In May 2023, Penn State Global sent two staff members, Chisato Tada and Wendy Moynihan, to visit Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in South Korea. The purpose of the staff exchange program is to observe administration, collaborate with university staff to support international students, foster intercultural learning, and facilitate relationships among partnership institutions.

Chisato Tada

Tada works as an international student adviser for the International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) Office within Penn State Global. In this role, she provides guidance and support to international students, helping them navigate immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and academic programs. Tada's expertise in the field of international student advising contributes to the success of international students at Penn State.

“In my extraordinary journey to SKKU in South Korea,” Tada said, “I witnessed firsthand the pivotal role played by SKKU in fostering collaborative relationships and shaping intra-cognitive understanding.”

She highlighted the significance of exchange staff members in fostering strong relationships between Penn State and SKKU. Her main responsibility at SKKU was to act as a friendly ambassador to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage positive interactions. Moreover, she said, she wanted to learn ways to better support international students and gain valuable insights into best practices in that domain. Additionally, she was enthusiastic about immersing herself in a new culture, broadening her horizons, and developing a deeper understanding of international students’ challenges and opportunities. 

During her two-week visit to SKKU, Tada emphasized the importance of open-mindedness and adaptability when encountering societal dissimilarities, she said.

“I was truly immersed in the culture, experiencing the profound warmth and hospitality of the SKKU staff,” Tada said. She said that meeting tourists and locals had allowed her to develop a deeper compassion for the local culture. 

Tada presented at SKKU’s Student Mobility Fair to support incoming and outgoing exchange students and promote the partnerships between Penn State and SKKU. The fair also served as a platform for exchange students to showcase their home universities while inspiring others to consider studying abroad at their institutions to facilitate a culture of international mobility.  

Tada expressed gratitude for meeting with several leaders at SKKU: Professor HanJung Lee, vice president for International Affairs; Dr. Sang Hoon Bae, vice president of academic affairs, who is also a Penn State alumnus; and TaeHee Won, the director of international relations. SKKU leadership expressed interest in building new collaborative initiatives and projects with Penn State.

“Seeing their support and commitment to furthering academic growth and international cooperation is inspiring,” she reflected. Moving forward, Tada said she plans to host an annual online conference for staff and faculty to share best practices. She said she believes the virtual conference will provide a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, enabling colleagues from both universities to learn from one another in strengthening university-wide partnerships.

Wendy Moynihan

Moynihan serves Penn State Harrisburg as the global education coordinator in the International Students Office. With her expertise in supporting international students and fostering global connections, she plays a vital role in enhancing the international student experience and promoting cross-cultural understanding at the university.

Moynihan reflected on the opportunity to learn about Korean culture.

“Korea has a profound history, and this trip to SKKU served as a wonderful introduction for me to gain insight into the culture,” she said.

Meanwhile, Moynihan expressed her keen interest in collaborating with SKKU's International Student Service team, emphasizing the similarities of their responsibilities, challenges, and roles at both institutions. The experience was enjoyable and insightful, allowing her to collaborate and exchange knowledge with the team, she said. Reflecting on her role as a global engagement coordinator, Moynihan remarked, “I had more of a lens on programming and how SKKU supports their international and exchange students through their programs and services.” 

One purpose of her trip was to strengthen Penn State’s relationship with SKKU. She said how she and SKKU staff had embraced all the experiences offered during her two-week visit, including laughter, exploration of ideas, shared meals, and, most importantly, fostering genuine relationships.

“I feel so fortunate that I was able to meet and spend as much time with the staff there as I did,” Moynihan said. “I believe we have a lot to offer each other and that the future of our continued partnership is a bright one.”

According to Moynihan, one highlight of her trip was meeting with two students, Soobin and Seungjun, who lead the HI Club, short for “Help and Information Club.” The HI Club mobilizes student leaders to offer support to international students at SKKU, like the Global Lion Mentor (GLM) Program at Penn State Harrisburg. The club offers assistance and programming throughout the academic year, all of which hundreds of students come together for intercultural exchange.  

Moynihan said she was grateful for the warm hospitality she received in South Korea. She shared her deep connection to Seoul, stating, “I really fell in love with Seoul. I would welcome any opportunity to return. I left with many positive memories and feelings from my time there, and I gained more understanding on how to better support our Korean students here at Penn State.”

During the visit to SKKU, both Tada and Moynihan highlighted the significant personal and professional impact of the program. Their interactions with the international student service team, as well as international relations, collaboration with SKKU leadership and administrators staff, exploration of Korean culture and connections formed during their time at SKKU furthered their understanding of the reach and impact of global engagement and cultural exchange, they said.

For more information about Penn State’s relationship with SKKU, contact Anna Marshall, associate director for Asia partnerships, at awm15@psu.edu.