Story and photos by JIYOON YU

According to the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) website, with an investment of one billion dollars, the global campus will host 10 of the world’s leading universities all ranked among the top-100 universities and draw a diverse population of about 10,000 students from around the globe.

Termed the “best global education hub in Northeast Asia,” Incheon Global Campus (IGC) is a national project established by the Korean government and Incheon Metropolitan City to nurture the next generation of global manpower who will lead in education, economics, industry, culture and art. 

Incheon is turning itself into the business hub of Northeast Asia. The city has a well-established transportation network including Incheon International Airport — which was ranked first in airport service quality by the Airports Council for 10 consecutive years — Incheon port and the international business complex.

Boasting a highly effective business environment, the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) offers almost everything from logistics and medical services to education and cutting-edge industries. Songdo is home to multinationals and regional headquarters of international organizations, such as UN APCICT and A WEB.

Both campuses promote top quality teaching and advanced research practices, which lead to innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Whatever students’ interest, they will be part of a rich legacy of excellence at the University of Utah.

Jaehoon Choi, a senior admissions counselor at UAC, said in a Zoom interview, “The undergraduate students will spend three years studying at the UAC in South Korea, and one year studying in the Salt Lake City campus in Utah. Graduate students will also spend one year at the Asia campus and one year in the Salt Lake City campus to complete their degrees.”

All students at the UAC will receive a University of Utah degree, while being taught and mentored by qualified faculty appointed at the University of Utah in South Korea.

Choi also added that students will typically spend two semesters, roughly around their third year of studies, at the University of Utah Salt Lake City campus. The fourth year integrates degree coursework with career readiness and preparation.

“As an undergraduate student admitted to the Asia campus you will spend three years studying at the Asia campus and one year studying at the U.S. campus. Undergraduate degree programs offered at the Asia campus include: Communication (BA/BS), Psychology (BS), Film & Media Arts (BA), Urban Ecology (BS), and Civil & Environmental Engineering,” Choi said.

“The first year at the University of Utah Asia campus is called Global Campus First Year Studies. First-year students complete a set of foundational courses: A two-semester sequence on the topic of global citizenship; introductory major courses; courses to develop academic writing skills; and also math and science. The second year is focused on coursework for the major,” Choi said.

According to Cameron Vakilian, academic advisor and internship coordinator at the U, “The University of Utah is honored to have been invited to bring its record of academic excellence to the Republic of Korea with the opening of its new Asia campus. The University of Utah offers the best possible academic experience. Your education is based on more than just the classes you take or the grades you receive.” 

The Department of Communication website described that communication is much more than just the written word, and it takes place at both an interpersonal and mass scale. With the University of Utah’s Communication degree program, students learn how to be effective communicators for all different types of audiences. Communication is a diverse discipline and offers a variety of skills to prepare students for their careers.

Through a combination of theoretical and technical training, the Communication program allows students to develop a comprehensive portfolio to market themselves to the industry.

“The program has focus areas in four sub-fields of communication, allowing students to tailor their degree to best fit their strengths and interests. These focus areas include Strategic Communication (public relations, advertising, integrated marketing), Journalism (digital, broadcast, print), Communication Studies, or Science, Health, Environmental, and Risk Communication,” Vakilian said.

Celine Ku, a senior transfer student from the UAC, said, “The Department of Communication offers students many enrichment opportunities, such as internships and part-time work in professional settings. If you want to network and spend time with fellow communication students, be sure to join one of the department’s many clubs and organizations.”

Ku said, “The Communication major at the University of Utah emphasizes academic learning, including theoretical and methodological expertise, along with practical and technical knowledge and training.”

Anna Yacovone, international programs coordinator of UAC, said in her email interview, “The John R. Park Debate Society in Salt Lake City allows members to practice debate skills in a friendly, competitive environment, while the Absolute Communication agency both at UAC and Salt Lake City is a student-run advertising and PR company affiliated with the U that allows students to gain experience in the communications industry.”

The College of Humanities website states that the “Communication department is highly ranked in critical theory, cultural studies, ecology, law, popular culture, race and ethnicity, and rhetoric. The department is committed to excellence across the full range of communication research and teaching, offering top-notch B.A., and B.S. degrees, as well as two undergraduate sequences like Strategic Communication sequence and Journalism.”

According to University of Utah Regulations, students at U must complete a total of 122 credit hours to earn their bachelor’s degree. Forty of those credit hours must be upper division (3000-level or higher). Students may need to complete additional courses outside of general education and major requirements in order to meet total required hours.

According to the Admissions office, transfer students interested in a Communication major should consult with the department’s undergraduate advising office. Certain courses may articulate between a previous school and the department. Transfer students may apply up to four articulated or equivalent courses from other institutions toward a major in the department.

“Graduates of the Communication program have found work as editors, communication directors, marketing and sales managers, and radio and video producers. Careers in publishing (as a writer or editor), advertising, and the media (as a broadcaster, journalist, or reporter) are also possible,” said Yacovone, the international programs coordinator.

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