[코리아타임즈 총장인터뷰] Kookmin University prioritizes cross-cultural competency over student headcount
Beyond classrooms, university forges corporate ties to cultivate world-class professionals As global competition in higher education intensifies, Kookmin University is forging a distinct approach to internationalization. Rather than focusing on the sheer number of international students, the university is emphasizing the cultivation of skills, cross-cultural experiences and confidence students need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. “Global competitiveness today is not about drawing lines between domestic and overseas,” said Kookmin University President Jeong Seung-ryul during an interview with The Korea Times. “At Kookmin University, that vision takes shape in what I call a ‘boundaryless education ecosystem,’ designed to break down walls between countries, classrooms and even workplaces.” He stressed that building global competence is inseparable from preparing future-ready talent, pointing to the importance of giving students hands-on international experiences. The government’s Study Korea 300K project aims to draw 300,000 foreign students by 2027, reflecting policymakers’ focus on boosting inbound enrollment. While Jeong acknowledges the financial and cultural benefits of attracting international students, he insists that a fixation on inbound numbers misses the larger point. Jeong argues that cultivating world-class professionals takes more than short-term exchanges or study abroad programs. What makes a real difference are partnerships that immerse students in project-based, hands-on learning with overseas industries. One example is Kookmin’s collaboration with Volkswagen’s research headquarters in Germany, where students work alongside engineers on live projects — sometimes securing internship offers. “These are not just cultural experiences,” Jeong said. “They allow students to build practical skills, professional networks and the confidence to succeed in global workplaces.” He also emphasized that such opportunities are open to all students at Kookmin, not just Koreans, reflecting the university’s commitment to equal access to global experiences. Reflecting this commitment, the university has calls its internationalization vision “Anywhere in the World, A Kookmin Education.” “With a vision to educate talents who can thrive anywhere in the world, we position the university as both a hub of global knowledge and a bridge linking our students to every corner of the world,” Jeong said. A central part of that strategy is language. Jeong argues that breaking away from the assumption that all international students must become fluent in Korean is essential to lowering barriers and attracting global talent. Instead, the university is working to make its campus more English-friendly. “English is still the world’s common language,” he said, adding that it remains essential for students aiming to stay competitive in the global marketplace. Reflecting this approach, the university operates the Kookmin International Business School (KIBS) with all courses taught in English. The program draws not only Korean students but also a significant number of international applicants. Jeong noted that international students have responded positively to the model, appreciating the chance to use Korean in daily life while completing their majors in English — which can strengthen their language skills in both. The program’s quality is further bolstered by a faculty made up largely of native English speakers. Building on its success, the university plans to launch a full-fledged KMU International College that will expand English-taught education across multiple disciplines. New tracks in mechatronics, bioscience and design are slated for launch, underscoring the university’s drive to position itself as a global hub for higher education. Jeong acknowledges the significance of bringing international perspectives to campus. Kookmin University has long invested in support systems for foreign students, establishing the Center for International Student Services in 2014. Since then, the university has stepped up efforts to upgrade its programs and create a dedicated support system that responds directly to the needs of international students. In addition, the university organizes cultural and exchange events, such as gatherings for Chinese students and sports competitions for Mongolian students. This year’s event featured a global culture zone with booths from Mongolia, China and Vietnam, giving Korean and international students a chance to experience each other’s traditions. The university also runs programs designed to help international students improve their academic performance and adjust to campus life. Targeted at newcomers and those on academic probation, the initiative provides both academic and emotional support, with the dual goals of boosting learning capacity and reducing dropout rates. Since 2015, more than 400 students have taken part in counseling and support services under the program every semester. Jeong is equally candid about the uphill battle in research. “In education, being second or third may still be acceptable,” he said. “But in research, only those at the very top can survive.” Since taking office, he has pushed to align the university with global best practices by building a grant-based research ecosystem. Kookmin University has introduced grant performance into faculty evaluations, linked results to compensation and placed strong emphasis on collaborative research with international partners. The university has also identified five priority fields where it aims to build world-class research competitiveness: artificial intelligence, bioscience, robotics, water and environmental energy and quantum technologies. To strengthen these areas, the university has focused on recruiting promising young scholars in cutting-edge engineering disciplines. Ultimately, Jeong envisions Kookmin University as a hub producing graduates who are not only employable in Korea but competitive worldwide. “When people hear the name Kookmin University, I want them to picture students who can move seamlessly across borders — graduates with the skills to collaborate, communicate and innovate anywhere,” he said. The university believes it holds a distinct edge in the changing landscape of higher education. Its core strength lies in a philosophy of hands-on, interdisciplinary education — an approach that matches the type of talent Korea’s economy demands. “Our role is to prepare students to thrive without boundaries, because the world is wide and full of opportunities where they can excel,” Jeong added. 출처: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251017/kookmin-university-prioritizes-cross-cultural-competency-over-student-headcount
