Writer: Staff Reports
Sixteen representatives from the Governors Association of Korea (GAOK) studied effective local and state governance April 7-19 during a two-week training program administered by the Institute of Government. The Institute, in partnership with GAOK, hosts two delegations a year for short-term training. This year's training theme is "Best Practices in U.S. Local and State Governments."
The training program provides both classroom instruction and hands-on opportunities to learn about American local government systems and experience American culture. The collaboration began as six visitors for one month but has expanded to include 16 delegation members, who attend courses on government policy, community development, and sustainability at sites in Athens, Atlanta, and North and South Carolina. Delegates reported that they were intrigued by the land-grant mission of higher education institutions in the United States and UGA's commitment to community outreach and development efforts across the state of Georgia.
The GAOK partnership not only establishes a training program but facilitates the exchange of research information and helps to create other unique international opportunities in South Korea.
Rusty Brooks, associate director at the Institute of Government, said, "Our ongoing collaboration is an important part of the Institute's drive to respond to the needs of our global partners."
