The Rise of International Students in South Korean Universities

The number of international students studying in South Korea has seen a significant increase, reaching over 160,000 in 2020. This growth has led to a noticeable multicultural atmosphere on campuses, with conversations in various languages becoming commonplace.

According to the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI), the universities with the largest proportions of international students in Korea are:

1. Kyung Hee University
2. Sungkyunkwan University
3. Korea University
4. Yonsei University
5. Chung-ang University

These institutions each host over 2,000 international students. In response to this trend, Korean universities are implementing support systems to help international students adapt to a multicultural environment.

University Support for International Students

Office of International Affairs (OIA)

The OIA is responsible for international exchange and support. They offer various programs and can assist with:

• Admission inquiries
• Visa issuance
• Financial aid and scholarships

Counseling Services

Recognizing the challenges faced by international students, universities provide counseling programs in English and Chinese. For speakers of other languages, volunteer interpreters are available upon request.

International Student Organization (ISO)

The ISO is an independent student body that facilitates interaction between international and Korean students. They organize events such as:

• Welcoming and farewell parties
• Exam period support (snacks, coffee vouchers)
• 1:1 buddy programs for cultural exchange and adaptation

English-Track Programs

Some universities offer English-track programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs:

• Conduct all courses and evaluations in English
• Cater to both international and Korean students
• Promote campus internationalization and cultural diversity

These efforts have contributed to the improved competitiveness of Korean universities, as reflected in THE and QS world university rankings.

Additional Support and Integration

Korean universities continue to enhance their support for international students:

• Tutors and academic advisors to assist with Korean-language courses
• International student bodies to represent and voice concerns
• Diversity-friendly initiatives to create a welcoming atmosphere

These measures have transformed Korean universities into ideal environments for international students to pursue their academic goals while feeling part of a supportive community.