During the week of Oct. 26, Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur accompanied a group of faculty members and administrative officials to Seoul, South Korea to strengthen Binghamton University’s partnerships with Korean universities and businesses.
In addition to signing agreements to expand a bilateral exchange program with Korea University, the group secured a new partnership with Seoul National University and began work with the school on student exchange programs.
According to DeFleur, the group also met with LG Household and Health Care, the third-largest employer in South Korea, to discuss long-term internship opportunities for BU students.
In addition to expanding opportunities for students to learn and study in Korea, the University delegation met with officials from the Korea Foundation and the Academy of Korean Studies, institutions that encourage the spread of Korean language and culture to academic institutions.
According to DeFleur, the delegation applied for funding to improve Binghamton’s newly-created Center for Korean Studies and other aspects of Binghamton’s Korean culture and language programs.
Members of the University delegation hope that these agreements and partnerships will improve the academic experience offered to BU students, DeFleur said.
“Like Binghamton University, Korea’s higher-education institutions are committed to internationalization and we have a lot to gain both academically and culturally from partnering and collaborating with them,” DeFleur said.