Dongshin University Enhances Global Competitiveness Through Overseas Training Programs

Visits to the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and More

Students of Dongshin University are taking a commemorative photo during the "Blue Ladder Type 1 New Zealand Overseas Training." Provided by Dongshin University

Dongshin University announced on September 12 that it had implemented overseas training programs during the summer vacation to strengthen the global competencies of its students, sending them to countries such as the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and Japan.

The overseas training program, which allows students to visit various countries and develop a global mindset, is considered the most popular activity among Dongshin University students. This year, the program attracted attention for its expanded scope, going beyond language improvement and cultural experiences to include ESG, career exploration, and both employment and entrepreneurship fields. Dongshin University has been sharing the experiences, thoughts, and resolutions of participating students with the broader student body to further promote a global mindset.

From June 30 to July 18, a total of 30 students-25 from Dongshin University and 5 from other universities-participated in the "New Zealand Overseas Training," which lasted four weeks. This program, part of the Korea Student Aid Foundation's Blue Ladder Type 1 initiative, was designed to enhance both major-related skills and global competencies by exploring overseas case studies relevant to students' majors and researching examples of SDGs and ESG practices in New Zealand.

As part of the overseas employment and entrepreneurship program, students took part in various on-site activities such as a KOTRA overseas employment seminar in Auckland, a visit to the 3D printer architectural design company Digital Research Hub, and a tour of the Unleash Space startup hub. These experiences motivated students to expand their expertise globally in their respective fields.

From August 2 to 8, 30 students participated in the "Academic Scholarship Summer Training" in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to the trip, students held five team meetings to design their own itineraries and destinations, fostering teamwork and communication skills. In the UAE, they visited the Museum of the Future in Dubai and the Louvre Museum to experience future societies utilizing AI and to broaden their knowledge in architecture. They also visited the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, gaining firsthand exposure to Middle Eastern culture.

The "Global Competency Enhancement Program," which took place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 17 to 26, involved 14 students from the Department of Performing Arts and Dance. As rookies poised to lead the future of K-POP, they showcased their talents on the global stage.

Students performed busking in front of the Grand Place in Belgium and Museumplein in the Netherlands, interacting with local audiences and promoting Korean culture through K-POP and Korean traditional dance. All participants also competed in the world-renowned 2025 Summer Dance Forever festival held annually in the Netherlands, sharing the stage with dance professionals from around the world. They joined the Rotterdam Voguing Workshop and exchanged dance with local crews, making the program especially popular among participants.

In addition, the "Blue Ladder Type 2 Overseas Training in Brisbane, Australia" and the "Kumamoto Korea-Japan University Student Overseas Training in Japan" are being conducted for 16 weeks until December. The Brisbane program offers systematic training in English resume writing and interview skills for overseas employment, and provides tailored placements by matching students with internships related to their majors. Participants can earn 18 credits for global field learning by working at institutions and companies relevant to their fields of study.

In Japan, students are also receiving job preparation training for field learning. They are directly involved in educational and administrative work at the kindergarten affiliated with Koto University, improving their language skills while gaining hands-on, major-related field experience.

Dongshin University also plans to select 20 students for a "Global Competency Enhancement Overseas Language Training Program" during the winter vacation in January and February next year. Students will have the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills and experience local culture through language training at the English Language Academy of the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

President Lee Juhui stated, "I hope the various overseas programs run by Dongshin University will serve as valuable opportunities for our students to grow into global talents," adding, "We will continue to support our students so they can demonstrate their abilities on the world stage and develop into competitive glocal talents."