The Norwegian embassy in Seoul welcomed delegations from 10 Norwegian higher education institutions for a seminar on how to strengthen the student mobility and academia, education and business cooperation
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Seoul, along with The Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, welcomed delegations from 10 Norwegian higher education institutions during the second week of May. Notably, 1/3 of Norway’s accredited universities and university colleges made the journey all the way from Norway and participated at the events.
The highlight was a seminar on how to further strengthen the student mobility and academia, education and business cooperation between Norway and South Korea on May 7th. This seminar was the embassy’s main event this year related to the promotion of Norway-Korea collaboration in line with the Norwegian government’s PANORAMA-strategy. According to this strategy Korea is one of Norway’s prioritized partner countries for collaboration outside of Europe within higher education, research and innovation. Korea was included in 2021, and in 2022 the embassy in Seoul became one of few selected Norwegian embassies to have their own counsellor position dedicated specifically to education and research.
The embassy hosted its first large-scale seminar of this kind in the fall of 2023. Back then the focus was mainly on research and developing bilateral research cooperation. This year the seminar had a strong focus on education and student mobility. However, seen in light of research and business, with representatives from Innovation Norway and the business sector present. At the seminar we also heard from Association of Norwegian Students Abroad and former exchange students and engaged in discussions about the future of Korean and Norwegian education policy. We discussed business, education and research collaboration, learned about support schemes and funding opportunities – and together explored how to find the best solutions for more student exchange and collaboration in the future.
Throughout the week the embassy also facilitated for university visits, conducted a preparatory seminar for the Norwegian participants on May 6th, and hosted a dinner reception at the Norwegian ambassador’s residence the evening of May 7th.
The embassy is grateful to have had the opportunity to bring together inspiring minds from both Norway and Korea to exchange ideas, network and build meaningful connections, strengthen academic cooperation and student mobility. A big thank you to all the speakers, panelists, and participants for contributing to making this event a great success. A special appreciation to the 15+ Korean universities that attended both from within and outside of Seoul.
(Disclaimer: The Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research also contributed with extra funding to the embassy, making these events possible.)
For questions about this event or higher education and research collaboration between Norway and Korea, please reach out to the embassy or our counsellor for Higher education, Research and Innovation, Ms. Christine Mee Lie (PhD).
