Press Releases

The U.S. Embassy Celebrates International Education Week

November 19, 2003

On Wednesday, November 19, 2003, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Thomas C. Hubbard commemorated the fourth annual International Education Week by hosting a lunch at his Residence for representatives of Korean chapters of U.S. university alumni associations. During the lunch, Ambassador Hubbard noted that education is a key link between Koreans and Americans, as Koreans are now the third largest group of foreign students in the United States. In the 2002-2003 academic year, over 51,000 Korean students studied at U.S. universities. Increasingly, many American students are also choosing to pursue studies in Korea. Through educational exchange programs, individual Korean and American students directly contribute to strengthening the ROK-U.S. bilateral partnership.

Among our many shared values, Koreans and Americans both seek the best possible education for their children.

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education have joined together to highlight the importance of education as we celebrate International Education Week from November 17-21, 2003.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell noted, through exchange programs, future leaders establish ties with counterparts that increase mutual understanding and result in beneficial working relationships for years to come. The Secretary also recognizes the importance of educational exchange programs as a venue through which to engage young people in productive dialogue that can deepen understanding and strengthen voices of moderation around the world. Secretary of Education Rod Paige added, To better understand this new 21st century world, we need to expose our children to languages, cultures and the challenges outside our borders. We must teach our students to understand world issues and their connections to them.

The importance and profound impact of international education exchanges both on students individually and on societies as a whole cannot be overstated. As U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world celebrate International Education Week, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and Ambassador Hubbard look forward to furthering the special ties created between the tens of thousands of Koreans and Americans who choose to study in each others country.

Lunch for Representatives of Korean Chapters of U.S. University Alumni Associations at Ambassador Hubbard's residence on November 19, 2003.  From left to right: Prof CHO Dong Keun, Myungji University; Ambassador Hubbard; Prof KIM Ho Jin, Korea University; President KIM Yoo Bae, Korea Economic and Social Policy e-Academy (KESP); Prof KIM Eui Sook, Yonsei University.

Lunch for Representatives of Korean Chapters of U.S. University Alumni Associations at Ambassador Hubbard's residence on November 19, 2003.  From left to right: Mr. KIM Woo Tae, Accountant, Kim & Chang; Ambassador Hubbard; President HONG Chul, University of Incheon; Attorney WOO Chang Rok, Yoolcheon Law Office; President SONU Jungho, Myungji University.