KINGSTON, R.I. – March 10, 2026 – A University of Rhode Island delegation traveled to South Korea recently with the goal of celebrating URI’s long-standing engagement with South Korean academic and industry partners, connecting with alumni, and expanding scholarly and research connections in the Asian country.

The visit culminated in a showcase celebration at Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza, recognizing decades of URI’s engagement in South Korea. Presentations by URI College of Business Dean Sean Edmund Rogers and College of Pharmacy Dean Kerry LaPlante were among highlights of the event, which was attended by University alumni, friends, and partners. South Korean high school students and families also attended the showcase to learn more about URI and college in the United States, and meet industry members seeking to forge connections.

Members of the URI delegation also participated in multiple activities while in South Korea. Those events included Harrington School of Communications and Media Assistant Journalism Professor Jason Jaacks giving a guest lecture at Korea International School, talking to students in the school’s Phoenix TV broadcast media program; deans holding meetings with University partners to create study abroad and research opportunities; and a visit to Camp Humphries—the largest U.S. military base overseas.

“This visit was all about relationships—past, present and future. We are the smallest state, but we span the globe thanks to efforts like this,” said Erica Estus, a delegation member and URI pharmacy professor. “I was proud to represent the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy on this visit.” 

Maintaining connections and forging new experiences

URI has historically welcomed degree-seeking students from South Korea, with more than 30 students from the Asian country currently enrolled in the University’s pharmacy program. Many South Korean students also enroll in URI’s colleges of Business and Engineering, underscoring the breadth of the University’s appeal.  

“One of my favorite parts of the trip was meeting some of the student families at our URI reception … we were also excited to reconnect with a few pharmacy alums living near the Seoul area,” Estus said.

The 6,900-mile trek to South Korea coincided with the launch of URI’s Rhody Abroad Seoul program, which features customized opportunities for students to study abroad at several South Korean universities aligned with their academic courses, coupled with opportunities to experience global internships. Along with South Korea, Rhody Abroad opportunities are offered in Ireland, Costa Rica, Spain, and Italy. 

“Seeing our students’ global classrooms and internship locations reminds us that education has no borders, and neither should our vision,” said Donna Gamache-Griffiths, the College of Business’ director of global programs. “These visits are critical for championing global learning and creating lasting partnerships that benefit our students now and in the future. 

Centering Student Experience 

A student media team comprised of three journalism students—Bo Brady, Megan Wallitsch, and Sydney Cappello from the Harrington School—accompanied the delegation on the visit. Enrolling in an independent study course led by Jaacks, the experience allowed the students to perform hands-on international work integrating their prior learning with a fast-paced global experience.  

“It was a short travel period, but a very substantive long-term professional development opportunity for our students,” URI Vice Provost of Global Initiatives Kristin Johnson said. “We’re really trying to think creatively about what we can offer students in terms of global experience. These students have a resume-building experience that both builds their skill set and exposes them to a unique work opportunity.”  

Brady, Capello and Wallitsch worked with media production promoting URI’s initiatives during the South Korea visit. The trio captured the celebration through photo and video and formed connections of their own with alumni and intrigued prospective students. The trio also gained valuable professional experience they hope to take with them in their careers after URI.

“Being part of this program gave me the opportunity to gain a global perspective, both personally and academically,” said Capello, a URI junior from Hopkinton, Massachusetts. “I knew this trip would push me out of my comfort zone in the best way and help shape how I approach my future career.”

One skill that Wallitsch, a URI junior and Whitehall, Pennsylvania, native, learned from her trip to South Korea was adaptability. Despite facing some challenges, including adjusting to the significant time difference, Wallitsch approached each task with an open mind, knowing how to adjust if needed, and was eager to perform the media work on behalf of URI.

Brady, a URI senior from Merrick, New York, agreed.

“It was awesome to cover these events and do what I love,” he said. “Gaining this experience overseas and seeing everyone build these connections, it was incredible. It was also nice reflecting on everything the school has done for me here on campus.”

The students also shared their experiences in a podcast episode—part of the URI Global series “Rhody ’Round the World” Global Currents available on multiple podcast streaming platforms.Moving forward, Johnson hopes to expand student collaboration with the global team to help provide more creative, life-changing learning opportunities that combine prior knowledge with applied global experience.

“Most of our students will go on to careers that require collaboration across borders as members of global teams,” Johnson said. “Creating flexible and nimble ways for students to have global experiences continues to be a strength at URI.”

This story was co-written by Bo Brady, a University of Rhode Island senior majoring in journalism in the Harrington School of Communication and Media, and Vice Provost of Global Initiatives Kristin Johnson.