Sangmyung University Achieves Record 12 Selections for KOICA Program to Enhance Understanding of International Development Cooperation

From First Selection in 2013 Through 2026... Establishing a Practice-Oriented Talent Development Model Linking Laos Field Activities and the "International Development Cooperation and SDGs" Micro-Major

The International Development Evaluation Center at Sangmyung University has been finally selected as an implementing institution for KOICA's "2026 University Program for Enhancing Understanding of International Development Cooperation." Since it was first selected in 2013, it has been chosen 12 times through 2026, the highest number of selections among universities nationwide.

Sangmyung University has been recognized for establishing a long-term, continuous talent development model in the field of international development cooperation education that combines theory and field experience.

Since joining the program in 2013, Sangmyung University's International Development Evaluation Center has consistently offered courses related to international development cooperation, and has systematically operated a sequence of theoretical lectures, problem-solving team projects addressing issues in developing countries, special lectures by invited experts, and overseas field activities.

In particular, since 2018 it has expanded collaboration with international cooperation NGOs and external expert organizations, upgrading the program structure from curriculum-centered education to field-linked education.

Based on this operational experience, in 2024 and 2025 it promoted overseas field activities linked to coursework, focusing on Laos.

Through this, the university is assessed to have gone beyond short-term experiential programs and to have firmly embedded in its curriculum the long-term perspective and sense of responsibility required by international development cooperation projects.

The most distinctive feature of Sangmyung University is its virtuous cycle structure that connects international development cooperation to "educational field experience and career pathways." After completing theoretical coursework, students participate in overseas field activities, and then independently plan and run photo exhibitions and bazaars, thereby spreading the value of international cooperation throughout the campus.

In addition, by offering participating students the opportunity to complete a micro-major in "International Development Cooperation and the SDGs" and by linking them to KOICA's Young Professionals (YP) internship program, the university has established practical career pathways that lead to employment at NGOs or entry-level expert positions at KOICA after graduation.

Baek Sunwook, head of the International Development Evaluation Center, said, "The core of Sangmyung University's program to enhance understanding is that education, field experience, and career development are connected in a single flow," adding, "We will focus on nurturing practice-oriented professionals who will lead the field of international development cooperation by spreading the outcomes of overseas field activities, strengthening linkages with the Young Professionals internship, and operating the micro-major program."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.