Trials to Be Specialized and Globalized
By Jeong Ha-na, Head Student Editor
Oh Uhl, Student Editor
Lee Min-Young, Student Editor
Heo Si-joon, Student Reporter
Last winter vacation, Chonnam National University Press and Broadcasting Center dispatched its reporters to cover how four national universities located in Pusan, Daegu, Chuncheon and Daejeon make an effort to maintain their competitiveness in relation to the specialization and globalization of universities, student welfare system and community support activities. Chonnam Tribune will report this special coverage in the column, “Feature” in this and the next issue. -Ed.
As universities are competing with each other to acquire a higher reputation, every university strives to have its own specialty in particular fields. In addition, they prepare and practice various programs to keep up with the Age of Globalization. Chonnam National University (CNU) has also been striving to position itself as one of the most prominent Korean universities domestically and internationally. Some universities have been active in conducting pioneer education and research. Similarly, CNU has also promoted a specialized new curriculum in Education and Culture departments to cultivate competent manpower in the local area around Gwangju. To obtain more practical lessons, we are required to make note of some successful models and learn good examples from others’ actions.
Pusan National University
Pusan National University (PNU) offers its Global Studies Program (GSP) starting this semester and it is one of the important international strategies for training global leaders. Students can choose GSP as their double major, and it offers lectures in English such as English presentation, discussion and writing, which are compulsory subjects to master effective English skills.
Since PNU unified with Miryang National University in 2006, it has not paid much attention to Miryang campus. To develop the entire campus, PNU has introduced a Multi-campus System: first, Pusan campus at Jangjeon-dong focuses on fundamental academic fields and second Ami-dong continues to serve as an urban medical center. Yangsan campus is a medical and bio-science campus as a medical hub of the region. Finally, Miryang campus is the center for nano-science and bio-science research and education.
Kyungpook National University
The key department of Kyungpook National University (KNU) is Information Technology (IT). KNU began its specialized IT department in the 1970’s and it developed through their work with companies like Samsung, LG and Posco. In addition, KNU made the College of Engineering and a School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science much more advanced. In addition, other departments are invited to work together in the IT field. From now on, they will further extend their scope to green energy and the robotics industry. They manage many global talent programs under the slogan, “2016 KNU 100.”
This means that the goal KNU places upon itself is to rank in the top 100 world universities by 2016. There are detailed programs like global internship program, sandwich education program, and global challenger. Especially, the sandwich education program is like an internship program where students can take not only in vacation but during the term. Many students take parts in those programs. These are similar to on-the-job training, so they get knowledge domestically and internationally.
Chungnam National University
Chungnam National University (CNU) is promoting a CNU global elite program for freshmen and sophomores to study TOEFL which is indispensable for studying abroad. Park Hae-sok, an officer in the International Studies & Programs (ISP) said, “When a student finishes the program well, it could be connect with a dual degree (2+2) program or other abroad programs.” Moreover, ISP is recognizing 3 credits for the students who have over 800 on the TOEIC and offers scholarships to students who make a grade above the standard on TOEIC or TOEFL.
CNU has operated YTB Internet Bank System connecting students and companies by using a student database: students can upload their basic data, career data and photos on the database. Certified companies could access the database anytime they want and choose the perfect person for them. Many students and companies are already participating in the system and both are very satisfied about it.
Kangwon National University
Kangwon National University (KNU) has put a Biotechnology (BT) specialized college in front by linking four departments related to bioscience together since 2005. Two reasons triggered the union; BT is a prominent study in the 21st century and gives the Kangwon area assistance to be developed as the hub of the BT industry. This college has trained bright graduate students who will work for their region, supported by many scholarships for both professors and students. They have operated many businesses such as Bio-Nuri and Nutraceutical. KNU tries to give their students and teachers many opportunities to become international, not just as KNU people, but also as Koreans. Study Abroad Foundation Exchange Student is a special program for students from Asia and the Pacific area. This KNU program was founded to improve research of KNU professors by bringing 15 foreign graduate students every year. Additionally, they stay at a global dormitory called Gem Hall where residents have to use only English. Through this peculiar system, many students acquire great English ability.
Conclusion
CNU has already set a goal to be ranked in the top 10 and top 100 among local and global universities, respectively, by starting diverse specialized programs such as futuristic business of culture study, medical science, environmental farming and so on. CNU actually has brought in good results and recognized its competence in the region and around the world. However, it is critical to know and learn the trials and errors of other local universities rather than being engrossed only in our improvements.
CNU has tried to create its distinctive education and research area, to attract good students, and to nurture leaders who will contribute to society and industry through making a brand power of university. However, CNU does not seem to have concrete specialization strategies and how to promote them. As many universities in the world have a clear specialized strategy and are reaching out all over the world, CNU should set forth definite strategies about the specialization of the university and march into the age of limitless competition.