Lifelong learning for a new Korea
The University of Adelaide stands to gain from South Korea's recent decision to reduce its workweek from six to five days. Along with the introduction of the shorter workweek, the South Korean Government and industry are now promoting lifelong learning with the prime objective of cultivating job skills. And in an attempt to better explain and articulate the concept of lifelong learning, Australian educational institutions were recently afforded the opportunity to promote their professional continuing education programs at a series of seminars in South Korea. "At present, lifelong learning is a new concept to South Koreans," said Ms Liz Pryzibilla, Director of the University of Adelaide's Centre for Professional and Continuing Education and the English Language Centre, and a seminar presenter. "Historically, Koreans undertake university study going all the way to obtaining a PhD, rather than participating in independent short courses to improve their skills. "In capitalising on this change of approach to learning, we used the visit to promote our model and vision of lifelong learning. In addition, we also provided opportunities for them to undertake short courses overseas, promote professional continuing education opportunities and position the University of Adelaide as a leader in this regard," she said. Ms Pryzibilla said the universities of Adelaide and Korea also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the major objective of "establishing a framework within which cooperation may develop between the two institutions". The MOU will enable academic staff from each university to visit each other and participate in joint teaching, research, conferences and cultural programs. It will also offer admission to qualified students from each university to enable them to participate in undergraduate and graduate courses at the respective universities. "This is an exciting opportunity for the University of Adelaide and I have recommended that Korea be added to our priority list for marketing purposes," Ms Pryzibilla said. Story by Howard Salkow
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