Knowledge Diplomacy as an Instrument of South Korea’s Foreign Policy: Theoretical Aspects and Practical Implementation in the Case of KOICA Scholarship Program

The relevance of this study derives from the limited understanding of the mechanisms of public diplomacy that are activated when scholarship programs for international students are conducted by East Asian countries, particularly South Korea. Moreover, the relevance of the topic is also determined by the scarcity of research on the role of knowledge in public diplomacy mechanisms. The author of this article analyzes South Koreas international student exchange scholarship program, the KOICA Scholarship Program. This case study analyzes the contents of official documents adopted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, documents and materials published by subordinate organizations that administer scholarship programs for international students, as well as scholarly papers on the topic of knowledge diplomacy and related topics. The novelty element is that the concept of knowledge diplomacy, which is gaining popularity worldwide almost has not been used in the Russophone academia, and the studies on South Korean exchange programs as public diplomacy instruments are also poorly represented. The analysis of official documents has shown that the concept of knowledge in the official Korean interpretation differs from the existing academic interpretations accepted in the West (e.g., Great Britain, the United States). Also, the analysis of the scholarship program showed that it only partly complies with the knowledge diplomacy goals assigned by the Government. In particular, through this scholarship Korea successfully transmits knowledge about Korean history and culture, as well as professional knowledge, while the field of knowledge exchange in the program remains unattained. The author concludes with several practical recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of the scholarship program as a tool for knowledge diplomacy.

State Scholarship Programs and Grants as a Factor of the Human Capital Development: Russian and Foreign Experience

Recognizing the importance of the development of human capital, many countries contribute to the growth of international student mobility through various state grants and scholarships for their citizens and foreign students. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research on the state's benefit from sponsoring scholarship programs and study abroad grants in the context of the development of the country's human capital. This article examines scholarship programs and grants to study abroad regarding human capital development, how they can help build human capital, and what can be an obstacle for that. The authors analyze the features and implementation mechanisms and provide typology of the programs in modern conditions. Based on a review of state scholarship programs and grants for studying abroad, and an analysis of scholars' studies and regulatory documents, authors identify existing and potential obstacles to building up and effectively using human capital such as non-return of scholarship holders to their homeland, deskilling, bureaucratic employment procedures, emigration intentions after fulfilling obligations under the program, etc. Exploring of foreign and Russian experience in implementing state scholarship and grant programs, authors determine several ways for the further development of the programs in the context of the idea of human capital building. The results of the study can be applied to the development and improvement of the Russian scholarship programs and grants for studying abroad.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS AS A TOOL FOR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC MOBILITY

On the basis of materials of a sociological study, the authors consider international scholarship programs as a tool for academic mobility. Students’ academic mobility is a factor and condition for the internationalization of higher education and the development of modern universities. Based on a questionnaire survey of undergraduate students (n=250), interviews with postgraduates (master degree) (n=12), as well as interviews with MOFCOM Scholarship program fellows (n=3), the article states that students are ready to join international academic mobility programs and compete for international scholarships to study primarily in European countries, the USA, and China. At the same time, students are interested in scholarships implemented at the state level and at the level of specific universities. A factor for choosing a scholarship program is, first of all, the scholarship amount which should cover, along with tuition, transport costs, accommodation, food, and cultural activities. Studying in a foreign university allows students to improve their foreign language and serves as a factor in strengthening their position of a future specialist in the labour market.

The Duties and Functions Performance of Aceh Human Resources Improvement Institutions in Scholarship Study Program Implementation in Aceh Government

The ability of employees in carrying out the duties and functions of LPSDM can be manifested if the employee has good work motivation, both physiologically, safety, appreciation, social, and self-actualization. the fact shows that LPSDM Aceh has not been able to carry out its duties and functions properly. On the other hand, LPSDM Aceh has not been able to transparently select scholarship recipients. This happens because there are still many recipients of entrusted scholarships from the Aceh government, so that the LPSDM does not appear to be independent in distributing scholarships. The formulation of this thesis problem is How the tasks and functions of the Aceh Human Resources Improvement Institution (LPSDM) in the implementation of further study scholarship programs in Aceh Government and how the performance of employees of the Aceh Human Resources Development Agency (LPSDM) in implementing the scholarship program at the Aceh Government. The purpose of this research is to find out and analyze the tasks and functions of the Aceh Human Resources Improvement Institution (LPSDM) in the implementation of further study scholarship programs in Aceh Government and to find out and analyze the performance of Aceh Human Resources Development Agency (LPSDM) employees in implementing the scholarship program at the Aceh Government. This study uses a qualitative approach with as many as 5 people informants consisting of thus the research assign research informants as many as 4 people consisting of the Head of the LPSDM Secretariat, Sub Division of Finance, Planning and Treasurer Routine. Data collection is done by using observation, interview and documentation techniques. The results of the study prove that the duties and functions as well as the performance of LPSDM Aceh in the implementation of further study scholarship programs in Aceh Government have not been carried out in accordance with Aceh's Governor Regulation No. 11 of 2016 concerning LPSDM Aceh. Thus it can be concluded that the duties and functions of the Aceh Human Resources Improvement Institution (LPSDM) as the implementer of the advanced study scholarship program at Aceh Government can be seen the speed of access, so as to have equal rights between various groups.