First EU ALUMNI Event in South Korea

In order to start building an EU-Alumni-Community in the Republic of Korea, this gathering focused on welcoming and getting to know alumni from different EU Programmes and put them in touch with the EU Delegation. It was the first event in the RoK within the EU ALUMNI project. The event was structured in two parts: A workshop and a networking dinner with a view on the rooftop terrace in Seoul downtown.

Seung Hyun Kim, a former Erasmus+ beneficiary, moderated the workshop. He is convinced of the positive effects of alumni networking: "I'm really looking forward to make other initiatives with other alumni", he said. "It's important to feel connected. We would like to expand our range to reach to people, also from other continents."

The new EU ALUMNI initiative was presented in a short presentation via live stream from Germany and alumni could ask questions and give their feedback. Afterwards Dr Joelle Hivonnet, Head of the Political Section and Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, gave a speech focusing on the six priorities of the new EU Commission and the impact and handling of COVID-19.

In the group work phase, the Alumni could choose one of the priorities and discuss how EU Alumni can contribute to these goals. After the group work, the general discussion followed in which the previously selected spokespersons shared the results of each group discussion. At the end of the workshop, the group moved to the garden terrace.

The networking dinner was opened by Dr Hivonnet who took the occasion to introduce four other colleagues from the EU Delegation who joined the networking session. Hivonnet expressed the interest of the EU Delegation to Korea to stay in contact with the alumni: "We want this network of alumni live and grow. This is what we are asking of you: Help us to make it grow!" During the reception, EU Alumni and EU Diplomats had time to talk and to get to know each other better in a relaxed setting.