Universitas Indonesia and Keimyung University Enhance Student Mobility and Cultural Exchange Through the King Sejong Institute

Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a delegation from Keimyung University to discuss expanding educational collaborations. The strategic meeting focused on strengthening cultural ties through the King Sejong Institute, advancing digital education, and enhancing bilateral student mobility via the AIMS program and various short-course initiatives.

The delegation from Keimyung University included:

• Assoc. Prof. Park, Hong Ui – Coordinator from the Center for International Education and Development (King Sejong Institute and Korean language programs)
• Mr. Kim, Dae-Eun – Coordinator from the International Affairs Team (AIMS program and international exchange affairs)

The Universitas Indonesia delegation was represented by:

• Dr. Junaidi, S.S., M.A. – Manager of Cooperation and Ventures, Faculty of Humanities
• Ir. Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU – Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development
• Alfrida E. Madame Hutapea – Head of Sub-Directorate International Mobility Program
• Dr. Rostineu, M.A. – Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Humanities
• Yunitha Fajarwati, S.Hum. – Section Head of International Partnership
• Rahmawati, B.Comp.Sc. – Section Head of International Student Mobility

During the discussion, Keimyung University, which currently hosts around 4,000 international students, expressed a strong interest in expanding its educational footprint at UI, particularly through the King Sejong Institute and its dedicated Korean language programs. The dialogue also heavily featured student exchange opportunities under the AIMS program.

Addressing potential administrative hurdles for mobility, Keimyung noted that their students primarily use the TOEIC proficiency test rather than TOEFL or IELTS. UI responded with an accommodating policy, assuring that language requirements can remain flexible as long as Keimyung University can guarantee the students’ ability to comprehend and actively participate in English-taught classes. Furthermore, UI committed to providing full support in assisting incoming Keimyung students with finding suitable accommodation during their studies.

Representing the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), UI proposed several dynamic avenues for engagement, including a specialized student exchange agreement through the English Department and participation in the Student Community Services Program. A significant academic integration was also proposed through the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program, inviting Keimyung professors to deliver online lectures for one or two courses within UI’s Korean Language and Culture Study Program.

To further boost bilateral mobility, Keimyung University extended an invitation for more UI students to join their Korean language programs and offered an attractive 3-credit summer program, noting the possibility of scholarships or program fee discounts. In return, UI proposed developing tailor-made short course programs specifically designed to meet the academic interests of Keimyung students. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to finalize these reciprocal mobility frameworks and enrich the cross-cultural academic experience for both institutions.

Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education