'The World is the Campus': Exchange Program with Minerva University Operated for Three Consecutive Years
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-04-22
Sookmyung Women’s University has operated the "Sookmyung-Minerva Exchange Program" for three consecutive years in partnership with Minerva University, which is recognized as a globally innovative institution.
Minerva University is known for its groundbreaking educational model, where students travel to different cities each semester to pursue their studies. It is recognized for redefining the paradigm of higher education. In 2021, our university signed an agreement with Minerva University and is the only official partner among Korean universities.
This year’s program ran for four months starting in January and involved 174 Minerva students from 50 countries around the world, along with over 40 students from Sookmyung. The students participated in special lectures and cultural experiences on a variety of topics including Korean culture, economy, history, and the Korean Wave (Hallyu), broadening their global perspectives.
Professor Yong-koo Seo from the School of Business gave a lecture titled "The Miracle of the Korean Economy and the Growth of K-Enterprises: 1960–2024," introducing the history of Korea’s economic development. Professor Jin-hee Cho from the School of Media presented a special lecture titled "K-pop Production Culture: Present and Future," offering insights into the trends and future prospects of the K-pop industry.
In addition, Professor Florin-Stefan Morar from Minerva University delivered a lecture analyzing the historical relationships between Korea and its neighboring countries from a global perspective, drawing significant interest from students. For the first time in the program’s three-year history, a Minerva faculty member was invited to Korea to give a special lecture, deepening the level of academic exchange.
Alongside the lectures, students visited historically and culturally significant sites such as Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Deoksugung Palace, and the Seoul Museum of History. They also visited HIKR Ground, a cultural space operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, where they experienced the global popularity of K-content firsthand.
On Friday, April 18, students gathered at the Sookmyung Women’s University Sunheon Hall for a closing ceremony, reflecting on their experiences and sharing meaningful moments. Muhammad Rayyan Afzal Maan, a student from Minerva University originally from Pakistan, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful that my buddy from Sookmyung warmly helped me understand Korean culture.”
Lee Ji-yeon, a student from the Department of Education at Sookmyung Women’s University, said, “Interacting deeply with Minerva students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives helped me realize the importance of global thinking.”
Building on the success of the program so far, our university plans to continue active collaboration with Minerva University in 2026. Chun Sehjae, Dean of the Office of International Affairs, stated, “Through this third iteration of the program, both universities have shared common values and goals, working closely together,” and added, “We will continue to provide sustainable and creative exchange opportunities to nurture global talent.”