The 4 month journey of the “1st Sookmyung - Minerva Program” comes to an end
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2022-05-04
The 1st Sookmyung-Minerva Program jointly conducted by Sookmyung Women’s University and Minerva School ended successfully on April 22.
166 Minerva School students (from a total of 53 countries) and 43 students from Sookmyung Women’s University participated in this program, which was operated from January to April to strengthen partnership with the Minerva School, a world-class innovative university, and to enhance the global competency of our students.
Students broadened their understanding of Korea by listening to special lectures on Korean culture, politics, and law and by experiencing a cultural experience program prepared by the Office of International Affairs.
In January, which started with the theme of “Korean Culture Wave Expedition,” Professor Se-jun Kim of the Division of Culture, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave a special lecture on the subject of “Origin and Conditions of K-Culture Wave.” Students from both schools exchanged opinions during pre-group activities about how K-culture could become a global phenomenon and what differences and similarities with each country＇s culture were. In addition, they broadened their experience of Korean culture by participating in Gyeongbokgung Palace tour, museum tour, and Korean food experiences.
In February, Professor Jin-seok Byeon of the Division of Law gave a special lecture introducing Korea＇s democracy under the theme of “Korea＇s Road to Democracy.” The students visited historical sites in Seoul such as the Seodaemun Prison Museum and the Seoul Metropolitan Council building to learn about the democratization of Korea, which grew rapidly following the Japanese colonial era and dictatorship.
Lastly, in March last year, under the theme of “Getting to Know the Other Half of Korea,” Professor Kyu-deok Hong of the Department of Political Science and International Studies gave a lecture on “ROK＇s Defense Reform and Strategic Environment in East Asia.” In addition, online talks with North Korean defectors and offline activities such as visits to organizations specializing in North Korean issues were held in parallel to provide an opportunity to exchange opinions on the divided situation of South Korea.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, all special lectures were conducted through the online video platform ZOOM, and the cultural experience program was conducted offline according to quarantine regulations. After conducting pre-cultural activities, our students shared photos on Facebook and wrote a monthly report on the program contents. Sookmyung Women’s University students and Minerva School students who participated in all the special lectures and performed individual programs received a certificate of completion in the joint name of the two schools along with one credit.
On April 12, Vicki Chandler, Vice-President of Minerva School, Kayla Walsh, Dean of Students, and Anna Kim, Seoul Representative of Minerva visited Sookmyung Women’s University and had a meeting with President Yunkeum Chang, promising the successful operation of the program. Vice-President Vicki said, “I looked around the campus and the beautiful library and museum were very impressive,” and “I hope to make up for the shortcomings of the program that was first opened this year and make use of the strengths, so that next year we can move forward with a more advanced relationship.”
Student Seok-hee Kim (Global Cooperation Major, ‘20), who participated in the program, invited a Minerva School student to her home in Daegu for a two-day and one-night cultural experience with the hopes of giving the student a special experience in Korea. Student Seok-hee Kim said, “Because of my shortcomings in English, I had difficulties in communication and was cautious because of cultural differences, but in the end, I believe this experience will serve as a good foundation for expanding my worldview.” She added, “It was good to learn how to accept differences, how to interact with people with an open mind, and how to enjoy unfamiliarity.”
Withal, the Minerva School is an educational innovative university that has presented a new paradigm of higher education and is renowned for its futuristic educational concept of using the entire world as its campus. In October, the school signed an MOU with Sookmyung Women’s University to share and explore future educational development plans.
The International Affairs official said, “For the next two years, as a Korean base university of Minerva School, we plan to continue global exchanges and provide students with opportunities to develop global experiences and perspectives.”