For Immediate Release
June 11, 2008

UCR Extension to open second international education center in South Korea

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – International Education Programs at University of California, Riverside Extension has partnered with Korean developer Ki-Doo Kang to open IEP's second international education center in South Korea.

"In recognition and celebration of the relationship, Mr. Kang donated $50,000 for hardware technology that will benefit our local international students in our Riverside programs," said Sharon Duffy, interim dean of UCR Extension and Summer Sessions.

The University of California, Riverside Yongin International Education Center will be located on the top floors of a large retail building in the downtown district of Yongin City. The new school is expected to open this October.

"UCR was chosen in large part because of the stellar reputation of the Gangnam University of California Riverside International Education Center (GNUCR)," said Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, director of Extension's International Education Programs. "Mr. Kang was aware of the Gangnam Center and its reputation throughout Korea. That's why he came to us."

GNUCR is located in Gangnam-Gu, one of 25 government districts that make up the city of Seoul. UCR's first overseas educational center is the result of a collaborative effort between UCR and the Gangnam government. GNUCR serves the citizens of Gangnam only.

Duffy and Jenkins-Deas traveled to Korea in early May to visit GNUCR and tour the proposed facilities for the second school in Yongin City, which will be open to all. Initially, the University of California, Riverside Yongin International Education Center will offer English classes to adults. Ultimately, the curriculum will expand to include English lessons for children, and business classes, too.

The deal was sealed on Monday, June 2 when Kang met with UCR's Executive Vice Chancellor Ellen Wartella, Duffy and Jenkins-Deas at UCR in Riverside to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. Kang is providing the building space. Extension's IEP will provide the curriculum and direct instruction.

Like GNUCR, the University of California, Riverside Yongin International Education Center will expand UCR's visibility and brand recognition throughout South Korea and beyond, Jenkins-Deas said. It leverages other opportunities for IEP, Extension and the greater campus community and increases opportunities for Korean students to study abroad here at UCR and Extension's IEP.