Seoul, South Korea — President Joe Bertolino visited Sookmyung Women’s University — one of the world’s largest female educational institutes — and signed two academic agreements between the universities on Oct. 19.

The first establishes a joint study-abroad program and the second allows for the mutual exchange of students and materials between the universities. Bertolino and Yunkeum Chang, president of Sookmyung Women’s University, signed the agreements during Bertolino’s visit to East Asia as part of a Choose New Jersey governor-led economic mission this month.

The agreements provide students from both institutions with a path to study abroad and immerse themselves in a new culture, while learning about the hospitality industry from a global perspective.

“Time and again, studies have shown experiential learning to be a critical component in preparing students to succeed in the workforce,” Bertolino said. “Stockton University is excited to add a new opportunity to deliver on our mission of preparing students to succeed in a global society through the immersive learning made possible through this agreement. Our students will benefit by expanding their perspectives and experiencing the culture and life in South Korea, and we look forward to welcoming students from Sookmyung to our campuses in the Pinelands in Galloway and on the beach in Atlantic City.”

The agreements stand between the Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Program in the School of Business at Stockton and the Division of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Sookmyung. 

"This partnership will undoubtedly forge a path toward new horizons in global impact and the era of the New Normal," Chang said. "Since founded in 1906 by the Royal Family of the Joseon Dynasty, Sookmyung has played a pivotal role in women’s education in Korea. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in global education. We look forward to students from Stockton University igniting the sparks of curiosity at Sookmyung, a vibrant campus nestled in the heart of Seoul."

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy attended the signing. “I am so thrilled that we are taking another step toward bringing our countries even closer together by welcoming more South Korean students to New Jersey. At Stockton University, students will have a chance to study at one of the top hospitality programs in the United States,” she said.

“This partnership between Stockton University and Sookmyung Women’s University will strengthen our state’s best-in-nation education system and create more opportunities for our students,” saidWesley Mathews, president and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “We are thrilled to see how these international partnerships benefit the students of New Jersey and South Korea as they navigate through an increasingly interconnected world.”

Stockton University’s Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management is based in Atlantic City and launches student's careers through active learning, internship experience, and professional networking and development.

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.

Choose New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. We stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to grow New Jersey’s economy. We market New Jersey globally as the best state in the United States to live, work, and play, and we guide businesses in establishing or expanding operations here. Our team, supported by a network of state agencies and private partners, provides free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

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