International education administrators from eight Korean universities visited UNC-Chapel Hill on Thursday, May 23, 2019, through the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program. Participants came from Seoul National University, Sogang University, Sejong University, Chungbuk National University, Kookmin University, Yeungnam University, Kangwon National University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
The two-week program is designed to give Korean international education professionals exposure to U.S. universities, focusing on the organization and management of international program. Visitors met with global units on Carolina’s campus to further international collaboration.
The participants were welcomed to Carolina by Raymond Farrow, associate provost for global affairs and interim chief global officer. Following, three panel discussions took place focused on different aspects of international education.
“I was fortunate to participate in a similar program for U.S. international educators three years ago and spent two weeks in Korea learning about higher education and universities,” said Amanda Mills, assistant director of student support and services in UNC’s International Student and Scholar Services. “It was a pleasure to return the favor and host participants from Korea at UNC and provide them insights into U.S. higher education.”
The first panel focused on support and resources Carolina provides for international students and scholars and discussed current issues and challenges. Representatives from UNC-Chapel Hill included Amanda Mills, assistant director for student and support services in International Student and Scholar Services; Maria Erb, co-director for diversity and student success at the Graduate School; and Gigi Taylor, senior ESL specialist at the Writing Center.
The second panel focused on study abroad and student exchanges and included Angela Bond, associate director of undergraduate business global programs at Kenan-Flagler Business School; Gina Difino, director of global education and fellowships within Honors Carolina; and Heather Ward, associate dean for study abroad and exchanges with the College of Arts and Sciences. The participants also heard from Katie Constanza, the Center for Global Initiatives’ research, communication and program manager, about the center’s Go! Global Orientation on Culture and Ethics and Opening Access Initiative.
Over lunch, the participants and panelists broke into small groups to explore topics more closely. The panelists were joined by staff from the Study Abroad Office and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, as well as by Katie Bowler Young, director of Global Relations, to discuss international partnerships, agreements and strategy.