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H.U.F.S. has firmly secured its place among the prestigious universities of the world after being specially designated by the government as a training institution for international expertise and the prototype university in education reform for the age of globalization.

HUFS is moving forward under the banner of a Second Founding, strengthening its capacity as a prestigious university and leading the future of the nation based on its half a century of growth.

HUFS excellence is not limited to its foreign language departments, which are already second to none, but includes other essential departments in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and information engineering. Specialized education and foreign language education serve as the foundation of HUFS new vision of the 21st century.
President Interview BusinessKorea
[DUCATION] Hankuk University of Foreign StudiesS


HUFS VISION 2016


HUFS aims to become a Top 5 university in Korea through its ambitious vision.


Business Korea sat down with Park Chul, president of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), for an interview. In our interview, Park discusses the many ambitious plans HUFS has for the future, some of which the university is already en route to achieving.

< Could you tell us about HUFS VISION 2016?
HUFS VISION 2016 is the specific plans the university has to become a Top 5 private university in Korea. Specifically it is divided into four sections : "Education: Students" , "Education: Research", "organization: Infrastructure" and "Finance: Business". Under the "Education : Students" section, our primary goal is to provide a quality education to students by gifted professors in a positive environment. To achieve this goal, efforts have been poured into attracting excellent students and providing them with support in finding jobs after graduation. Several systems in this section have been implemented and are now running such as the 7+1 semester system, the double major system, and the certificate for two foreign languages system.
In the "Education: Research" section, our aim is to establish the university's research and education capability through inviting talented professors, improving the system and criteria of professor evaluation, motivating several kinds of research, increasing industry-university cooperation and interdisciplinary research, and inviting foreign professors and renowned scholars with global competitiveness as visiting faculty.
In terms of "Organization: Infrastructure," we will take bold steps toward becoming a prestigious university through implementing advanced administration and a firm infrastructure basis. Establishing global infra has been selected as a core work, and this will be achieved through reforming the educational system. Specifically, we have a plan to specialize each campus to solve overlapping problems and to reinforce our graduate schools. A third campus located in New Songdo City is also now in the process of being built, and we have proposed the construction of the Asia Cultural Exchange Center.
Finally, under the "Finance: Business" section, we will establish effective administration and finance systems through fund raising campaigns and reinforcing profitable businesses. By 2014, the 60th anniversary of the university's founding, our aim is to generate 20 million won through fund raising. We also have a plan to launch profitable businesses related to foreign languages, and reinforce strategic cooperation with external organizations.
I am certain that through the successful accomplishment of these missions, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies will be reborn as a Top 5 private university in Korea.

< You mentioned a third campus in New Songdo City. How much has that plan progressed?
On Feb. 9, 2007, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and the Incheon City government agreed to open a third university campus in New Songdo City that will house an interpretation and translation center, an international business information center, a Korean education & culture center, and dormitory facilities.
Songdo District one and three, the areas under specific discussion, already have basic structures ready for construction. HUFS will complete construction of the interpretation and translation center alongside the completion of the Songdo International Convention Center in August 2008.
The interpretation and translation graduate school of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is the only CUITI ([International Permanent] Conference of University Institutes of Translators and Interpreters) in Asia and is acknowledged in the world. The plan for the Songdo campus is very important as it will act as a foothold for HUFS to advance into the global arena.

< HUFS already announced a joint proposal for the construction of the Asia Cultural Exchange Center in Jagok-dong, Gangnam-gu. Could you talk a little bit more about this?
HUFS proposed building the Asia Cultural Exchange Center jointly with the Seoul government. HUFS gave its own land for the project (200,000 pyeong (¡Ö6.6 square-kilometers)), and the Seoul government is in charge of constructing the facilities. HUFS expects to run continuous cultural exchange programs at the center, as well as education programs on Korean culture to people or companies who wish to enter the Korean market. The center will also support Korean/Asian studies, have its own convention center, and provide counseling for foreigners. In particular, since the Seoul government has recently increased its interest in the education and welfare of foreign workers, HUFS expects it will be very actively involved in the project.

< HUFS recently introduced the double major system and the 7+1 system. Could you tell us a little bit more about how each of these systems work?
The double major system encourages students to fulfill one more major requirement in addition to their own major. It aims to provide students with more opportunities in acquiring knowledge and improving abilities in a variety of fields of study in preparation for the job market. From this year, freshmen were required to choose between a double major or focus on a single major. If a student chooses a double major, he/she must take 54 credit hours in each. If a student chooses a single major, he/she must take 75 credit hours in total. HUFS believes this new system will be effective in maximizing the talents of students. So far this year, freshmen excluded, 735 students have chosen double majors and 50 single majors.
The 7+1 system has been executed since 2006 with the aim of educating global-minded students by providing them with opportunities to take courses for one semester at a university abroad and seven at HUFS. In the long run, HUFS hopes to provide all students with opportunities to study abroad through this system. In fall 2006, 124 students were selected as study-abroad fellows, and 400 students are to be selected to study overseas in 2007. In addition, from fall 2008, students in the top 10 percent in academic performance who were admitted in 2007 will be sent to universities in other countries, expanding their opportunities for more comprehensive study in their area of interest.

< HUFS operates the two foreign language certificate systems as a requirement for graduation. What does it mean and what is its purpose?
Under the two foreign languages certificate system, students must satisfy the requirements of more than two languages including English, fulfill course requirements, and pass a comprehensive examination, in order to graduate. The purpose of this system is to increase students' competitiveness in society by guaranteeing their proficiency in more than one language.

< HUFS was given ten billion won in funds for development last year. How did the university manage it and how will the money be used?
HUFS launched the "One More Tuition Payment Campaign" for alumni. Funds from this campaign are used to develop and expand campuses in Seoul and Yongin, as well as for improvement of the cyber campus. Specifically, the first-stage goal is to further develop campuses in Seoul and Yongin; the second-stage goal is to enter among the Top 5 universities in freshmen entrance exam scores, percentage of employment after graduation, and faculty research results; and the third-stage goal is to enter the ranks of the Top 100 universities in the world.
Faculty will be at the head of renovation and development. From this year professors are required to publish twice as many papers as before. The research score for promotion has increased from 150 to 240, and publication in international journals is mandatory. Travel grants will be increased for presenters at international conferences to three times each year and will include flight fares and 1,000,000 won in support. We will also create or expand total award amount in the Best Teaching Award and the Outstanding Paper Award.

< You just completed your first year as university president. What is your impression of how things stand and what are your plans for the next three years?
Although "foreign language education" is the unique role that HUFS plays in Korea, there is still a need to reinforce our autonomy. I am confident that with "HUFS VISION 2016"and our unique characteristics, our competitiveness will in no time be on par with other prestigious universities in the world. To ensure that happens, within my term as president I will make sure that the Songdo Campus is completed and in full operation.
I also have a plan to change the English name of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies to Corea University of Foreign Studies as it is easier for foreigners to understand. In fact, "Corea" is more representative of our Korean identity, and it has long been used in other countries.

< Finally, what message would you like to pass on to the students of HUFS?
I want to encourage them to maintain their strong belief in themselves. With such confidence, they will definitely succeed. I would also recommend that they travel as much as possible to open up their minds and their hearts. If our young people are fluent in many languages, a small country like Korea will not just survive, but thrive... just look what happened in the Netherlands.

President Interview KoreaTimes(Jan, 17. 2007)
[DUCATION] HUFS to Care for Alienated Workers

HUFS to Care for Alienated Workers
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter


HUFS President Park Chul

Hankook University of Foreign Language Studies (HUFS) plans to serve the needs of alienated foreigner workers by creating an "Asia International Center,"which will open communications between Koreans and foreign workers.
"Just think about the hard time many Koreans had when working overseas to earn money.
There are now about 1 million foreigners in Korea from developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal and Thailand.
I believe we need an open place to embrace them and communicate with them," HUFS President Park Chul said in an interview with The Korea Times.

"They are here with clear life goals so we should care for them. For this, it is very important for us to understand them and also give them opportunities to understand us," Park said.

The university's eighth president said the school will try to build the center at Jakok-dong, southern Seoul using land the school owns.

HUFS has already submitted a proposal to the Seoul Metropolitan Government and is waiting for a reply. However, there is a problem because the site is designated as a green area, not for development.

"I believe Seoul City will allow us to set up the welfare center for Asian workers but if not, I will create it in Inchon where the HUFS' third campus will be built," Park said.

Through the center, the school will help the city, whether it be Seoul or Inchon, become an Asian cultural hub and boost the image of Korea in the international community. Foreign workers will be able to rest and enjoy cultural activities there, Park said.

President of Decision and Principles

The 58-year president recently dealt with a 215-day strike by school workers with firm decisions based on basic principles.

"I think there is no negative aftermath from the seven-month strike. Although it was a very long time, there were no casualties and the workers understand now that the changes I pursued were for the development of our school," Park said.

The union at the school is now participating in the school's renovation, putting the difficult history of the last seven months behind it.
The union has new leader and is going forward with the management of the school.

"It was a period of transition to develop a new labor management relationship. Now all members are of one mind to make a better school," Park said.

When asked about the controversy over government control of foreign language schools, Park criticized the education authorities.

"In reality those schools are developing excellent students. However, the government discourages them with its obsessive involvement," he said.
"Rather, it needs to encourage more students to study at the world's top universities overseas as long as they don't violate regulations.

Park stressed the government should keep basic principles and make policy based on them. "The Education Ministry is now controlled by the
people's sentiment, but it needs to push forward with what it believes is right regardless of this," he said.

Ties With Foreign Language Universities


Park is now preparing for the "Asia Pacific Summit Forum on Foreign Language Education" to be held this October in Seoul as he is not only the president of HUFS, but also the president of Universities of Foreign Language Studies in the Asia Pacific region.
The aim of the organization is to strengthen ties among universities specializing in language studies and to share their experiences with each other.

Presidents from around 30 schools in the region including Beijing Foreign Studies University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and Moscow State University for International Relations will come to Seoul.

"Last September, we organized the union at Beijing and this year's forum will develop the interaction more and more. I hope the president of Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies will also come," Park said.

Uniqueness About the School

When asked about the uniqueness of the school's curricula compared to other universities'language departments, he mentioned that the school has many foreign professors.

Every semester, the school has about 100 foreign professors making up 25 percent of the total faculty. Also the schools' students are well known for studying overseas. These facts are very helpful for the students to further their studies or land jobs, Park said.

Also studies of business or economics at the school are different from other schools as the school offers studies about specific countries all over the world. Park said that the students develop global minds at the school.

He stressed that the school needs to attract more foreigner students. Right now it has 260. However, Park expects the school will attract a large number of foreigners at its new campus at Songdo in the Incheon Free Economy Zone. He plans to build an international graduate school there as well.

Also he plans to encourage the university's efforts to offer Korean language lectures based on its specialized experience. It opened the Korean Cultural Education Center last August. About 1,000 Chinese will attend the school this year.

Park's Future Plans

Park is developing a program for students to study overseas under the "7+1" program. It provides for students to study seven semesters at their home schools and one semester at a sister school overseas.

Under the plan, 200 students went overseas on scholarships in 2006 and this year 400 students plan to study abroad. Also, he introduced a system whereby all students are taught to speak two foreign languages and are required to get double degrees, under the 54+54 academic program. "I will make HUFS a school where they cannot graduate if they don£¿t study. Thankfully, all students agree with my idea," Park said.

Under the school's BRICs project, which is aimed at promoting studies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, 200 students who are studying the languages of those countries will visit them for six months with government financial support. One result of the project is that the India language department now is in third place in popularity.

Since Park became president, the school has signed agreements with 20 foreign colleges so now 170 colleges in 60 countries cooperate with HUFS.

Moreover, he has strengthened ties with political and government bodies such as the National Assembly and the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Affairs. The school provides interpretation services for lawmakers on international affairs and will dispatch students as interns to Korean government bodies or offices around the world. Next semester 16 students will go overseas on the intern program.

His latest achievement is the new campus in the free economic zone. There the school will further its dreams of globalization.

"Our students will study on the world stage, and they further develop their dreams at world-renowned colleges and international bodies," Park said.



kswho@koreatimes.co.kr

01-17-2007 16:15

President Interview KoreaHerald(Jan, 11. 2007)
[DUCATION] Globalization an ongoing effort for HUFS


[EDUCATION] Globalization an ongoing effort for HUFS

Following is the first in a series of interviews with the heads of Korean universities. - Ed.

After a year of continuous labor unrest, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is embarking on a range of projects to globalize education and expand its facilities.

Over the next five years, the university plans to raise 200 billion won ($216 million) to accomplish a long list of projects, dubbed the HUFS Vision 2016.

The 10-year projects include expanding overseas study programs for its students and establishing a new campus in Incheon and an international village in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

The university also plans to expand its Seoul campus, including the library and dormitory, along with digitalizing its second campus in Yongin and increasing the number of scholarship programs for students.

These projects will revitalize the university both internally and externally, said university president Park Chul.

"The students at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies need to be trained to gain insights to what may happen internationally in the future," Park said in a recent interview with The Korea Herald.

With the specialized fields of studies only offered at HUFS, he said, he wants to raise more "cultural specialists" rather than the more common regional experts.

"Acquiring languages must be a basic but I want to strengthen the general culture classes so that we can become a leader in raising globally-fit professionals," Park said.

However, he did admit he encountered difficulties with the school's labor union, beginning only a month after he took his seat as university president.

"Last year was a challenging year for all of us but we are reborn and this year will be a fresh start and a year of radical transformation.

"Beginning this year, the university is going forward with several new projects. All students will be required to acquire two languages in order to graduate and about 400 students will participate in the '7+1' system," Park said. Through the system, students complete seven semesters at the university and have an opportunity to study abroad in their last semester.

"We expect every student who entered in 2006 to take part in the program," he said.

The university was also the first to sign an agreement with the Foreign Ministry last July to send student ambassadors to other nations and assign student interns to 16 countries starting March, said Park.

"My plan is to focus on globalization and develop our students into qualified workers who will not face any barriers here and abroad," Park added.

Construction of a third campus will begin in the first half of this year in Songdo City, Incheon, to add to Park's ongoing efforts for globalization, he said.

<**2>

The new 69,300 square meter campus, which will be ready by August 2008, will be composed of a center for interpretation and translation, an international business information center, an institute that offers Korean culture classes and student dormitory facilities that can accommodate up to 300 students.

The building of an international village for language learning on its Yongin campus is also being negotiated with the Yongin City government, Park said. Yongin City would provide the buildings on university land, he explained.

"If this works out, we have a vision of transforming Yongin into an international cultural town for everyone," Park said.

Park, a 58-year-old lifelong scholar, said he plans to expand the number of languages covered by the university's foreign language examinations, or FLEX, from seven to 19 different languages.

The university is currently collecting data and conducting research in a joint effort with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in this regard, he said.

"For example, we have examinations for the foreign languages that are commonly taught to Koreans such as English, French and Chinese but we don't have exams for Vietnamese or Polish," said Park, adding that the university will invest 1 billion won by 2009 in this project.

HUFS students will be required to pass FLEX in order to graduate.

Park said he will not only push to improve foreign-language education but also strive to introduce a better learning system for foreign students studying in Korea.

The university launched a Korean language and culture education institute for foreigners on its Seoul campus in August and university officials said they are expecting to educate about 1,000 foreign students this year.

"Teaching Korean as a foreign language is becoming more important with "hallyu" - the Korean Wave phenomenon - and with Korea's rise in international standing," he said. "As a result, we are coming up with a set of plans to send talented people overseas and make Korea more appealing to people outside the country."

But barriers do exist when it comes to implementing the plans. According to Park, more financial support from the government would speed up producing qualified specialists, such as Middle East regional and cultural experts.

"We, as a private university, need more support from the government to cultivate the best," Park said.

The university has received a total of 4.6 billion won since 2005 from the government to cultivate regional professionals for its BRICs program (Brazil, Russia, India and China), but Park said that is not enough.

"I think we will need about 10 billion won a year for about five to six consecutive years to groom the leaders needed in the field," he said.

Another hurdle for the university is excessive government control on university policies - mainly regarding its student selection process, he said.

"Student selection requirements should vary according to the university's specialization, but the government tends to lay out too many limitations and restrictions, even in essay writing exams," he said. "Universities should be granted greater autonomy because they are all different. Universities should be evaluated by students and parents, not the government."

However, Park agreed that universities must change along with today's society.

"The teaching methods of professors must change in order to offer education that puts emphasis on creativity and a stricter evaluation system needs to be introduced," he commented.

Park said professors may be challenged by the introduction of numerous new policies but this transformation is necessary.

"The results of the new policies will soon be seen. I'm willing to accept the challenges and move to implement the projects. I already have a dream of transforming this university into one that will be a top choice for students by 2008," Park said.

(sharon@heraldm.com)

By Cho Ji-hyun