Seoul, South Korea — President Joe Bertolino of Stockton University recently embarked on a significant visit to Sookmyung Women’s University, one of the world’s largest female educational institutions, culminating in the signing of two groundbreaking academic agreements on October 19th.
These agreements solidify a burgeoning partnership, establishing a joint study-abroad program, and facilitating the exchange of students and educational resources between Stockton University and Sookmyung Women’s University. The signing took place during President Bertolino’s visit to East Asia as part of the Choose New Jersey governor-led economic mission this month.
At the core of these agreements is a commitment to providing students from both institutions with transformative opportunities to study abroad and immerse themselves in a new culture. This unique educational endeavor places a particular emphasis on the hospitality industry, offering students the chance to gain a global perspective on this dynamic field.
President Bertolino expressed his enthusiasm for these agreements, stating, “Time and again, studies have shown experiential learning to be a critical component in preparing students to succeed in the workforce. 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.”
These agreements are designed to foster collaboration between Stockton’s Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management Program within the School of Business and Sookmyung’s Division of Culture, Tourism, and Hospitality Management.
Yunkeum Chang, President of Sookmyung Women’s University, expressed her excitement about this partnership, saying, “This partnership will undoubtedly forge a path toward new horizons in global impact and the era of the New Normal. Sookmyung, a vibrant campus nestled in the heart of Seoul, looks forward to students from Stockton University igniting the sparks of curiosity.”
The signing ceremony was also graced by the presence of New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, who voiced her enthusiasm, saying, “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.”
Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, lauded the partnership for strengthening the state’s education system and creating more opportunities for students in both New Jersey and South Korea as they navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Stockton University’s Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management, located in Atlantic City, is poised to offer a global perspective to students through active learning, internship experiences, and professional networking and development.
About Choose New Jersey, Inc. Choose New Jersey is a leading nonprofit economic development organization in New Jersey, dedicated to stimulating job creation and attracting capital investment to foster economic growth in the state. They market New Jersey as an exceptional place to live, work, and play, both nationally and internationally, and provide guidance to businesses looking to establish or expand operations in New Jersey. Their team, supported by a network of state agencies and private partners, offers free, confidential assistance to guide companies in setting up operations in the state.
