Two recent partnerships with South Korean universities are allowing international students to bring a diversity of cultures, learning styles, and experiences to the University of Northern British Columbia.

This semester, 26 South Korean students arrived on campus, the first large cohort of students from that country to attend UNBC. The University had been approached by educational institutions looking to develop university relationships outside the Lower Mainland. The Prince George campus saw 17 students arrive from Hanbat National University to study English and to get a feel for university life in Northern B.C. The two universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate future student and faculty exchanges.

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Another nine students are visiting from Hankyong National University and will wrap up a 12-week English for Academic Purposes program in April. While at UNBC, the students have honed their academic English skills by enhancing their research, writing and presentation skills. They were also allowed to audit various undergraduate courses, such as Dr. Karin Beeler’s English 104: Introduction to Film, and Dr. Jason Lacharite’s Political Science 100: Contemporary Political Issues. UNBC and Hankyong National University are also in the final stages of signing a MOU regarding future exchange possibilities.

“These students are energetic and bring a new dynamic to international education at UNBC,” says Vice Provost Student Engagement Bill Owen. “By bringing students in for short-term programs, we expose them to life in a different educational setting than the one they might receive in their own country. Beyond the students’ experiences, these partnerships with overseas universities provide research collaboration and faculty exchange opportunities for UNBC as well.”

Through the partnerships with these two universities, UNBC students may also have the opportunity to visit the South Korean universities to help teach English to their Korean student peers.

In 2012-13, international students made up 11.2 percent of UNBC’s student body, up from 2.9 percent 10 years ago. Each year, UNBC welcomes exchange students from as many as 30 different countries, including China, Denmark, India, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.