The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) has nominated the Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University to provide a master’s program to state officials from Latin American and Caribbean countries starting next year. 

The IADB currently operates the Korea-LAC (Latin America/Caribbean) Tech Corps Program, which promotes technical cooperation and personnel exchanges between Korea and Latin America through degree programs in information and communications technology (ICT) and public administration offered at Korean universities, and Korean ICT expert (37 years of age or younger) participation in innovation projects taking place in Latin America. 

The Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University is now one of those participating Korean universities. Middle managers with Latin American and Caribbean governments will receive education at Ajou University on scholarships provided by the IADB and Ajou University.

Starting next year, up to 26 such government officials will be selected by Ajou University to complete an 18-month master’s program in public innovative ICT management. Graduates of the program will receive a joint master’s degree in public administration and business administration. 

Established in 1959, the IADB is the largest financial backer of regional development in the Americas. Among its roles are financing and technical cooperation for economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is headquartered in Washington D.C. and has offices in 26 Latin American countries. 

Established in 1996, the Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University has produced around 1,000 graduates in the intervening 26 years. The graduates are from 77 countries, and are active today in their respective fields around the world. The Graduate School of International Studies at Ajou University currently offers programs in international business, international trade, international development and cooperation, NGO studies, energy studies, and civil sociology.

Center: Geovana Acosta, IADB Senior Advisor at Ajou University 

Left: Chang Byeong-Yun, Dean of Ajou University Graduate School of International Studies
 Right: Kim Kyungrai, Ajou University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

* Top image: A meeting between representatives of Ajou University Graduate School of International Studies and the IADB. Third from left is Lee Jun-ho, Ajou University’s IADB Program Coordinator, with Geovana Acosta, IADB Senior Advisor, on the right.