Dr. Intae Yoon, Associate Professor of Social Work at NC State, has been selected as a recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Award.
This program offers awards in over 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects around the world. Fulbright participants represent the U.S. to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of other countries. The Fulbright Program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
As part of his selection, Dr. Yoon will travel overseas to conduct a study in South Korea between July 2024 and December 2024. The study will focus on the new trend of reversed immigration among Korea-American older adults and the roles of social safety policies in this phenomenon. Dr. Yoon will collaborate with the Migration Research and Training Center, a governmental think tank under Korea’s Ministry of Justice.
While in South Korea, Dr. Yoon will investigate the causes of reversed immigration among this population, the roles of social safety nets in their decisions, and their well-being. The newly acquired information will aid prospective immigrants, promote their reintegration into Korean society, and provide the basis to advocate for social safety net policies. This study will also explore the potential for Medicare portability and guiding localities in supporting elderly resettlement.
“I am extremely exhilarated to have been chosen as a Fulbright Scholar after nearly two years of striving for this prestigious award,” said Dr. Yoon. “Additionally, I feel deeply honored to represent both the United States and NC State University to scholars and governmental agencies in Korea. This award provides me with the opportunity to understand and gather data on the emerging trend, enabling me to advocate for national and local public policy changes that benefit the well-being of older adults in both Korea and the US. As a social worker in an academic setting, I am filled with excitement while envisioning the positive changes that my research will contribute to in both countries.”
