Since 2023, the KORUS program has connected more than 850 Korean students with immersive STEM and cross-cultural learning experiences across the United States
Orlando, FL, June 1, 2026 — The Institute of International Education (IIE) and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) welcomed more than 70 attendees to a reception during the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference, celebrating the continued growth of the Korea – U.S. Special Exchange Program for STEM Students (KORUS). The event brought together higher education leaders, partners, and international exchange stakeholders to recognize the program’s impact and strengthen connections across the international education community.
Since launching in 2023, KORUS has expanded opportunities for Korean undergraduate students studying in the United States through academic, cultural, and professional exchange experiences. More than 850 students have participated in enrichment field trips designed to expose participants to leading industries, research institutions, and populaces around the United States.
In partnership with KIAT, IIE has delivered 31 enrichment field trips across the country, including visits to universities, research centers, technology companies, and cultural institutions that provide participants firsthand exposure to innovation ecosystems and regional industries across the United States. IIE has also developed six Tech Leaders Webinar sessions featuring speakers from organizations and institutions including NASA, Purdue University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University.
“The KORUS program represents the very best of international exchange and collaboration,” said Ed Monks, Vice President of Fellowships and Academic Exchange at IIE. “By strengthening ties between the United States and South Korea, KORUS advances high-tech innovation and cutting-edge research by fostering collaboration among students, scholars, and professionals in critical and emerging fields. These partnerships support scientific advancement, strengthen workforce expertise, and help drive the technological leadership that will shape the future.”
The NAFSA 2026 reception also provided an opportunity for partners and participants to deepen relationships and explore future collaborations. Students in the program engage directly with organizations at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with visits to organizations such as Hyundai, LG Energy Solution, Intel, and others.
“Programs like KORUS help create meaningful connections between students and STEM professionals while encouraging future global collaboration,” said Julie Baer, Deputy Director of Research, Evaluation & Learning at IIE. “By opening their doors to these students, participating organizations are helping cultivate internationally minded leaders who will shape the future workforce and research community.”
Organizations interested in participating in future KORUS programming can host facility tours, showcase research initiatives, and introduce students to career pathways within their industries. For more information about participation opportunities, contact Collette Agnese, Director of Experiential Learning at IIE: cagnese@iie.org
About Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT)
The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) is the technology innovation funding and industrial policy forming agency of Korea. It is headquartered in Seoul, and maintains offices in the US and Europe. KIAT’s mission is to promote industrial technology innovation and support innovation-related policy development through efficient and systematic project initiation. Visit: http://kiat.or.kr
About IIE
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide life-changing opportunities. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners. Visit press@iie.org