In
a century marked by two world wars, global ideological conflict,
and the omnipresent specter of nuclear destruction, the United
Nations has been a beacon of hope in a sea of distress. Kyung
Hee University recognizes the United Nations' role in its effort
to obtain universal peace and understanding. In this vein, the
university seeks to emulate those ideals in its educational
system. The university's emblem is thus modeled after that of
the United Nations, and its school song, which praises peace
and liberty, resonates with its commitment to those ideals.
The university pursues the United Nations' ideals through its
commitment to creativity, progress, and cooperation, thereby
hoping to promote the role of intellectuals and academics in
world affairs. To engage intellectuals directly with world events,
the university has initiated several international movements,
especially the Global Cooperation Society Movement (GCS), which
is comparable to Oxford University's Moral Rearmament Movement
(MRA). The GCS strives to protect human rights, build a society
of freedom and equality, and ultimately, attain world peace.
The Movement for Better Living and the Movement for a Brighter
Society (both initiated by Chancellor Choue) also embody the
humanistic spirit of the university.
Kyung Hee University strives to bridge cultural and social gaps
by promoting mutual understanding and prosperity. As a result,
the university encourages frequent exchanges with sister schools
overseas to facilitate the exchange of ideas. These activities
spread a shared belief in the value of learning.
Since 1982, the university has held international seminars in
commemoration of the International Day of Peace (the third Tuesday
of every September). In 1986, the university sponsored an international
peace conference in celebration of the international Year of
Peace promulgated by the United Nations. Four volumes of the
World Encyclopedia of Peace were edited by the Institute of
International Peace Studies (a research arm of the International
Association of University Presidents) and published by the Pergamon
Press of the United Kingdom to commemorate the Year of Peace.
This encyclopedia is the work of over 350 scholars and experts
in a broad range of fields from 40 countries and with more than
500 articles and studies.
The Center for International Exchanges at Kyung Hee University
is the most tangible manifestation of the university's global
outlook and commitment to international cooperation. In the
past, Korean graduate students often studied abroad, but today,
the university strives to lead academic exchanges by opening
its facilities to visiting scholars and foreign students while
exchanging research materials with other institutions. Still,
the university places great importance on providing its students
the experience of studying abroad; thus, each year a number
of outstanding faculty members and students are offered financial
assistance to participate in international conferences and to
pursue study and research projects abroad. Outside the academic
sphere, the center oversees intercultural exchange programs
that range from art exhibits to sports competitions.
