chains, economic systems, scientific sectors, and technological industries. The bilateral connection between these two nations warrants amplified attention due to its remarkable evolution subsequent to the State Visit to India in 2014 by the former President Park Geun-hye and the subsequent State Visit to South Korea in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon Park's invitation. These strategic exchanges peaked with an agreement to upgrad...

On March 19, 2012, Dr. Nancy Zimpher, a high-profile figure from the State University of New York and the Chancellor of the largest public higher education system in the United States, stood side by side with Mr. Young Gil Song, then Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City Government. Mr. Song later rose to become the leader of the ruling party and a five-term lawmaker, amassing significant political power. They celebrated the inauguration of the first U.S. campus in South Korea, formally approved by the Ministry of Education. Dr. Zimpher proudly announced the establishment of SUNY's 65th campus, "SUNY Korea," in East Asia – in addition to the 64 campuses in New York State. Initially, this campus offered only a few graduate programs from Stony Brook University. Dr. Myung Oh, a proud alumnus of Stony Brook University, played a pivotal role in bringing his Ph.D. alma mater to the Incheon Free Economic Zone. Having led several government organizations, he became Deputy Prime Mini...

Six deans and directors of international admission from various US universities were recently invited to South Korea's largest convention center to participate in a study abroad fair. The event garnered special interest as these institutions have partnered with a South Korean education service provider that pioneered the concept of 'CSAT Study Abroad'. The College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT), known for its rigorous standards, has been a fundamental component of South Korea's education system since 1994. Over time, the CSAT has transcended its original purpose as a national examination for college eligibility, and now an increasing number of US universities are capitalizing on its reputation to appeal to Korean students in the ever-changing world of global higher education. With institutions across the globe aiming to diversify their student recruitment efforts, the growing international embrace of the CSAT highlights the dynamic nature of higher education and the cr...