During our digital conversation in the morning, the working day in South Korea is already coming to a close. The warm, relaxed atmosphere immediately reveals that Mara Santi and molecular biotechnology student Terry Park know each other well. Terry worked as an assistant for Mara last summer, serves on the GUGC student council, and even founded a scientific paper club.
This not only highlights Terry’s ambition, but also shows how short the lines of communication are at the country's only European university campus. "Belgian exchange students were surprised when they saw how closely we work with professors and staff members here," says Terry. "Having lunch together or spontaneously dropping by a lecturer's office is the most normal thing in the world here. Everyone knows everyone."
Studying, Eating, and Growing Together
At Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC), over 600 students study on one large campus on the outskirts of Incheon. "Think of it a bit like the British or American campus tradition, but on a smaller scale," explains Mara. "The main building is accessible 24/7. Whether you walk in at two in the afternoon or two in the morning, there are always students around."
"Belgian exchange students were surprised when they saw how closely we work with professors and staff members here"
For Terry, that makes the campus a second home. "We stay on campus all day. We study, play games, eat, and live here together. In Korean, there is a word for a very tight-knit community: sikgu (식구), literally 'the people with whom you share meals.' That is exact how it feels here. You find a second family here."
GUGC in figures
- Officially opened on September 1, 2014
- Approximately 600 students
- 120 researchers/staff
- 5 specific research centers and 1 language and learning center
From Ghent to Incheon
Mara's role as Chief Administrator is remarkably versatile. "I manage everything that happens in the building: from redesigning the entrance hall to strategic choices regarding degree programs, research, and internationalisation."
In doing so, Mara constantly searches for the right balance between Ghent University's values and local Korean culture. "The Korean education system has historically been heavily focused on competition. The pressure in high school is enormously high and aimed at university admission. Ghent University brings the European system here, which does not select at the gate, giving many young people access and more time to grow. The strict selection process by Ghent University/GUGC is therefore no less demanding or quality-oriented, but takes place during the university years rather than beforehand."
Bridging those cultural differences takes time. "It requires a step-by-step approach, case by case, and above all a willingness to understand each other. When we recently had to clear out storage rooms here, I rolled up my own sleeves. Our local staff looked astonished to see the Chief Administrator in work gloves. In their eyes, I was stepping out of my role; in my eyes, I was simply being practical. You continuously have to be conscious of those cultural sensitivities and keep communicating about them."
That mutual understanding also applies in the classroom. Terry: "Our flying faculty professors from Ghent often ask open questions during their lectures. For Korean students, that takes some getting used to at first. For the professor too, for that matter. But it challenges both students and professors to open up, adapt to a different approach, and work together on a learning environment where everyone feels comfortable."
From Incheon to Ghent
An exciting moment is now arriving for Terry: her exchange semester in Ghent, a standard part of the fourth year for every GUGC student. "Over the years, I heard so many fascinating stories from Belgian lecturers and students that I was looking forward to coming to Ghent more and more. I consciously wanted to challenge myself in a completely new environment."
Mara looks on with pride. "Our students in South Korea embody Dare to Think in its purest form. Choosing a European degree program in an international environment requires courage, vision, and confidence in your own abilities."
In addition to her academic goals—including the challenging course in molecular cell biology—Terry also has a clear personal mission. "During an economics group project, we studied a well-known Belgian business that sells cinnamon rolls," she beams. "The first thing I'll do when I get to Belgium is go to that shop, buy every type of cinnamon roll, and have them for breakfast for a whole week."
"The first thing I'll do when I get to Belgium is go to that shop, buy every type of cinnamon roll, and have them for breakfast for a whole week."
Building Bridges
Mara also has a clear goal in mind: turning GUGC into a solid, vibrant hub within Ghent University's international network. "We want the daily operation to run like a well-oiled machine and attract others. The Global Campus is a unique place where international researchers and students meet and empower each other. At the end of August, at the start of the Korean academic year, we welcomed Rector Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector Herwig Reynaert to our campus. A unifying moment to kick off the new academic year on a high note."
What tip do you have for Ghent University community members for the upcoming academic year?
Terry: "Step out of your comfort zone. Don't just drift along with the flow because it feels safe. Discover the world, go to new places, and try things you have never done before."
Mara: "It’s ok to not be ok. Don't be afraid if not everything goes according to plan. Make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails. That way, you stay flexible and open to other ideas."*
*Mara hid two famous quotes—for fans of Korean drama series—in her answer.
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