2015.03.31

Short-term Study Trip in KDIS (10-12 March, 2015)

GRIPS Campus Asia Program organized a short-term study trip to KDIS during 10-12 March, 2015. The short-term trip consists of (1) Special lecture by Prof Oyama from GRIPS; (2) PhD seminars by students from GRIPS and the KDIS; and (3) Field trip in Seoul city.

This visit is a special occasion for us because KDIS has moved its campus to the new administrative city – Sejong in the middle part of South Korea, which is approximately 120 KM from Seoul. The brand new KDIS building is situated next to the building of Korea Development Institute. The new campus feels very bright with facilities well-designed. Both student and faculty’s dormitories are newly constructed and very close to the campus with a scenic view of the city.   

(1) Special Lecture

Lecture Title: Quantitative Social Systems Analysis

Instructor: Professor Tatsuo Oyama, GRIPS

I. Social Systems Analysis and Policy Analysis

II. Data Analysis Technique

III. Mathematical Modeling Analyses

VI. “Building a New Theory”

V. Summary – Future Perspective

The lecture consisted of five parts with Prof. Oyama’s experiences of developing ideas. At the end of the lecture, students and faculty member gave feedback in a vibrant discussion.

(2) PhD Seminar

We had a seminar where five GRIPS and KDIS PhD Candidates made presentations and discussions. It was a very good inter-disciplinary seminar where they were exposed to studies with diversity and broadened their perspectives.

Mr. Kazuya Masuda, Policy Analysis Program, GRIPS “The Effect of Girls’ Education on Adolescent Pregnancy: Evidence from the Introduction of Universal Primary and Secondary Education in Uganda”

Mr. Stefan Angrick, Public Policy Program, GRIPS “Global Liquidity and Monetary Policy Autonomy in East Asia – An Examination of Open-Economy Policy Constrains”

Ms. Sunjin Kim, KDI School “Effect of community-based approach on agricultural productivity”

Mr. Soojin Park, KDI School “Determinants of PPP(Public Private Partnership) return An empirical study on Korean BTL(Build-Transfer-Lease) contracts”

(3) Field Trip

On the third day, the field trip of Seoul City was organized on the way to the airport. The group visited Korea’s biggest palace in Lee Dynasty – Gyeongbokgung and luckily witnessed the traditional guard exchange. Later on, sitting on the bus, the group went by the President’s House –  Cheong Wa Dae and then had lunch in the downtown – Myeong Dong. Afterward, the group visit the traditional Korean House area – Bukchon. The village was so impressing that all the participants could not stop taking pictures.

Although the short-term trip was condensed to 2 days, all the participants had a pleasant experience in both academic and cultural interchange, making it an enjoyable and contented study trip.