The USC Price School of Public Policy has broadened its borders by establishing a new partnership with Seoul’s Yonsei University — the oldest private university in Korea — aimed at facilitating academic and student collaboration in the fields of public policy and urban planning.

Under the recently signed agreement with Yonsei’s Department of Public Administration, the two institutions plan to create new opportunities for engagement through educational programs, professional training and scholarly research.

“One of the goals of the Price School is trying to develop partnerships with select universities throughout the world,” said Carol Rush, associate dean for student affairs at USC Price. “Yonsei University is one of the most distinguished universities in Korea. Given Yonsei’s outstanding reputation and strong public administration program, we look forward to partnering with them.”

Opening a door to overseas education

For undergraduates and master’s students, this memorandum of understanding opens the door for the pursuit of graduate education abroad.

“In today’s rapidly globalizing world, we recognize that students need to understand policymaking from a global perspective,” Rush said. “So we want to encourage students from Korea to study in graduate programs at the USC Price School. Similarly, for American students who want to do graduate work abroad, we would encourage them to consider Yonsei University.”

For Ph.D. students and faculty, the MOU encourages academic cooperation through conferences, seminars, meetings, joint research and other scholarly activities.

I am excited at the prospects for increased access and collaboration between two of the finest institutions in these key regions of the world.

Steven Lee

Steven Lee, director of the USC Korea Office, played a key role in connecting the two world-class universities.

“In an era of interdependence and globalization, I am excited at the prospects for increased access and collaboration between two of the finest institutions in these key regions of the world,” Lee said.

Colleagues at Yonsei University share this vision of what the collaboration will bring. 

TJ Lah, professor and chair of the Yonsei Department of Public Administration, noted that the agreement not only strengthens the department’s research and education network, but it also helps students become future leaders in public administration and public policy.

More stories about: Globalization, Korea, Research