New International Partnership Agreement Signed between U of G and Hanbat National University

On February 2, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the University of Guelph (U of G) and South Korean Hanbat National University (HBNU). The new partnership focuses on giving Hanbat students the opportunity to enrol in English Language Programs (ELP) at U of G and apply for the Visiting International Research Students (VRIS) opportunity.

“Hanbat used to have a continuous student presence in our English Language Programs before the pandemic,” recalls David Siefker, ELP business development and program manager. “Now that the MOU has been signed, we hope to broaden our relationship with more connections between our graduate research programs and the VIRS. This will present a wonderful opportunity for both institutions to promote internationalism.”

Hanbat National University has some similarities with U of G—including a College of Engineering, College of Humanities and Social Science, and College of Economics and Business Administration. Research is conducted in the College of Engineering, and College of Humanities and Social Science, with graduate degrees (master’s and PhD) available in those fields. Additionally, HBNU has an Office of International Affairs, robust Exchange and Study Abroad programs, and has signed multiple MOUs with institutions around the world.

The MOU was signed by Dr. OH Yong-Jun, president, Hanbat National University, and Dr. Byron Sheldrick, provost and associate vice-president (academic), University of Guelph.

Others from U of G in attendance at the signing ceremony include Carolyn Creighton, interim co-director, OpenEd, and representatives from both the English Language Programs and Hanbat National University.

The University of Guelph looks forward to welcoming Hanbat students in Summer 2024.