By: Erik Pedersen, Content Strategy Director
BALTIMORE – A developing partnership between Notre Dame of Maryland University and CHA University in South Korea provided an opportunity for two South Korean students to study abroad in NDMU’s Art Therapy Department during the fall 2024 semester.
Kyeongmin “Kaya” Lee returned to campus for a second semester abroad after taking a variety of art therapy, art, and psychology courses on campus during the spring, while Jiyeong “Jessica” Song joined her classmate in Baltimore this fall. Both Lee and Song are enrolled in the art therapy program at CHA University, a prestigious medical school located approximately one hour northeast of the South Korean capital of Seoul.
In addition to her coursework this fall, Lee completed a practicum experience with the University of Maryland Medical Center’s art therapy program within the hospital’s inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry unit. University of Maryland Medical Center is a strong supporter of art therapy services, as the system is also home to an initiative founded by former Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan and her nonprofit organization, Yumi C.A.R.E.S – Children’s Art for Recovery, Empowerment, and Strength.
Hogan and NDMU president Dr. Marylou Yam were instrumental in forming the agreement which led to Lee and Song’s study abroad opportunity. While at UMMC, Lee worked closely with Nia Willis ’19, M’22, a licensed clinical professional art therapist who was previously the first student to complete NDMU’s undergraduate art therapy program.
“It was a lovely experience,” Lee said. “I learned about the role that art therapy can have in a hospital setting within the United States, and it was also interesting to see how art therapy is used here compared to back home in Korea. I was able to observe Nia as she interacted with a variety of patients, and after each session we would discuss what took place and go over potential future strategies. My time there allowed me to improve and expand upon my overall understanding of art therapy.”
Nia Willis and Kaya Lee at University of Maryland Medical Center.
Song had previously lived in China for an extended period before moving to South Korea for her undergraduate experience. The opportunity to broaden her understanding of art and therapy in different cultural contexts was a primary factor in her decision to study abroad at NDMU.
“Notre Dame of Maryland offered a unique opportunity to study art therapy in a multicultural environment,” Song said. “I was also drawn to the University’s emphasis on creativity and community, which I felt aligned with my personal and professional goals. By studying here, I hoped to gain new perspectives on how art therapy is practiced in the United States, and to further my dream of becoming a culturally competent art therapist.”
One difference between art therapy in the United States versus South Korea centers around credentialing requirements. In the United States, a master’s degree is the entry-level requirement to become a practicing art therapist, while art therapists in South Korea can work with patients after earning their undergraduate degree. Lee and Song are both exploring options to continue their studies at the graduate level in the United States after completing their study abroad program at NDMU.
“I really liked living on campus,” Lee said. “I got to experience all four seasons – the scenery is beautiful – and I learned so much about how art therapy is structured and secured through the licensing process in the United States. I was particularly impressed by how art therapy contributes to the medical system here, and I am definitely interested in working within that environment in the future.”
“I enjoyed the supportive and welcoming environment on campus,” Song added. “The faculty and students were so kind and helpful, making my transition much easier. Off campus, Baltimore was full of discoveries. I loved exploring the local art scene – especially visiting museums and galleries that highlight diverse artistic expressions. Adjusting to a new culture and language had its challenges, but these experiences have helped me grow both personally and academically.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
