Comparing internationalization among universities

Among universities worldwide, internationalization is increasing, so it comes as no surprise that it has become one of the criteria in assessing a school’s success.

Internationalization allows universities to have exchange programs and services with foreign universities– beneficial for both institutions.

The JoongAng Ilbo recently characterized six standards that can estimate the extent of a university’s efforts to enter the global market the number of foreign professors; the number of foreign students registered for a degree; the number of exchange students dispatched overseas; the number of domestic foreign exchange students; the amount of lectures provided in English; and the diversity of the school’s foreign demographic.

Among 80 universities, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kyunghee and Hanyang University had the highest levels of in internationalization.

Hankuk  University  of  Foreign Studies received the highest grade in internationalization among Korea’s 100 prestigious universities. Out of a total 50 points, it received 42 points. It acquired more points for the number of foreign professors it had and the diversity of its foreign population. Kyunghee University came in second with 41 points. It got the most points for the number of foreign students registered for a degree, the percentage of exchange students dispatched overseas and the number of domestic foreign exchange students.

It also had the highest score when it came to the number of exchange students sent overseas, which demonstrates its collaboration with other schools abroad. International students attending sister universities can easily register at Kyunghee University, adding to its exchange student population.

Hanyang University, on the other hand, received 39 points. It has lower scores across every category compared to its counterparts. However, it still had enough points to place third nationwide.

The school did not excel in any certain area, but its overall scores were impressive. The university had the highest score when it came to its number of English lectures offered.

Each university excels in its own way. However, among them, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kyunghee and Hanyang University have all succeeded in achieving high internationalization scores. Students interested in foreign languages and culture may consider attending one of the three, keeping in mind which category they prefer most.

heewon_223@naver.com

 

 

BY Lee Hee-Won

Jamsil Middle School

A big small talk with director of history museum

On August 7, CHUNGDAHM Learning’s Journalism Club members interviewed Kim Wang-Sik, director of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, located in Gwanghwamoon. The members had in-depth conversation on his perspective on Korean history. The members were also invited to take a look at the Museum, which houses 4,000 pieces of antiquities of contemporary Korean history.

Park Seo-Hyun: Are people well aware of their own history?

Kim: I think that people have a biased historic perspective. It’s because history education is not based on the study of history, but politics. I want people to have a balanced perspective on history so that we do not have any disputes regarding Korean history.

Lee Jae-Hong: As a head of a history museum, when are you happy or sad?

Kim: As I said before, I wish people could have a balanced perspective on history. We have put a lot of effort into achieving this. When it is achieved, we will think it is worthwhile. But despite those efforts, it is pretty unfortunate that there are still some people who have biased views of history.

Jeong Do-Hee: Few months ago, Hangeoruem press corps kicked off. Why were you determined to start the program?

Kim: Actually, the Museum was established in 2012. Majority of people don’t know about this Museum, so I want them to pay attention to our museum.  The  press  corps  will  be playing an important role as ambassadors that let people know that we are here and joy of learning history.

Choi Min-Woo: Recently the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened an exhibition on modern Korean history with the Korean broadcast society. What kind of exhibition is it?

Kim: This exhibition opened for many purposes; First, to remember the beautiful memories we have about radio and television and secondly, to understand the influence of radio and television in our lives. Before color television has invented, people did not have a great sense about color, but after color television, people’s ability to sense colors developed. And finally, the exhibit will help us visualize how television and radio have changed our senses.

Lee Jae-Hong: How are historical Korean relics preserved?

Kim: Today approximately there have been 60,000 relics discovered. They are mainly stored in Sugango, which can control temperature, humidity and the air. Because of this function, they can be preserved permanently. Conservation specialists take charge of this work.

Lee Hee-Won: There are many collections in this museum. But what collection do you think is the most valuable?

Kim: There are several.  Recently, I have grown fond of “Old Man Gobawu.” But not only that, I think Deni Taegeukgi(Korean national flag) is very valuable. Korea’s first Taegeukgi was made in 1882 but sadly, we don’t have it. The oldest Korean national flag is the Deni Taegeukgi, which was given to an American diplomat by Emperor Kojong. It looks very different from the Taegeukgi nowadays. But, the reason I like it is because it looks more harmonious. Not only that, but there are also other collections, such as the Sibal taxi and others, but still, Deni Taegeukgi is my favorite.

Yun Se-In: Some museums are crowded while others are almost empty. What should they do to improve? And what does the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History do to fix those problems?

Kim: Like we all know, museums exhibit information on events that have already happened. Many people these days favor amusement parks over museums–maybe a lot of children and teenagers like you, too. But your parents and your grandparents might say in a museum, “We lived like that,” or “That was the cell phone I used!” The most important thing is understanding. We are trying our best to make our museum accessible to all the visitors regardless of gender or age.

Park Seo-Hyun: How do museums usually sort out distorted history?

Kim: It’s important to find the historical records. We see many people who talk without thinking, and it has been a big problem. We have to give evidence to support our claim. To find out the truth behind distorted history, there must be a strong standard in place.

Jeong Do-Hee: Japan argues that the Dokdo islets is their territory, while Koreans claim Dokdo is ours What do you think?

Kim: I think that diverse opinion is also needed for our society. People must be able to express their belief freely in public. But it has to be taken seriously as it lacks strong ground for the accusation, in case of such territorial dispute between nations.

Choi Min-Woo: What do you think about the distortions in Japanese history textbooks?

Kim: First of all, I think it is a very unfortunate thing. For peace in Northeast Asia, they should acknowledge their occupation over the Korean peninsula and the brutal crimes committed. However, the Japanese government does not have those attitudes right now. That is the only thing still to be resolved in Northeast Asia.

Lee Hee-Won: Recently, by extending Korean history classes and designating Korean history as a required subject on the College Scholastic Ability Test, history has become much more important. Do you think it is that important?

Kim: Yes, it is. Making a step forward without knowing the history is just like walking without knowing where to go. I think we can find the right way after we have correct knowledge and criticism about our history. But, biased education shouldn’t be repeated; instead, balanced education, which requires criticism and praise, is necessary.

Jeong Do-Hee: When you were young, were you interested in history?

Kim: Just as other people like history, I liked history, too.

Yun Se-In: History is not a subject that is simple and easy. How can students enjoy it?

Kim: Many students think history has to do with  memorization,  but of course that is not true. Students should view history with meaning. Students should think deeply about the wars and the invasions in history and question themselves.

Choi Min-Woo: You studied political science and diplomacy when you were in college and have taught sociology and ethics. We feel that it is a bit of a peculiar profile to now be the head of a history museum. How did you become the director of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History?

Kim: The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is a museum about modern history. The reason why our museum is the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is because our museum houses historical artifacts from the start of the Republic of Korea to the present. However, our museum presents history from the 1870s to the present. Unlike most historians who study the history of the 1950-53 Korean War, our museum is about history from the 1870’s  to  the  present.  In most countries, modern history is recorded by  sociologists  or  social  scientists, including  economists  and  political scientists. I also believe that modern history should be recorded by political scientists rather than historians. Therefore, I believe that I, as a sociologist, fit better in this museum, rather than a historian.

Park Seo-Hyun: What are the ways in which students can be more familiar with history?

Kim: They have to experience the history. When they experience it, they can naturally understand the history of Korea. By helping various generations communicate, we can make students more familiar with history.

Yun Se-In: What is your plan for the future?

Kim: In order to build a strong structure, the base must be strong, and so does the museum. Our museum was established only a year and a half ago. The base of the museum is not strong enough. So my plan is to make a better-structured museum, not only for the outside world, but for the inside as well.

Lee Jae-Hong: As a director of a history museum, what do you want to say to people today?

Kim: History of the past definitely influences our lives. History can be seen as a conversation between the past and the present. And what is really important is not to have a biased historical view but a balanced one. This is the thing I have been emphasizing over and over.

journalismclub@chungdahm.com

Double edged sword; Electronic devices on campus

 

 

 

 

BY Lee Hee-Won

Jamsil Middle School

Despite the fact that some problems exist with students using electronic devices during class, still it is much more convenient and comfortable for them.

Using electronic devices is much more effective for many students and some of them don’t have a choice but to use them based on time constraints. Since there is limited time to lecture, professors often hurry through. Professors are urged to teach more in the time allotted than he or she is capable, and as a result, students rapidly try to write down everything the teacher says, sometimes missing notes.

However, if they use electronic devices, they have more time to listen and understand, rather than rushing through the material. By taking a photograph, they can save their notes quickly.

They can also type their notes on their laptops, which saves more time than writing by hand.

“Most professors lecture using a big screen, and some of them turn the pages way too fast, which doesn’t allow us to take notes. It’s more comfortable and effective to use smartphones to take a picture,” said one Mokwon University student.

“I take the picture when other students are taking notes anyway, so it doesn’t matter,” he said in response to whether he believed technological gadgets in the classroom were a distraction.

However, the solution to that argument is simple.

Many educators believe students who use electronic devices cannot pay attention in class. They contend students surf the Web or do unrelated work during class, not listening to the professor.

However, such issues occur even when students don’t have electronic devices. Students who don’t have any interest in the lecture will still pay no attention, even without a smartphone or laptop. They might even bother other students who are trying to pay attention.

What matters is the student’s will to pay attention, not the existence of electronic devices. Students who are willing to pay attention will still focus on the class, and even if they have electronic devices, they will use them effectively.

Though there may be some minor problems that come with using electronic devices during class, the benefit is still significant. It would be unreasonable to ban or restrict their use on campus for such minor grievances. Taking advantage of cutting-edge technology in academia is more plausible and intellectual.