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Interview with the International Interaction Team at Kyonggi University
  • 김현아 수습기자
  • 등록 2021-05-11 19:49:54
  • 수정 2021-05-11 19:59:39
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 Students who read English newspapers are probably interested in studying abroad, and Kyonggi University offers various opportunities to study abroad. Through active exchanges with international students on campus, not only will students be able to improve their language skills, but they will also be able to expand their horizons and grow into global talent in the future by learning about various cultures. After introducing the International Interaction Team, we will explain information about the International Interaction Team programs by type. Moreover, practical advice has been obtained through interviews with students who have experienced International Interaction Team programs. First, Pharos conducted an interview with Park Geun-ah, a team member on the International Interaction Team in charge of external programs, to deliver accurate information to students who read this magazine. Pharos would like to hear about experiences through interviews with students who have experienced International Interaction Team programs.


Interview with Kyonggi University Department


1. Please introduce yourself.


Hello, I'm Geun-ah Park from the International Interaction Team. First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you about the International Interaction Team. I am in charge of the inbound program where international students come to Kyonggi University. An interview will also be conducted with Kim Eun-ji, a team member in the same department as me. Kim Eun-ji is in charge of the outbound program where students from Kyonggi University are sent to overseas universities.


2. Please introduce the business and departments of the International Interaction Team.


Park Geun-ah; The International Interaction Team is in charge of international exchange with universities and institutions of Kyonggi University and managing undergraduate exchange students. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Suwon Campus Public Relations Hall. The International Interaction Team's work is divided into three main types.

1) International exchange: interactions and agreements with overseas universities and institutions, overseas business trips, exchange students/internships/short-term training programs, etc.

2) Exchange students’ entrance examination (undergraduate): Exchange students' entrance examination for transfer admission

3) Management of exchange students (undergraduate): residence of exchange students, bachelor's degree, scholarships, etc.

The person in charge of each task is different, so if you want to check the related information, you can check the website of Kyonggi University.


3. Please introduce which universities are paired with Kyonggi University.


Park Geun-ah: Kyonggi University has a sisterhood relationship or agreements with a total of 312 universities and institutions in 45 countries. However, we are currently engaged in practical exchanges with 60-70 universities or institutions.


4. What is the approximate number of exchange students attending school? Please tell us about the nationality, number of students, or which department they belong to.


Park Geun-ah: Since the International Interaction Team manages undergraduate students, I'll tell you based on the 2020 school data for undergraduate students. Last year, there were 548 international students from the Suwon campus and 599 international students on the Seoul campus. There is a total of 1,147 international students, of which 868 are Vietnamese students, accounting for about 76 percent of all undergraduate students. There are 166 Chinese students and 113 other nationalities. 481 students belong to the Department of Tourism and Catering Cooking, and 242 students belong to the Department of Management and Economy. In addition, 101 students belong to the Department of Trade and 58 students belong to the Department of International Industrial Information.


5. Please tell me when and how students can receive the International Exchange Scholarship.


Kim Eun-ji: In the case of the Korean Student Exchange Student Program, the application for the exchange student scholarship is based on a final selection. Moreover, the application method and result announcement date can be confirmed through June/November by way of an International Interaction Team notice. International exchange scholarships for exchange students will be paid at the end of April when dispatched in the first semester and at the end of October when dispatched in the second semester. Scholarship payments will be deposited through the personal bankbook received in advance. The application and payment schedule may vary slightly depending on the guidance for each semester. Details of scholarships for various programs can be found through the International Interaction Team briefing distribution.


6. Please introduce the Global Consortium and Foreigner Delegation.


Park Geun-ah: Kyonggi Global Consortium is a student consortium called “Global K”, and it consists of working scholarship students. The main tasks of students are as follows:

1) Support international students’ entrance, enrollment, studying, and life in Korea regarding transportation, telecommunications, shopping, and housing.

2) Make information handouts (In English or Chinese), clips, and posters for international students.

3) Plan, support and put on major events such as OT/campus tour/welcome party/farewell party/cultural experience events.

4) Promote and announce various programs through the website and SNS.

5) Support for the International Interaction Team as a working scholarship student (international transfer admission, international exchange programs, visa, insurance affairs, etc.)

6) Maintain the International Interaction Team and global lounge’s facilities and equipment.

A foreigner Delegation is a group selected from among international students from Vietnam, China and other nationalities. About 20 students are selected per semester, and the task is the same as Kyonggi Global Consortium.


7. Were there any unfortunate cases at work? Would you tell me if there are regrettable examples such as failure to prepare for visas with regard to Global Consortium or Foreigner Delegation programs?


Kim Eun-ji: In the case of international exchange programs dispatched from Korea to overseas, receptions, selections and dispatches are held around the same time every semester, and these are announced through text messages, Instagram, and the notice board on the homepage. However, some students confused the deadline of the application or forgot documents that should be submitted, so I thought that students need to check the notice in advance. I think that these cases can be reduced by participating in a presentation that is held every semester.


Park: International students already in Korea have never experienced problems with visa issuance. However, students who are not already in Korea often have problems with visas because of COVID-19. In that case, they take a leave of absence and delay entering Korea, but it is hard to get a plane ticket back from Korea. Many applicants apply for the Global Consortium and Foreigner Delegation, but all students cannot join, so I feel sorry for the students who fail to enroll. However, we host international programs every semester, so please do not give up trying and apply again if you are interested in these programs.


8. Lastly, please give us some advice for students who are preparing for international exchange programs.


Kim Eun-ji: I recommend that students of Kyonggi University intensely participate in various programs run by the International Interaction Team to find out which programs fit their language skills and get various opportunities through counsel with consultants. Students participating in the programs cannot only improve their language skills but also broaden their views with various cultural experiences. Also, we prepare diverse programs that can help students improve their employment competitiveness. I hope that all the students check them out.


Park Geun-ah: The exchange student program is the best way to study Korean culture and meet Korean friends. In particular, if you are an international exchange student in Kyonggi University, you have the advantage of being close to Seoul, and you can also enjoy the scenery of Suwon which is full of Korean traditional cultures. Above all, we match international exchange students with students who are participating in Global Consortium, so it is a big advantage to get help from before entering Korea to leaving Korea. Therefore, I hope that students at sister universities pay a lot of attention to our programs.


Interview to Marcos Aguer Tamarit, a Spanish International Relations student.


1. Please introduce yourself and tell us what program you participated in.


Hello, my name is Marcos Aguer, I come from Barcelona, Spain and I’m an International Exchange student at Kyonggi University. I hold a degree in International Relations with a major in International Economy and Development. Here at Kyonggi University, I have the opportunity to work in the program Triple I, which will help me to acquire more knowledge about the business sector and will help me grow personally.


2. What made you participate in the program?


Since a young age, I've traveled and lived in different places worldwide; nonetheless, I've never lived in an Asian country. I believe South Korea is a really interesting country because it is currently booming internationally, which made it look very appealing to me. I find its culture, its history, its society, and even its streetwear interesting. Furthermore, I believe that going abroad and living in another country gets you out of your comfort zone and makes you grow in an interpersonal way.


3. What did you get from the program?


I got to learn a lot more about Korean history, society, and politics, which is an important part of my major. Moreover, I had to adapt to a new lifestyle and overcome some challenges, such as being a vegetarian in a meat-predominant country. Furthermore, coming from Europe where the COVID-19 situation is quite unstable, I feel thankful to be able to go on an exchange, especially in South Korea, where the situation is much better than back home.


4. Have you had any complement during the program?


I have not had any. It is considerably hard now with the whole COVID-19 situation, even though I would like it. However, we have some options such as the K-talk or the tutoring program, which consists of a weekly exchange with Korean students to learn about the language and the culture. I believe these programs can provide you with new fulfilling experiences that can help you get to understand Korean society better and enhance your involvement in the program.


5. Do you have any memorable episodes from your program activities?


Since the first day, all the K-Buddies (the Korean students that are our mentors) have been welcoming and warm to us, which is helpful, especially during the first weeks where you are getting used to a new way of living, a new environment, and new people. I live at the Kyonggi Dream Tower, and the staff at the dorm are also very friendly; Grazie Caffe and Marie make us feel at home. Moreover, the International Office with Geuna Park and the K-Buddies take really good care of us with daily attention and support if we need it.


6. Which students would you recommend the program to and why?


I would recommend this program to any student who’s open to travel and wants to get submerged in a new way of living by exploring a new culture, new people, new tastes, and new places, especially if they are open-minded, eager to adapt to a new culture, and ready to get out of their comfort zone. I believe this is an amazing experience that everyone should do once in their life as it can provide you with so much learning and inner growth.


 Kyonggi University offers the possibility of doing an international exchange program with more than 45 countries worldwide. As noted, this is a fulfilling experience which will provide students new insights of different cultures and societies, will expand their horizons, and will allow them to grow into global citizens. Moreover, the International Interaction Team works under a dynamic and responsible framework which ensures a secure and adaptable experience for incoming and outgoing students. Students who are eager to learn about other countries and want to push themselves out of their comfort zone have the amazing opportunity to travel while studying thanks to the work operated by the Kyonggi University International Team.



Management EditorChoi Hyun Jeongchj010627@naver.com

76th Cub ReporterKim Hyeon Ahangitup@kyonggi.ac.kr

76th Cub ReporterCarla Navarrocarlatriola@gmail.com

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