The 5th Global International Internship Congress (GIIC) was held in Keimyung University from April 17 to 20. The GIIC is an exciting conference which focuses exclusively on the topic of international internships. It is an opportunity to network with individuals from different countries, disciplines, universities, and internship providers. This congress began in 1999 and is held every two years. The Keimyung GIIC was the first time the conference was held in Asia.
The GIIC began with a welcoming speech by President Lee Jin-woo and congratulations from the mayor of Daegu Kim Il-bum. Kim Il-bum said, “Through the GIIC, I hope that Keimyung University will become an international university.” The conference included 23 presentations on legal issues related to international internships, agreements with organizations offering international internships, internships related to regional services, regionally required business internships, and the international network of internship agencies.
In conjunction with the GIIC, the 2007 Daegu-Gyeongbuk Job Fair was held on April 18 in the Keimyung University gymnasium. 15 large corporations, 34 local enterprises, and 22 overseas firms and universities, totaling 91 institutions, participated in this job fair. 640 students were interviewed by 29 corporations, including TaeguTec and Dong-A Department Store. 630 students visited information booths providing information on job opportunities in large companies, such as Samsung and KT, in the second half of 2007.
Shin Keun-sik, head of the Employment Support Office, said, “Having to hold the event in midterm exam period for only a day was unfortunate. However, the job fair publicized Keimyung University domestically and helped students to prepare for employment.”
By forming an internal and external internship network through the GIIC, Keimyung University will receive direct help more easily from overseas agents. Keimyung University will also acquire information and experience about internships from Singapore, America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Congress director Oh Ik-keun, a professor from the Dept. of Tourism Management, said, “Through this congress, many students became interested in international internships. I hope Keimyung University will become an international university through this congress.”
Translated by Son Yeong-im
KMG Reporter
syl1310@kmu.ac.kr
KMG Reporter
syl1310@kmu.ac.kr
