The Nextgen Koreanist Workshop is a regular collaborative event by the UP Korea Research Center (UP KRC) and Yonsei University Mirae Campus. Attendees of these workshops are students—both Korean, international, and Filipino students—presenting their research. Professors and other experts are also present to provide their comments and questions, further improving and extending the depth of their work.

Asst. Prof. Llige was invited by the UP KRC Director, Prof. Kyungmin Bae. In the workshop, she shared her dissertation titled “Filipino Diaspora Engagement: Analyzing the Approach of the Government in Migration and Development”. In her dissertation. Asst. Prof. Llige critically examined the country’s migration governance, highlighting diaspora-focused engagement programs. Using Michel Foucault’s theory of Governmentality as the primary analytical lens, her dissertation unpacks the state’s approach to utilizing migration for development through the distant governance of the diaspora.

Asst. Prof Llige shares that more than writing her academic papers, she loves sharing her work with others, especially students. During the workshop, she had the opportunity to share her valuable insights on the students’ research endeavors while also gaining valuable takeaways from their varied topics—from people and culture to international relations and sustainable development. She was also able to garner expert advice from Yonsei professors on how to extend her dissertation into related studies.

Her reflection is a testament to the valuable knowledge she gained from participating in the workshop. The UP KRC provided her and many others with opportunities to expand their knowledge of Korean studies and other international-related fields. This continued partnership fosters a rich and dynamic environment that champions interdisciplinary and inter-college research and educational activities. The exposure to well-rounded experts and a global sharing of ideas fosters diverse perspectives and challenges that are essential for learning in the modern, globalized world.