The KDI School of Public Policy and Management has expanded its international network by adding four global academic institutions to its list of partner schools. So far, the KDI School has put a great emphasis on enhancing its role and reputation as a premier school of public policy.

The new partner schools include Indiana University, University of Missouri, Columbia in the United States, Institut Superieur du Commerce in France, and City University of Hong Kong.

With the new partnership, KDI school students will be able to participate in various academic programs at 25 different global institutions.

Exchange students are selected in their third term, and their exchange term begins in the following term. Students will be able to enroll in the partner school starting from the winter or spring term, and they may continue the program for one term or up to a year, depending on the program they choose. Based on solid links with academic institutions in the United States and European nations, the KDI School is planning to expand its network in China this year.

The agreement of cooperation with Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs was reached in May, and it is aimed to promote an academic exchange of research, students, and faculty between the two schools. The partnership also extends to joint conferences, seminars, and other works of interest between Indiana University and the KDI School. Indiana University was founded in 1820 with the mission to offer higher education and services to the public and the establishment of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs and promote education for the betterment of society and the public good.

In April, the KDI School also established a new partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore (LKY SPP). The memorandum of understanding signed by the two schools will allow them to officially exchange students and researchers. The proposed student exchange programs are the Master in Public Policy and the Master in Public Administration.

Since its establishment in 2004, LKY SPP run by the National University of Singapore, has offered three Master degrees -- Master in Public Policy, Master in Public Administration and Master in Public Management. The partnership between KDI School and LKY SPP aims to enhance their capabilities as centers of excellence for academic study and research on public policy, particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

By Jung Min Kim (2006 E-MBA)