On 18 June, the agricultural department of the Netherlands Embassy in Seoul visited Yeoju Agricultural High School to engage with and encourage students participating in Aeres Group’s e-learning program, part of the "Future Advanced Agricultural School" development project.
Beeld: © SEO-LAN
Yeoju Agricultural High School
Building international partnerships for agricultural innovation
In 2024, the Gyeonggi Office of Education signed an international exchange agreement on sustainable agricultural education with the Aeres Group as part of the "Future Advanced Agricultural School" initiative. (relevant article: Aeres Group will help South Korea to make an international high-tech agricultural school).
Starting in April 2025, the Aeres Group and the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education launched a pilot e-learning program titled the “Global Joint Research Course,” with support from Seoul National University, which had conducted research on agricultural training cooperation between the Netherlands and South Korea. This program enables students to learn about advanced agricultural technologies from the Netherlands through real-time, interactive sessions.
The Global Joint Research Course includes 20 students selected from Yeoju Agricultural High School and its affiliate, the International Advanced Agricultural School (junior college). Through this program, students are gaining in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge agricultural technologies and taking significant steps toward becoming future experts in the field.
Inspiring the next generation of agricultural talent
Following the meeting, students attended a special lecture by Mr. Hojin Kang, Agricultural Advisor at the Netherlands Embassy in Seoul, titled “The Future of Korean Agriculture Through the Lens of Dutch Hi-tech Agriculture.” The lecture provided an opportunity for students to explore career paths and set future goals.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rick Nobel, Agricultural Counsellor at the Netherlands Embassy in Seoul, expressed strong appreciation for the collaboration between the Aeres Group and the Gyeonggi Office of Education and pledged continued support for the e-learning program. There is strong added-value in education cooperation for smart agriculture between Korea and the Netherlands: while students benefit from the Dutch cooperative and practical approach to agricultural education, students also familiarize themselves with cutting edge technologies. Educating young talent is crucial for Korea to successfully deliver on its smart farming ambitions.
Continuing the mission for advanced agricultural education
The Gyeonggi Office of Education plans to continue strengthening the foundation for advanced agricultural education by fostering future agricultural talent and enhancing international exchange through ongoing cooperation with the Netherlands.