From August 23-25, the “One Kobe Family” Global Fair 2025 was held in Seoul, South Korea. The event included courtesy visits to Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and Korea University, Study in Japan Fair 2025 (Korea) organized by JASSO and an alum gathering. It aimed to strengthen partnerships with Asian universities, expand study-abroad opportunities for both international and Kobe University students and enhance connections with overseas alums—including former international and Japanese students—to further develop the university’s global alum network.
The delegation was led by Executive Vice President and Director General MORIYAMA Atsushi, who was accompanied by KONDO Narihiko, executive assistant to the president and vice director of Institute for Promoting International Partnerships; and PARK Jong Woo, professor at the Global Education Center. Staff from the Global Engagement Division, the Alumni Affairs and Endowments Division and the International Exchange Division also participated.
On August 23, 30 Kobe University alums from various years and industries gathered for an alum event. They shared updates on their lives after graduation and exchanged contact information, thereby strengthening their ties with the university and fellow graduates.
At the Study in Japan Fair 2025 held at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) on August 24, Kobe University staff members, with support by 3 former students, introduced the university to local students considering study in Japan. 3,350 participants were in attendance over the course of the event, with around 118 visiting the Kobe University booth. The staff answered questions from prospective students and provided information on academic programs, scholarships and daily life in Kobe.
From August 25, the delegation paid courtesy visits to partner universities Korea University and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) with which Kobe University has enjoyed long-standing collaborative relationships under inter-university academic cooperation agreements.
At Korea University, the delegation met with Donghyun (Jeff) JANG, director of the Office of International Affairs; Heejin HONG, manager of exchange and study abroad programs in Asia and Oceania; and Seokhwan MOON, director of Fundraising Initiatives and Gift Planning. They exchanged views on strengthening collaboration during the meeting, particularly in the area of student exchange.
At SKKU, the delegation met with Kyungmin (Kay) PARK, director of the Office of International Affairs; EunJin (Jen) KIM, global network coordinator for Europe and Asia; and Theo SIEGL, global network coordinator. The discussion focused on strategies to enhance collaboration for student exchange and upcoming symposium events.
Building on the outcomes of the “One Kobe Family” Global Fair 2025 in South Korea, Kobe University will continue fostering exchange and collaboration between the two countries in education, research and community engagement.
(Global Engagement Division)