Syracuse University, a private university in the heart of New York State, U.S., may open its first overseas center in Asia in Seoul in the long run as more and more students wish to study in South Korea, according to the university’s Chancellor and President Kent Syverud.

During a recent interview with Maeil Business Newspaper, Syverud, who was in town to enhance exchanges with Korean universities, said that Syracuse University is considering establishing a campus in Seoul for the first time in Asia. Syracuse University has overseas centers in the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Chile.

Syverud’s visit from March 12 to 18 involved tours around 8 universities in Korea - Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University, Ewha Womans University, University of Seoul, and Korea National University of Arts. There, he discussed possible partnerships.

Syverud was joined by 17 faculty members, including Dean David van Slyke of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the deans of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and of the School of Architecture.

The visit to Seoul was to make it clear that Syracuse University is focused on Korea and is hoping to enhance ties with Korean universities, Syverud said.

He also added that many students at Syracuse University hope to study in Korea, which is why it is seeking to expand the partnership.

The ties are expected to start with the exchange programs between the students and lecturers.



According to Syverud, the partnership will allow more students at Syracuse University to study in Korea and Korean students in one of its overseas campuses in the U.S. and Europe. He also hoped for more exchanges in language programs.

Syverud also expressed hopes for possible cooperation with Korean companies.

He said that during the short trip, he was able to realize that Korea is achieving innovative performance in a wide range of sectors, which will definitely be of a benefit to its students.

Syracuse University, in fact, has been a booster to the regional economy in the U.S. while forging close ties with American companies.

U.S. chip company Micron Technology Inc. announced to invest $100 billion to build a chip factory near Syracuse University in New York in October last year. The university established partnership with the firm, such as by creating an internship program.

Syverud noted how Korea’s Lotte Biologics Co. acquired a bio-pharmaceutical plant in Syracuse, New York, last year, which is expected to create about 10,000 in direct and indirect jobs.

He emphasized that training programs would help smooth employment issues as the U.S. faces the challenges in hiring skilled workers.

Syverud said that a training program for Lotte employees will help boost synergy.

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is known for its Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. It is the alma mater of U.S. President Joe Biden, current governor of New York State, and mayor of Syracuse.

By Moon Ga-young and Chang Iou-chung

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]