Ohio State Faculty Strengthen Ties with Inje University in South Korea

A delegation from The Ohio State University, consisting of faculty from the College of Social Work, visited Inje University in Gimhae, South Korea, earlier this summer. The group, which included Joyce Y. Lee, assistant professor, Sharvari Karandikar, professor and associate dean of academic affairs, and Sehun Oh, associate professor, engaged with university administrators, staff, and students over a two-day period. The visit aimed to establish professional relationships and explore potential collaboration between the two institutions.

The faculty members participated in a university-wide research forum and held discussions with university leadership and departmental faculty. “It was a rewarding experience building global connections that could potentially broaden the College of Social Work’s reach and impact,” said Lee. This visit follows an ongoing dialogue about collaboration that began over two years ago when Dae Hee Lee, vice president for external affairs at Inje, visited Columbus and met with David Jenkins, dean of the college, to discuss a global exchange program.

Addressing the significance of this trip, Karandikar noted, “Summer 2025 seemed to be a good time for a few of us at the College of Social Work to go to Inje and scope it out. I was interested in whether this could be a valuable learning opportunity for our students through an in-person visit.” She further emphasized the potential for collaborative learning experiences for staff and faculty at both institutions.

The enthusiasm for the visit extended beyond academic interests. Vice President Dae Hee Lee expressed excitement about hosting the Ohio State delegation, highlighting his enthusiasm for Ohio State football. Karandikar mentioned that Inje University President Minhyon Jeon was also an avid supporter of Ohio State, creating a warm environment for the visiting team.

In addition to sharing expertise, the Ohio State faculty aimed to foster institutional connections. Lee highlighted the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, stating, “We wanted to be respectful of cultural norms.” She noted the importance of using appropriate honorifics in Korean culture, which can complicate communication. To facilitate discussions, the team utilized an AI translation tool provided by their Inje counterparts, making the experience smoother and more productive.

As this was Lee’s first opportunity to represent Ohio State in such a capacity, she expressed gratitude for the learning experience. “I watched Sharvari a lot, trying to soak in how she does it. How do you form partnerships? How do you represent Ohio State and the college well? How do you build community while staying professional and courteous?”

The exposure to different systems of child and family welfare in South Korea was particularly eye-opening for the faculty. “Seeing how different systems function in another country would be so helpful to our faculty and students,” said Lee.

During the visit, Karandikar presented on the College of Social Work and Ohio State, sharing insights about the university’s curriculum and commitment to community engagement. She expressed pride in representing Ohio State’s values to their Inje counterparts.

The delegation returned with a sense of accomplishment. “It was the best decision I could have made, both for myself and for the college,” said Karandikar. She noted the enthusiastic welcome they received, with banners proclaiming “Welcome, Ohio State” throughout the campus.

A particularly memorable touch was the sandwiches served during their visit, which featured welcome stickers on their wrappers. “I have never experienced that sort of warm hospitality and welcome,” Karandikar remarked.

The Ohio State University faculty’s visit to Inje University not only strengthened existing ties but also opened doors for future collaborations, enriching both institutions in their shared commitment to global engagement and education.