As Korea emerges as a popular destination for international students, global education organization Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Global is looking to expand two-way student exchanges and internship opportunities, connecting more international students with Korea while opening new pathways for Korean students to gain experience abroad. In an interivew in September with The Korea Times, IES Global President and CEO Gregory Hess emphasized that Korea is rapidly gaining ground as a study abroad destination for American students, attracting growing interest not only for its cultural appeal but also for its technological prowess and world-class universities. "Korea is one of the hot countries," he said. "Students are attracted not only to its culture, its entrepreneurial culture, the prominence of its products, but also the great universities that are here." While K-pop and Korean dramas often serve as an entry point for international students, Hess said Korea's appeal extends well beyond popular culture to its strengths in advanced technology and higher educati