GSDM signs Memorandum of Understanding for International Student Exchange Externship program with Seoul National University School of Dentistry
Starting in 2020, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students will be able to take part in an international student exchange externship program at the Seoul National University School of Dentistry (SNUSD) in Seoul, South Korea.
“It truly is a historic moment in the history of both the Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine,” Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter said during the official signing ceremony on Thursday, February 7, 2019, held at the Seoul National University School of Dentistry.
The process to link the schools began in June 2018 when Dean Hutter, along with Professor of Oral Medicine and Special Advisor to the Dean on Asian Programs Dr. Laisheng Chou, traveled to Seoul from Boston. During this visit, Dean Hutter and Dr. Chou met with Professor Jung-Suk Han, dean of SNUSD, and his leadership team, and toured both SNUSD and Seoul University Dental Hospital.
“SNUSD and GSDM share the same values in education, patient care, research, and community service, which makes this a valuable opportunity for our students to participate in an exchange program between our two universities, cities, and countries.” Dean Hutter said.
After numerous discussions between the two schools, Dean Hutter and Dr. Chou returned to Seoul during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dean Hutter and SNUSD Dean Han at the official signing ceremony, held on February 7, 2019.
The inaugural exchange of students will take place during the 2019-2020 school year. At SNUSD, GSDM students will conduct clinical observations with a focus on interdisciplinary dentistry and inter-professional patient care. At GSDM, SNUSD participants will choose between clinical observation or research, and will receive a faculty mentor during their time at GSDM. The exchange will also provide an opportunity for students and accompanying faculty of the two schools to share their respective cultures, as well as to explore the cities of Seoul and Boston.
The International Student Exchange Externship is a four-credit elective course, open to fourth-year DMD students, in which students visit dental schools in either China, India, Japan, Thailand, or the United Kingdom – and now Seoul, Korea. In order to take part, students must complete a multi-step application process that includes a written application and in-person interview. International airfare for the program is covered thanks to the generous donors who support the School’s Alumni Fund, which makes the program as accessible as possible for all students. The Office of Global and Population Health, under Dr. Michelle Henshaw’s leadership, manages the program.