Delegation from Catholic University of Korea Visits Seton Hall

Seton Hall University was honored to welcome a delegation of leaders from the Catholic University of Korea this semester. The relationship between the universities dates back to 1990, when the late Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan, the archbishop of Seoul and the first president of the (integrated) Catholic University, received an honorary doctorate, marking the university's founding in 1855.  

Our two universities have aligned values and missions, as well as similar origins. They were founded at about the same time as theological colleges focused on training priests and are diocesan institutions. 

Interim President Katia Passerini, Ph.D., and Catholic University of Korea President, Father Luke Jongchul Won, met to discuss collaborative opportunities, including academic exchanges for students, scholars and faculty through various networks. In recent years, South Korea has become highly sought after as a study abroad destination for college students, The Open Doors report for 2022 ranked South Korea as the 5th most popular study abroad destination, attributing the growth, in part, to the rise in popularity of K-pop/K-drama among college-age students. 

The Catholic University of Korea is one of the top private universities in the region and houses a medical school, robust STEM, business and liberal arts programs, and it also maintains a strong focus on theology and religious studies. The university is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the country. 

Seton Hall’s commitment to academic exchanges for students, scholars, and faculty is a positive step toward fostering international academic cooperation in Asia. The University’s relationship with Catholic University will create new opportunities for cultural exchange, academic growth, research, and provide a new destination for faculty-led study abroad programs. 

The partnership is an important milestone as Seton Hall works to expand and enhance its global footprint and elevate brand recognition through international exchange and rankings. Both institutions maintain high academic standards and share a commitment to enhance global awareness and impact among their university communities through international research and scholarship.  

Interim President Katia Passerini shared that, "International partnerships in Asia, and particularly in South Korea, play a pivotal role in fostering expertise, advancing research, and enriching the student experience. By collaborating across borders, we tap into a global reservoir of knowledge, enabling us to address complex challenges and cultivate a truly diverse, interconnected learning environment that prepares students for an ever-changing world." 

Seton Hall students are encouraged to learn about study abroad opportunities through Study Abroad Advising and Info Sessions hosted by the Office of International Programs (OIP) and visit the Study Abroad website.

Categories: Education, Nation and World