InterviewMore integrated system proposed to connect int’l students with businesses

Han Sang-shin, president of the National Institute for International Education, speaks during an interview at the institute's office in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, July 28. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Despite rising demand from both sides, international students seeking jobs in Korea and employers hunting for talent remain disconnected — caught in an unclear, underdeveloped system that offers no clear pathway between them.

The National Institute for International Education (NIIED), a government agency responsible for overseeing international student affairs and scholarship programs, emphasized that while efforts are underway to improve access to job and settlement information, broader collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, universities and the public is crucial to support the inclusion of these students within Korean society.

"Mismatch is one of the most frustrating problems," said Han Sang-shin, president of the NIIED, in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "International students are eager to work and companies need personnel, yet both sides are struggling to navigate a maze of unclear processes, limited outreach and institutional silos."

Addressing this challenge is essential to achieving the government’s ambitious goal of attracting more global professionals to the country.

The number of international students in Korea has surged in recent years. According to the Ministry of Education, there were 208,962 international students in April last year. The number surged to 275,580 as of May this year, according to Ministry of Justice data — nearly double the figure recorded a decade earlier.

"With the rapid growth in numbers, it is now more important than ever to strengthen tailored support so that international students can continue their studies with stability and build lasting roots in local communities," Han said.

Han Sang-shin, right, president of the National Institute for International Education, poses after signing a memorandum of understanding with JobKorea, a leading job information platform, Dec. 11, 2024. Courtesy of National Institute for International Education

He noted that, contrary to popular belief, demand for foreign workers is not limited to so-called “root industries” — basic manufacturing fields like metalworking and welding — but spans a broad range of sectors and job levels.

Although these industries make up a significant share of labor demand in nonmetropolitan areas, there is also a clear and growing need for high-tech experts both within and beyond the capital region.

"We found that many highly qualified international students want to find jobs and settle in Korea for a while, but the lack of accessible employment information remains a major obstacle," Han said.

As part of its push to provide practical information, NIIED has partnered with major job platforms — including K-Work, operated by Korea SMEs and Startups, as well as Saramin, JobKorea, Wanted Lab and Incruit — to broaden access to employment opportunities tailored for international students.

"Through these partnerships, we’ve introduced a new service on the Study in Korea platform featuring job postings specifically for international students, which has already drawn strong interest and demand," Han added.

International students from various countries pose for a photo during the International Students' Year-End Party hosted by the National Institute for International Education, Dec. 14, 2024. Courtesy of National Institute for International Education

He also stressed the need for stronger support measures for international students, noting that issues like dropouts or illegal employment are closely tied to broader systemic gaps.

"Dropping out, visa violations and illegal employment aren’t just personal failures," Han said. "It is a result of a combination of institutional shortcomings — including inadequate support for academics, daily life, career planning and long-term settlement."

As of 2023, the dropout rate among international students stood at 7.1 percent, while the rate of illegal stays reached 17.6 percent.

In response, the institute launched a multilingual counseling center to provide support, offering services in six languages — English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Spanish and Russian.

An aerial view of the National Institute for International Education's office in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of the National Institute for International Education

NIIED is also working to support international student councils in Korea as part of its efforts to aid student settlement. As of this year, the institute provides support to 11 student councils representing various countries. These councils serve as key platforms for sharing information among students.

"Within these communities, more direct and useful information is exchanged," Han said.

While there is no official database or centralized body tracking all international student councils, making it difficult to identify them precisely, the institute is actively reaching out to engage with them and promote its support programs.

Han emphasized that while it is unrealistic to select only top-tier talent, it is also important to nurture individuals who may not begin as standouts but have the potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

"It’s time for the government, local governments and universities to work together to develop a comprehensive, long-term support system — one that spans the entire study abroad journey, from recruitment to post-graduation employment and local settlement,” he said.