In the fall of 2024, UMD’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) welcomed two students from South Korea: Seohyung “Henry” Im and Ayla Kim. 

They are here as part of the "2+2 Program," a collaborative academic initiative between UMD and Woosong University in Daejeon, South Korea. The program is specifically designed for students pursuing a degree in the field of communication sciences and disorders.

Woosong has already partnered with hundreds of universities worldwide, offering dual degree programs in many different areas of study. This is its first partnership in Minnesota. 

For the first two years of the 2+2 Program, students study at Woosong University. In their remaining two years, they transfer to UMD to complete their education. In the end, they will obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Soobok Lee, Woosong University professor and department head, recommended Im and Kim for the program after the partnership was established in November 2023. The students applied and interviewed with Chris Haidos, UMD’s director of international partnerships and outreach. After passing an English level test, they were accepted and started their studies in Duluth.

The students arrived in August of 2024, and are the first two to come to UMD as a part of the program. Each took time to reflect on the different experiences they have had with this unique collaborative program.

“A lot of elements of university life are the same as Korea, but since we can learn English all the time, there’s a big chance to improve,” Kim says, “There’s also less homework and pressure to study, but because of English, it’s harder.”

Learning phonetics—the study of speech and how humans produce it—presented a challenge: Korean and English are different when it comes to structure. “Because it’s not our first language, it can be confusing,” Im says. “But I could feel that professors are trying to do their best to make sure we understand.”

Despite the differences and challenges, Im and Kim have found success at UMD: both made the dean’s list at UMD this year.

Both agree that their professors in the CSD program have been very considerate and welcoming. They adapt lectures, speak slowly, and are willing to expand on concepts the students have trouble with. 

The students have also found aspects to enjoy about Duluth. “I love Lake Superior,” Kim comments, as it reminds her of her hometown of Busan—a city near the ocean. The weather took some getting used to, though. “I was also very happy to see the snow at first, but I got sick of it after a while. My friends tease me, like ‘Are you living in the North Pole?’”

Im is from Seoul, and coming to Duluth was a slight culture shock in terms of public and private transport; however, both have utilized the bus system to explore the city when they’ve had time, citing Enger Tower as a highlight.

While Kim is certain she wants to go back to Korea for graduate school, Im is still debating between a career in Korea or grad school in Texas to pursue a doctor of audiology (AuD). 

Feature photo at top: Seohyung “Henry” Im and Ayla Kim on a field trip to the Starkey hearing aid manufacturing facility in Eden Prairie.

This story was written by UMD student Jax Wilder, who is majoring in writing studies and minoring in psychology. Jax assists Lissa Maki with communications for the College of Education and Human Service Professions.