Edmonds College and Greater Seattle Korean Association sign partnership agreement

(L to R) GSKA Board Chair Sam Sim, Edmonds College President Dr. Amit B. Singh, GSKA President Won Jun Kim, and Executive Director of International Education Amanda Fletcher pose with an Edmonds College pennant after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). (photo by Vincent Vanhee / Edmonds College)

Edmonds College and the Greater Seattle Korean Association (GSKA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create new educational pathways and attract Korean students to Snohomish County, fostering regional educational collaborations.

The partnership focuses on connecting graduates of Korean colleges and universities with high-demand academic programs in the Pacific Northwest. Key areas of collaboration include degree transfer options and career opportunities in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, and aerospace.

Beyond academic programs, the agreement establishes a framework for joint seminars, cultural exchange initiatives, and broader regional partnerships between local governments and educational institutions.

"Edmonds College is excited to formalize our new partnership with The Greater Seattle Korean Association. Our new agreement reflects our shared commitment to connecting with other cultures, learning from each other, and creating new opportunities for student success," said Amanda Fletcher, Executive Director of International Education at Edmonds College. "It also provides the opportunity to build long-term relationships with colleges and universities in South Korea and to engage both with our local Korean community and with the international community."

GSKA will offer a dedicated support network for incoming Korean international students, providing guidance, cultural integration, and career networking to help them feel valued and supported in Washington State.

GSKA President Won-jun Kim highlighted the strategic advantage of Washington’s industrial landscape, including its robust aerospace and technology sectors, in providing real-world career preparation for incoming students. Kim plans to visit educational institutions across South Korea to establish direct transfer pathways and foster collaborative partnerships.