Sookmyung Expands International Exchange with Showa Women’s University
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-03-17
Sookmyung Women’s University has announced plans to expand its dual degree program with Showa Women’s University, a prestigious institution in Japan, and increase the number of exchange students. This initiative aims to broaden opportunities for students by enhancing international exchanges under its vision as a leading global women’s university.
Showa Women’s University—a 105-year-old private institution—is at the forefront of global education, being the first Japanese college to establish an overseas campus and host a U.S. university campus. Since signing its initial agreement with Sookmyung Women’s University in 2013, the two schools have maintained a close partnership for over a decade, offering dual-degree, exchange student, and language study programs.
President Moon Si-yeun (center, front row) taking a photograph with dual degree graduates and staff from Showa Women’s University at the school’s graduation ceremony on March 16.
On March 16, President Moon Si-yeun attended the graduation ceremony at Showa Women’s University in Japan, celebrating the graduates of its International Studies Department who studied at Sookmyung Women’s University’s Department of Korean Language and Literature as part of the dual degree program. President Moon stated, “The graduates here today are the result of a seamless partnership between the two universities and our shared commitment to fostering global talent. These students have gone beyond academic achievements to play an excellent role in building bridges between Korea and Japan.”
To further enhance international experiences, the universities have agreed to increase the number of exchange students from 14 (for one semester) to 20. The attendees of the signing ceremony included President Moon, Jeon Se-jae, Dean of International Affairs, Bando Mariko, Showa Women’s University Chancellor, Kanao Akira, Showa Women’s University President, and Tomoaki Ihara, Vice President of the institution.
On March 20, a delegation of professors from Showa Women’s University’s Department of International Studies will visit Sookmyung Women’s University to discuss mid- to long-term cooperation strategies and initiatives for cultivating global talent. Additionally, discussions will be held regarding a new agreement that will allow students from Sookmyung Women’s University’s Department of Japanese Language and Literature to pursue dual degrees at Showa Women’s University’s Department of International Studies and its newly established Department of International Japanese Studies (set to launch in 2025). Under this program, students will study for two years at each institution and earn degrees from both universities.
The two universities also continue collaborating on Korean language education and academic exchanges. The KF Global e-School Program, dedicated to advancing Korean studies education, celebrated its 10th anniversary last year with a commemorative symposium. The program that sends Sookmyung’s Korean literature majors to Showa Women’s University as Korean language teaching assistants has also received positive feedback for providing students with hands-on teaching experience.
“We are pleased to enhance the global learning environment and offer students diverse international opportunities through this collaboration,” said Dr. Jeon Se-jae, Dean of International Affairs, who participated in the visit. “We will continue to implement various programs to help students gain international experience and develop into global professionals, establishing best practices in international cooperation.”
Sookmyung Women’s University President Moon Si-yeun (fifth from left) taking a commemorative photograph with Showa Women’s University Chancellor Bando Mariko (fourth from left) and officials from both institutions at their agreement ceremony on March 16.