International Visitors

NTNU and Pukyong National University Strengthen Academic Ties with Collaborative Visit

By Dan Yvan Andre BALLIF, OIA

 

On August 13th, three students from Pukyong National University (PKNU) in Busan, South Korea, visited National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in Taipei, marking a significant step in the burgeoning partnership between the two institutions. This visit followed closely on the heels of an official delegation from NTNU, which traveled to PKNU on August 6th to sign a partnership agreement, solidifying their status as sister schools.

 

The visiting students, Ms. Lee Ga Hyeon, Ms. Eom Ji Yun, and Ms. Ha Yu Min. Their visit exemplifies the strong and growing relationship between the two universities, with promising prospects for future collaboration. The primary focus of their visit was to conduct a survey on “The Education System and Policy in Taiwan,” under the supervision of Professor Sang-Hyun Park, a topic of great interest to both students and educators in South Korea.

 

The purpose of the students’ visit was to seek direct insights into the operation and characteristics of Taiwan’s education system and curriculum. They aimed to understand how these systems operate in practice and to assess both the achievements and limitations of the Taiwanese education framework. By engaging in this exchange, the PKNU students hoped to gain valuable perspectives that could contribute to their academic pursuits and to the broader educational dialogue between the two countries.

 

During their visit, the students met with NTNU’s International Youth Program participant, Ms. Mandy Huang, and bilingual International Student Advising Ms. Evans Liang, who facilitated communication throughout the meeting. Ms. Liang, who is fluent in Korean, played a crucial role in ensuring clear and effective dialogue between the guests and their Taiwanese counterparts. Her ability to translate questions and answers not only bridged the language gap but also created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for a productive exchange of ideas.

 

The partnership between Pukyong National University and National Taiwan Normal University is still in its early stages, but the success of this initial visit suggests a bright future. This recent visit is a testament to the commitment of both universities to fostering international cooperation and enhancing the educational experiences of their students. By sharing knowledge, perspectives, and best practices, PKNU and NTNU are laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial partnership that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of education in both Taiwan and South Korea.