Charles Sturt University (CSU) has signed two agreements with Soongsil University in Korea to expand mutual study and exchange opportunities for their students and staff.

The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for theology studies, and a student and staff exchange agreement to enable CSU students to undertake periods of short or semester-based study in a broad range of disciplines at Soongsil University.

Soongsil University is a private Christian university located in Seoul, Korea, established in 1897 by a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in the USA Board of Foreign Missions. The University has more than 1 200 staff, and 16 400 students of which 13 647 are undergraduates. It also has 242 international partnerships in 54 countries across the world, including seven other partnerships in Australia.

Emeritus Professor Ross Chambers, representing CSU, signed the MoU with Soongsil University when he visited Korea in April 2015.

A delegation led by Soongsil University President Hahn then travelled to Australia in July to meet with CSU officials to sign the student and staff exchange agreement.

The delegation was hosted by CSU at the School of Theology, United Theological College teaching site in Parramatta.  CSU was represented by Professor Heather Cavanagh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International Education and Partnerships, and Professor Chambers.

A broad range of opportunities for collaboration were discussed including the areas of mutual interest which include theology, social work, information technology, and business.

"Charles Sturt University is delighted to be working with this prestigious Korean university," Professor Cavanagh said. "The new agreement will enable scholarly engagement and student exchange, proving a great opportunity for our students and staff to interact with their peers in Korea."