South Korea
Government leaders from South Korea can advance their professional development with training offered by the International Center thanks to partnerships with the Seoul Municipal Government (SMG) and the Governors Association of Korea (GAOK).
The International Center signed memoranda of understanding with SMG and GAOK in 2011 that, in addition to establishing a training relationship, facilitate the exchange of assistance and research between the organizations and create opportunities between Georgia and South Korea on a range of issues.
Officials from SMG can participate in short- and long-term programs that help strengthen their public administration and leadership skills and encourage cultural exchange between South Korea and the United States. During long-term training programs, the Institute hosts high-ranking Seoul officials for yearlong internships while they participate in training and UGA courses and foster relationships with government and business leaders.
The agreement between the International Center and SMG designated the International Center as manager of all short-term training programs to the United States. SMG delegations visit Georgia and other U.S. cities to experience the American governmental landscape firsthand; and meet with government, community, and business leaders; and learn from government practitioners and top experts.
During a recent program, 21 Seoul government managers visited New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., to participate in meetings facilitated by the International Center. The officials discussed future trade and economic partnerships and regional transportation planning issues with their U.S. counterparts and visited Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia.
Representatives from the GAOK are working closely with the International Center to learn more about designing and implementing professional development and training programs in Korea. The International Center coordinates visits by delegations of Korean officials to the Vinson Institute so that they can observe the Institute's work and interact with faculty. The ultimate goal is to create an "Institute of Government" in Korea in partnership with the Vinson Institute.
Several Korean officials who participated in International Center professional development programs returned home to be promoted to senior-level positions.
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