Hongik University, one of the leading higher-educational institutes in arts, will establish a campus in California to give its students the opportunity to study abroad and open their eyes to the broader world, the school said Monday.

The move follows the recently announced guidelines of the Education Ministry allowing establishment of overseas campuses of educational facilities.

Hongik said they chose California because it is the home of top-class arts industries as well as fine arts markets.

“From video art and animation to motion pictures, comprehensive media and theme parks, the world-renowned artists are based on the area. We will invite them to share their experiences and views with our selected students and hopefully some will even offer internships there,” the school said in a press release.

The school will open the campus during vacations and run English language educational programs for non-art major students. They will be able to gain some academic credits through the courses, the school said.

Hongik foundation said the school president Chang Young-tae will visit the U.S. in May, buy real estate and meet renowned art schools nearby to observe famous curricula.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)