Korean Version of Fulbright Program in the Making
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
The Korean government will introduce a scholarship program for foreign students and scholars to help improve the country's image and strengthen networks with other countries through education programs.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced Tuesday it will run a new scholarship program, ``Global Korea Scholarship,'' from as early as next year, benchmarking the Fulbright Program of the U.S. and scholarship programs of the Japanese government.
The ministry will offer long-term courses, including bachelor degrees and exchange programs, as well as short-term courses, such as Korean language and culture programs.
It will also invite leadership groups from other countries, professors and scholars, as well as government officials, and offer opportunities to study here with stipends and other financial benefits. The budget for the program has yet to be determined.
``We will recruit future leaders recommended by overseas universities and Korean embassies around the world. Their academic records and study plans will be key factors for the recruitment,'' a ministry official said. ``We will prepare various programs for the incoming foreign students so that they can fully enjoy life here and understand more about Korea.''
Separately, the ministry will also introduce ``CAMPUS Asia'' program, set for students from neighboring Asian countries. Through the program, universities in Korea, Japan and China will run double-degree programs and exchange programs for more students.