On the evening of September 18^th, a presentation event was held at Ajou University Book Café to share the results of the Paran Ladder Program in its second year.

The event was attended by Paran Ladder Program participants, who were sent to three universities in the U.S. and China for training over this summer break, as well as President Hyung Ju Park, those who participated in the Program last summer, and faculty and staff members from the University.

The student participants enjoyed the evening, sharing their experiences and challenges during their overseas training. The event also featured a Q&A session with President Park, an award presentation, a gift lottery, and refreshments.

Chang Jae Chung (Department of Economics, entrance class of 2016), who was sent to the University of Michigan, said, "The experiences and challenges in a new environment helped my development reach a higher level."

Hyo Jin Lee (Department of Military Digital Convergence, entrance class of 2018) said, "I was happy because I felt as if I were a student of the University of Washington during my four-week stay at the University, and I am going to work harder to become a global talent."

President Hyung Ju Park encouraged the students by saying, "You can experience trials and errors or feel frustrated when things do not go well in your life. However, you should set ambitious goals."

The Paran Ladder Project, which is based on the 'After You Program' that was launched in 2015 by Ajou University, provides overseas training and career opportunities for students trying to develop themselves despite financial and other difficulties. This year, the Ministry of Education and the Korea Student Aid Foundation covered the related expenses for the 1,200 selected students, who participated in language classes and cultural programs at overseas universities for four weeks this summer.

A total of 100 students from Ajou University (including 20 from other universities) were sent to the University of Michigan and the University of Washington in the U.S. and Shanghai Jiaotong University in China. 

Like the After You Program, student selection was based on the self-development, future potential, and determination of applicants, rather than their academic performance. The students’ training expenses were covered by the Korea Student Aid Foundation (70%) and the University's Game-changing Revolution Campaign (30%). The Campaign is funded by donations from those inside and outside the University who acknowledge and support its missions. 

Fifteen universities were chosen to manage the Paran Ladder Project in 2019. Ajou University, Konkuk University, Sahmyook University, Hankyong National University, and Incheon National University are the participants from the Seoul metropolitan area. Kangwon National University, Chungnam National University, and Sun Moon University were selected for Gangwon and Chungcheong Provinces, Chonbuk National University and Chosun University for Jeolla provinces and Jeju Island, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu University, and Keimyung College University for Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, and Dong-Eui University and Silla University for Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongnam Province, respectively. The managing universities operate training programs and assist the students for career mentoring, etc., before and after the program.