In late July, SUNY Oswego’s Office of International Education and Programs hosted 18 students and teachers from the SIS International School in Gwangju, South Korea. While the experience itself was fun for participants, it also represented the return of the Institute for Global Engagement Summer Global Partnership Programs, previously curtailed by the COVID pandemic.

In Oswego from July 22 to 26, the students were introduced to faculty-led academic activities including Rice Creek, the Shineman planetarium and the Anthropology Department's archaeological dig simulation room. The group also enjoyed many community activities including Fort Ontario and the Safe Haven Museum, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum and lighthouse tour, Harborfest and more.

The program is designed to introduce students, teachers, counselors and recruiters from around the world to the many academic and community offerings at SUNY Oswego, said Joshua McKeown, associate provost for international education and programs.

“This partnership is with one of our primary recruiting agency partners in South Korea, with whom we have been working for over a decade,” McKeown said. “They have an excellent record of sending qualified degree-seeking undergraduate students who very much want to come to SUNY Oswego, so they are a recruiting contact who knows and appreciates what Oswego offers.”

However, the COVID-19 pandemic’s tremendous impact on East Asian countries resulted in “a pretty steep drop in the number of students wanting to go abroad,” McKeown noted. But the partner reached out to SUNY Oswego to suggest an innovative exchange program focused on high school and younger students, McKeown said, in addition to regular recruitment efforts. 

“It was successful and just a special experience for these kids to have,” McKeown said. “It is also an indirect way to build strong relationships at the school and counselor level overseas. We know that once students, teachers, counselors and other partners see our campus and experience our programs, they love it.”

“This summer program represents a restart after the pandemic, and I anticipate that more groups will participate as we continue to receive inquiries,” said Helena Zhao, SUNY Oswego’s international recruitment and partnership specialist, who coordinated the program. “Since it's not easy for many international students to make a short campus tour before the semester begins due to visa issues, the summer program provides a valuable opportunity for them to explore our beautiful campus and state-of-the-art facilities, and to learn more about what we offer.”

‘Tremendously positive’

McKeown said the experience for visitors was “tremendously positive” as “the kids had so much fun but also, since it was a school trip, had an academic opportunity to grow.”

He particularly thanked faculty members putting together outstanding experiences, including Kamal Mohamed in biological sciences, director of Rice Creek Field Station, who arranged for an ornithology lesson with faculty member Daniel Baldassarre and a facility tour; Natalia Lewandowska in physics and astronomy, director of the planetarium, who offered an evening program; and Patricia Princehouse in anthropology, who coordinated the simulated archeological dig in the basement of Mahar Hall. 

“The students really learned by doing, and it was a great example of the teamwork and positive energy by so many in Academic Affairs who may not have known what to expect but were willing to step in and volunteer their time,” McKeown said. “I think that's what makes SUNY Oswego a special place.”

“They were very impressed not only by the campus itself – from campus staff to the professors – but also by the Oswego community,” Zhao added. “They appreciated everyone they interacted with, from the bus driver to each staff member at the site they visited, and felt welcomed by everyone. Additionally, they were amazed by the beautiful scenery of both the campus and the city of Oswego.” 

McKeown said the program was an example of Oswego’s “innovative and forward looking” international enrollment efforts, which the pandemic put on pause. 

“Now that we are ‘back in business,’ we are already getting requests from schools and groups in Japan, Bahamas, possibly Korea again,” McKeown said. “It's inspiring to see young people and educators from around the world learn from and enjoy what SUNY Oswego and the community has to offer.”

“Once they experience our lakeside setting, safe community and the support throughout the campus, I believe they will love it,” Zhao said.

For more information about programs and supports for international students at SUNY Oswego, visit oswego.edu/international.