Division or International Studies

The Division of International Studies (Click for DIS Brochure) at Korea University was established in 2002 with the aim of cultivating individuals ready for the challenges of globalization. Globalization not only calls for people with analytical skills, flexibility, and communication proficiency but also demands the training of specialists who can respond effectively to the increasing complexities of international commerce and relations as well to the diversity of different cultures and societies.

In view of this, the DIS has developed a curriculum that offers a wide range of interdisciplinary courses on international cooperation and commerce as well as area studies, all of which are designed to help students develop analytical and leadership skills. Policy analysis, negotiation, management, and program evaluation pertaining to international organizations, trade, diplomacy, and security, which are important tools for understanding the rapidly changing world, thus figure prominently in the curriculum. In addition, the DIS is committed to applied scholarship focusing on real world problem-solving, so that its graduates will leave the program with professional expertise to excel in their chosen fields of career. With the kind of training offered by the DIS, the graduates are likely to be preferred candidates for positions requiring in-depth knowledge of international commerce and cooperation, e.g., international organizations, trade organizations, consulting firms, research centers, and media firms.

Another unique aspect of the Division of International Studies at Korea University is that all of its courses are offered in English, which is quite fitting since global competence requires at least a degree of proficiency in English. This allows students to not only experience classroom settings akin to those of North America but also to develop and enrich their English skills. The all-English degree program also makes it possible for the university to accommodate internationally educated students and foreign students. (Click for DIS Brochure).

The Graduate School of International Studies
Email: gsis@korea.ac.kr

The GSIS was established in 1991 in response to the demands of globalization and internationalization. In 1996 the Korean government declared a need for highly qualified experts in the fields of commercial policy, international relations and area studies, which prompted the GSIS to develop graduate programs in International Commerce & Cooperation and International Area Studies, which was launched in March 1997. In late 1996, the Korean Ministry of Education designated the GSIS at Korea University as one of the top five most recognized graduate schools in Korea qualified to receive a major government grant for the next five years.
In view of the growing importance of electronic commerce and its impact on international trade, the GSIS started a master degree program in electronic international commerce in March 2000.

The major goals of the GSIS are to develop specialists in the field of international relations and area studies; and to promote the studies of these area languages; and the globalization of Korean studies. Thus, the GSIS aims to further Korea's understanding of the world as well as to further the world's understanding of Korea.

The GSIS offers three Master's Degree Programs under the Department of International Studies, the Department of Korean Studies, and Department of Electronic International Commerce. The GSIS is open to students of all nationalities, and all courses are taught either in English or, in the case of area studies, in the relevant language.

International Center for Korean Studies
Email: icks@korea.ac.kr

Established in 2003, the International Center for Korean Studies (ICKS) coordinates and develops resources for the study of Korea at Korea University. The Center seeks to revitalize research in Korean Studies especially in the fields of humanities and social sciences, and to disseminate major achievements of Korean Studies made all over the world.

With the largest concentration of Korean scholars and resources, the Center strives to be the premier institution for the study of Korea in its homeland. The Center conducts scholarly conferences; sponsors research projects; presents colloquia, seminars, and lectures; publishes significant research on Korea.

The Korean Language and Culture Center
Email: korean@korea.ac.kr

The Korean Language and Culture Center (KLCC), under the aegis of the Institute of Foreign Language Studies, was established to teach and promote Korean language and culture throughout the world on March 1, 1986. So far over 8,000 foreigners and overseas Koreans wanting to learn the Korean language, history, and culture have taken advantage of our program and at present, approximately 1,000 foreigners and overseas Koreans enroll in the Korean Language and Cultural Studies Program annually.

The excellent reputation of the Korean Language and Cultural Studies Program at the KLCC is spreading by word-of-mouth from the students who have participated in our program. Our textbooks, Korean 1-6 and Korean Conversation 1-6, and supplementary teaching materials are acclaimed to be the best in the world. Our teachers, all specialists in Korean language education, employ effective and innovative teaching methods and create a friendly learning environment.

....The Korean Language and Culture Center is situated in the International Studies Hall fitted with state-of-the-art multimedia facilities and language labs. Thus, it is in a position to offer a better language education and is in the forefront of Korean language education both in name and fact.

Institute of Foreign Language Studies
Email: language@korea.ac.kr

Situated at the International Studies Hall, the Institute of Foreign Language Studies was established with a mission to globalize and liberalize university education. With a focus on a structured yet specialized foreign language learning method, the Institute encourages research and learning in the fields of foreign cultures and international exchange with a theoretical and practical purpose. Facilities include English Labs, Foreign Language Lab, Education Assessment Lab and the Academic Affairs Department. There is also a multi-lab, computer lab, Listening Resource Center and a lecture room. These facilities are available to the community, students and employees of KU. Containing the latest technologies in educational infrastructure, students are able to master both the formal and practical aspects of English and other foreign languages.

The School of Continuing Education
Email: iceku@korea.ac.kr

Regardless of age, experience, education or nationality, all persons can obtain a life-long learning experience at the School of Continuing Education. In this information age, KU offers various opportunities in the specialist and general track, as well as in credit-giving track options.