Kyoritsu Women's University Signs Exchange Agreement with Prestigious Sookmyung Women's University in Korea

Kyoritsu Women's University (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo / President: Yuichi Sato) signed an exchange agreement with Sookmyung Women's University (hereinafter Sookmyung Women's University), a women's university in Korea, on December 12, 2025. This marks the first exchange agreement with a Korean university for Kyoritsu Women's University. With the signing of this agreement with a historic and prestigious women's university in Korea, where Japanese youth's interest in K-POP, Korean dramas, and fashion has been growing in recent years, it is expected that Kyoritsu Women's University students will deepen their learning of Korean language and culture, and have expanded opportunities to develop a global perspective and exercise leadership in the future.

Kyoritsu Women's University Sookmyung Women's University

■ Common Ground in Leadership Education

Sookmyung Women's University has a history of over 100 years and has long produced women who lead society as a prestigious women's university that values Korea's unique traditions and spirit. The university's motto, "Gentle Power to Change the World," aims to contribute to society with intelligence, integrity, and flexible thinking. This deeply resonates with Kyoritsu Women's University's educational philosophy of "Kyoritsu Leadership®" and its nurturing content of "the ability to be 'independent' by relying on oneself and to achieve goals by collaborating with others through 'friendship'."

■ Calm Learning Environment and Extensive Support

Last October, faculty and staff from Kyoritsu Women's University visited the campus and found that it has excellent access from Seoul Station, the gateway to Seoul, combining urban convenience with a calm learning environment. The campus is equipped with multiple libraries, and student dormitories are adjacent to the campus, providing extensive support to ensure international students can concentrate on their daily studies and lives. A major advantage is that international students' main classes will be in English, allowing them to improve their English proficiency and experience Korean language and culture in a single study abroad period.

■ Zero Tuition Fees at Both Universities

For Kyoritsu Women's University students, the biggest feature of the agreement is that exchange students do not have to bear tuition fees at either university. Up to two exchange students per semester, selected through English proficiency evaluations and faculty interviews, can study with tuition fee exemptions at both Kyoritsu Women's University and Sookmyung Women's University. In addition to the "exchange program" with a fixed number of slots, a "dispatch study abroad program" is also established, which can be utilized by more students. Under this system, tuition payment to Kyoritsu Women's University is waived, and only Sookmyung Women's University's tuition fees are self-funded.

Furthermore, Kyoritsu Women's University will also accept up to two international students from Sookmyung Women's University each semester, promoting internal exchange. Korean language has been added to the "Talk Room" language and cultural exchange program this academic year, allowing students to casually chat with international students in Korean during lunch breaks. This provides an opportunity for students interested in Korea but unable to visit to interact with international students of the same age and experience Korean language and culture firsthand.

【Comment from President Yuichi Sato】

With the signing of this first exchange program with Korea, it is expected that the growing desire of Kyoritsu Women's University students to "learn both English and Korean culture" will be further deepened. The experience of learning and stimulating each other with people from different backgrounds will be an invaluable asset for students living in this era. It will be a good opportunity to broaden their future possibilities by experiencing the local enthusiasm and culture firsthand.

Moving forward, Kyoritsu Women's University will expand its exchange program by increasing the number of countries and universities, while ensuring quality, to ensure steady exchange activities.

We will build a meticulous support system for both international students coming to Kyoritsu Women's University and Kyoritsu Women's University students studying abroad, to ensure they have fulfilling study abroad experiences.