The Asian Affairs Center serves as a bridge between MU and Asia, providing training programs for Asian students and professionals, as well as service-learning and study opportunities for Mizzou students.

Developed and maintained close ties with MU partners and alumni in the Pacific Rim

The Asian Affairs Center is dedicated to cultivating and overseeing partnerships that foster academic, research, economic, cultural and diversity opportunities between Missouri and Asia.

• Initiated or assisted in establishing or renewing international memorandums of understanding with the following institutions and organizations in 2023/24:
  • Chinese Culture University | Taipei, Taiwan — renewal campus-level agreement
  • Cyber Hankuk University of Foreign Studies | Seoul, South Korea — new campus-level agreement
  • Hosei University | Tokyo, Japan — new campus-level agreement
  • Inje University | Gimhae, South Korea — new campus-level agreement
  • Sungkyunkwan University | Seoul, South Korea — new campus-level agreement
  • University of Nagano | Nagano, Japan — renewal campus-level agreement
• Organized the 15th Harry S. Truman Conference at Mizzou in August 2023 in collaboration with the MU Korean Alumni Association.

Delivered a range of short- and long-term training programs

The center offers professional development and educational opportunities to Asian partner institutions, government officials, professionals and university students.

• The Global Leadership Program for government officials, professionals, higher education faculty and research scholars is designed to enhance global competency and cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.
• Education programs for students and professionals at MU’s partner institutions in Asia aim to enhance academic and leadership capabilities, language and communication skills, and cross-cultural competence. The programs also provide professional immersion opportunities.
  • Lead, Engage, Advance and Discover is a semester-long program designed to develop students’ global leadership and instill the confidence and skills to become cross-culturally competent.
  • The Global Business Program was offered for students at the University of Nagano (Japan). In June 2024, 27 students and two professors participated in the program at Mizzou.
  • The third Summer Conference on Global Nursing and Health Education for Jinju Health College (South Korea) hosted 75 students and five professors on MU’s campus in June 2024.
  • The Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management Program was held in October 2023 in collaboration with the MU Law School Dispute Resolution Program.

Connected the campus and community to Asia

The center connects MU students and faculty and the Columbia community to Asia through outreach and engagement programs and referrals to Asian studies programs at MU. Additionally, we facilitate opportunities for teaching or study abroad opportunities in Asia.

• Organized the 2024 South Korea Up-Close Program in collaboration with the Gateway Korea Foundation in May 2024.
• Arranged for MU students and graduates to teach English in public schools in Korea through the EPIK program with an official agreement with the National Institute for International Education in South Korea.
• Provided opportunities for MU students to engage in cultural exchange without leaving campus through volunteer programs like the Collegiate Ambassador Program and Conversation Partner Program.
• Collaborated with the Columbia Chinese Language School to provide opportunities for community members to learn Chinese language and culture.

Promoted awareness and appreciation of Asia and its various cultures

• Continually support activities of MU’s Asian student organizations, including Japanese Student Association, Korean Student Association, and Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Facilitated opportunities between Missouri and Asia

Through our official partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Asian Affairs Center collaborates with Asian governments and businesses to facilitate communication and opportunities between Missouri and Asia. The center also serves as communication liaison for the State of Missouri and City of Columbia sister partnerships in Japan and South Korea.

• Maintained communication with Asian consulates in Chicago, namely the Chinese and Korean consulates general, to explore educational, economic and cultural opportunities for the university and state of Missouri.

Fast facts

Updated 18-NOV-2024