Korean education impresses

Media Statement
17 September 2009
Korean education impresses

A recent visit to several Korean education institutions, secondary and tertiary, has impressed Whitireia Community Polytechnic Chief Executive Don Campbell.

“What is particularly impressive though is the attitude to education – very positive – and regarded as a critical pathway to success. They are hungry for education and qualifications. It is also very competitive to gain entry to tertiary study and there is a lot of interest in studying and living in New Zealand”.

Mr Campbell’s trip involved meeting current educational partners as well as institutions looking to establish partnering relationships. At one partner college, he met with a group of students who are studying towards a Whitireia Community Polytechnic Diploma in Hospitality Management in Korea in preparation to come to New Zealand to complete their qualification. The New Zealand component will include a work experience internship which allows the student to enhance their vocational vocabulary, build employment networks and prospects and earn to support their study.

“It is a really good option for students and employees and well regarded especially by parents in Korea who like to see a vocational component and outcome from tertiary education. This was confirmed in discussions with the NZ High Commission who keep a close eye on the educational market and opportunities” said Mr Campbell.

Further meetings were held with Chung Ang University in Central Seoul one of Korea’s top ten universities with around 25,000 students and a wide range of faculties and specialities and very impressive facilities. Their students association with voluntary membership and low fees really works to provide useful services to students including running the student cafeteria providing good quality food at relatively low cost. They have already signalled a wish to visit Whitireia in New Zealand and to explore partnership arrangements further.

Mr Campbell also visited Busan Kyung Sang College (BSK) in Busan some 350km south of Seoul and met with the President Dal-Duk Lee and senior management and signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work in partnership.

“BSK is very impressive – although only 30 years old their record and facilities are excellent. They have recently established a cyber university which takes their programmes to the world and represents a considerable investment in capability”.

A memorandum of agreement was signed and rapid progress made toward a memorandum of understanding and the development of shared programmes.

ENDS

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