TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy University is now home to a new center that aims to promote “glocal” learning.

The Jeonnam Glocal K-EDU Center, also known as the K-Center, is the home of Troy University’s new partnership with the Jeollanam-do Office of Education in South Korea. It is a partnership that University officials said blends cultural similarities with cultural differences.

“Korea, by its very nature, shares a belief in freedom, a belief in democracy, a belief in the free market system: those same beliefs and values that we hold in America and particularly at Troy University” said Troy University Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.

According to Hawkins, the differences between the United States and South Korea create a diverse environment built to prepare students for global success.

“I think diversity is key” Hawkins said. “Too often we fear differences but when you understand differences then you can appreciate those differences and those weaknesses become strengths. We want our students to be competitive on a global scale and I don’t think you can be globally competitive if you aren’t globally aware.”

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Dr. Win Koo, who acted as the liaison between the University and the Jeollanam-do Office of Education, believes that opportunities for exploration like those offered at the K-Center are rare for American students.

“The students in U.S. are having some types of experience with other countries, but particularly the countries close to U.S. rather than the farthest, the Asian countries” Koo said.

Glocal learning comes from the idea of integrating local and global learning experiences through communication and travel.

The event was facilitated, in part, by the Festivals and Special Event Tourism class, which is part of Troy University’s Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management Program. Some of the students even dressed up in traditional Korean dresses, called Hanboks. One of those students told TrojanVision how important experiencing other countries is to her.

“I grew up traveling and experiencing other cultures and I think it’s the best thing that has been given to me. It opens my mind up to a lot about other people in the world” said junior event management major from Atlanta, Georgia, Lilly Ortloff.

Troy University already places a major emphasis on study abroad trips and scholarships. The opening of the K-Center is another step in the direction of international expansion.