Sungkyunkwan University maintains a partnership with Penn State University and operates a staff exchange program between the two institutions. The program provides an opportunity to visit a partner university, explore exemplary systems and practices, and broaden global perspectives through interactions with students and staff as well as participation in international programs.

Molly Doran, who has been working as an International Student Adviser at Penn State University for two years, visited SKKU through this staff exchange program. We spoke with her about her experiences and impressions during her time at Sungkyunkwan University.

| Could you please give us a brief introduction of yourself?

My name is Molly Doran, and I work as an International Student Adviser at Penn State University. I studied psychology and international relations in undergrad, and I completed my MA in international relations. I am currently completing a postgraduate certificate in institutional research through my job. My background in psychology and international relations helped develop both my interest in human connection and my passion for global education and cultural exchange.

In my current role, I support international students as they navigate academic, cultural, and immigration-related challenges while studying in the United States. Working with students from many different backgrounds has strengthened my appreciation for the importance of empathy, communication, and cross-cultural understanding in higher education.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, sightseeing, swimming and going on long walks, especially when I have the opportunity to explore new places and cultures. I also enjoy building LEGO sets because I find the process both creative and relaxing. I am incredibly grateful to the team at SKKU who bought me a Lego set of the Gyeongbokgung Palace during my stay here.

| Could you briefly describe your role and responsibilities?

As an International Student Adviser, I help international students adjust to studying and living in the United States. My role includes advising students on immigration regulations, academic processes, employment opportunities such as OPT and CPT, and overall student wellbeing.

I also work with students during important transitions, such as graduation, internships, or adapting to a new educational environment. Beyond policy guidance, a large part of my role is helping students feel supported and understood while studying far from home.

| What motivated you to double major in Psychology and International Relations, and how have these disciplines supported your current career?

I was initially drawn to psychology as an undergraduate student because I’ve always been interested in understanding people’s experiences, behavior, communication, and emotional wellbeing. At one point, I had originally considered attending graduate school to become a mental health therapist because I was passionate about helping people navigate challenges and better understand themselves.

At the same time, International Relations allowed me to explore global systems, cultural exchange, and the ways different countries and institutions interact with one another. I became especially interested in how education and international experiences can connect people across cultures and broaden perspectives.

Over time, I realized that international education allowed me to combine both of those interests in meaningful ways. In my current role as an International Student Adviser at Penn State University, I work closely with students who are adapting to life in a new country, often during very important transitional periods in their lives.

Psychology helps me approach students with empathy and better understand the personal and emotional aspects of studying abroad, while international relations gave me a broader understanding of cultural differences and the global context of higher education. I think the combination of both fields has helped me become a stronger communicator and better prepared me to support students from diverse backgrounds.

| As an International Student Adviser, what values do you prioritize, and what specific activities do you engage in to uphold them?

As an International Student Adviser, I deeply value empathy, cultural understanding, and accessibility. International students often face unique challenges that go beyond academics, including language barriers, homesickness, lack of access to financial aid, and navigating unfamiliar systems.

To support students, I focus on clear communication, proactive advising, and creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. I only recently started the position as an International Student Adviser and had previously worked as a Pre-Arrival adviser for incoming international students. I try to maintain the same approach of cultural empathy, and I am looking forward to collaborating with other teams, like Global Engagement, on presentations and events for international students at our campus. I want to ensure that students succeed both academically and personally.

| Could you provide a brief overview of the activities or projects you conducted at SKKU?

During my time at Sungkyunkwan University, I participated in a variety of activities focused on international education, student engagement, and cultural exchange. I had the opportunity to meet with several university offices and staff members to learn more about how SKKU supports both domestic and international students, as well as how different departments collaborate to create a globally engaged campus environment.

I also visited SKKU’s Suwon campus, which gave me a broader understanding of the university’s academic environment and campus culture beyond Seoul. Samsung is very largely involved in the development of the Suwon campus and its programs. Seeing both campuses helped me better appreciate the scale and diversity of student life at SKKU.

In addition, I participated in an information session where I presented to students about studying abroad at Penn State University and shared information about international student life in the United States. We played a “guess the image game” with iconic images from Penn State’s campus like the Nittany Lion Shrine, THON, and the Blue and White Game. Afterwards, I participated in the Student Mobility Fair, where I was able to speak with students individually and answer questions in an informal setting. A couple of Penn State students who are studying abroad at SKKU were also tabling this event.

One of the most memorable experiences was participating in a “trying Korean convenience store food” video alongside the international students who help manage SKKU’s official Instagram page. It was a fun and engaging way to connect with students while experiencing Korean culture firsthand. Lastly, I participated in an incredibly meaningful temple stay at Jingwansa Temple. The SKKU staff are incredibly kind to arrange this experience for me. Overall, the experience allowed me to build meaningful connections while learning more about international education from a Korean university perspective.

> Trying Korean convenience store food with SGC (Sungkyun Global Creators)

| Based on your experience at SKKU, what would you say are the key differences between Pennsylvania State University and Sungkyunkwan University?

One of the biggest differences I noticed between Penn State University and Sungkyunkwan University was the overall campus atmosphere and cultural environment. SKKU, founded in 1398, has a very strong connection to Korean history and tradition. This creates a unique academic environment where students are constantly surrounded by cultural heritage. I found it interesting how the university balances centuries of history with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Penn State, in comparison, has a larger and more decentralized campus culture with a strong emphasis on student organizations, school spirit, and independent campus involvement. Because Penn State is such a large public university, students often have opportunities to shape their own experiences through extracurricular activities, research, athletics, and leadership opportunities.

I also noticed differences in the day-to-day student environment and campus structure. Visiting both the Seoul and Suwon campuses gave me insight into how SKKU creates distinct academic communities while still maintaining a strong university identity across locations.

Despite these differences, both universities share many important similarities. Bot institutions place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and preparing students to succeed in an increasingly global society. I think both universities are also deeply committed to supporting international students and creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and experiences.

| Are there any systems or policies at Sungkyunkwan University that you would like to introduce or apply at Pennsylvania State University?

One thing that stood out to me at Sungkyunkwan University was the strong sense of hospitality and intentional community-building shown toward international visitors and students. Throughout my experience, I noticed how welcoming and supportive the environment felt, both through formal programming and everyday interactions on campus.

I was also very interested in learning more about how SKKU approaches international student onboarding and administrative processes, including documentation and financial requirements for incoming students. Observing these systems gave me a broader perspective on how universities in different countries support international students during major transitions. Although the processes may differ from those at Penn State University, both institutions clearly share the goal of helping students feel prepared and supported.

Another thing that impressed me was how closely the international office collaborates with student-led organizations such as the HI-Club. I thought it was very meaningful that students play such an active role in welcoming international students, organizing activities, and helping to create a sense of community on campus. Seeing that level of partnership between university staff and student organizations highlighted the importance of peer connection and cultural exchange in the international student experience.

| Among the various programs you participated in at SKKU, which one was the most memorable?

One of the most memorable experiences during my time at Sungkyunkwan University was participating in the information session and Student Mobility Fair with students. I really enjoyed presenting about Penn State University and speaking directly with students who were interested in studying abroad and international education opportunities.

What made the experience especially meaningful was being able to continue those conversations afterward in a more informal setting during the mobility fair. It gave me the opportunity to connect with students personally, answer questions about student life in the United States, and learn more about their own goals and interests.

| When participating in programs at Sungkyunkwan University, what aspects did you focus on the most?

While participating in program at Sungkyunkwan University, I focused most on understanding the student experience and observing how the university supports international students both academically and socially. As someone who works in international education, I was especially interested in learning how SKKU creates a welcoming environment and encourages cultural exchange on campus.

I also focused on immersing myself in Korean culture and approaching each experience with curiosity and openness. Whether through meeting with university offices, interacting with students, or exploring the campuses and surrounding areas, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of both the university community and Korean culture overall.

| How do you think your experience at Sungkyunkwan University will help you in your future work?

Although I had studied abroad previously, my experience at SKKU gave me a new perspective because I was able to experience the university environment not only as a visitor, but also as a professional working in international education. It allowed me to better understand how universities in different countries support international students and create opportunities for cultural exchange and community building.

I believe that the experience will help me become a more thoughtful and culturally aware adviser in my future work at Penn State University. It also strengthened my interest in international partnerships and reminded me of the importance of empathy, communication, and personal connection in helping students succeed abroad.

| Do you have a message for members of the SKKU community who will be reading this article?

I would like to sincerely thank the SKKU community for being so welcome and supportive during my time in Korea. Everyone I met, including the staff, students, and members of student organizations, helped create an experience that was both professionally meaningful and personally memorable.

I hope students continue to take advantage of opportunities for international exchange and cultural learning, because experiences like these can truly broaden your perspective and create lasting connections. I am very grateful for the kindness and hospitality I experienced at SKKU, and I hope to continue building connections between our universities in the future.

Interview: Kang Nayeon