This is the second in a series of interviews with student ambassadors of universities in the country. _ ED.
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
Globalization is changing the criteria for student ambassadors of universities, as they need to host a growing number of international guests.
When it comes to Yonsei University, student ambassador hopefuls should be armed with English skills, the president of the Yonsei student ambassador group ``Inyon,'' told The Korea Times in an interview.
``More and more foreign students and professors are coming to our school. Hence English skills will be critical criteria in recruiting new members,'' said Jeon Hee-jun, 22.
This is because the role of the student ambassadors focuses on escorting guests and organizing events to promote the schools.
Kim Chul-woo, 20, who is majoring in architecture, has served in the job for nine months. Kim is proud that he can convey the spirit and image of the school through himself.
``I feel that my job is both exciting and meaningful. I can build social relationships as I meet new people every day. Also, I gained boldness as well as leadership so now I have no problems speaking in front of a large crowd,'' he said.
The two students picked ``internationalism'' for the image of the school that they have to promote in accordance with the school's motto ``From Yonsei, Out to the World.''
The organization recruits new members around June every year and the applicants need to go through a 3-step process; document screening, an interview and giving a speech, Jeon Hee-jun who is studying economics said.
``We look for how much passion and interest they have for our program. However, some of the students think that we are just school models and they emphasize their modeling experience,'' Jeon said. ``This is not necessary and it does not help them become student ambassadors.''
Competition rate for the ambassador post usually ranges from 1: 10 to 1:13 and there are a total of 28.
The selected students appear on the school's magazines, brochure and on its homepage as cover models. Also they guide high school students and other guests on campus tours. The students also receive scholarships of 700,000 won a semester.
``I like meeting people who are interested in our school through campus tour programs. After the tour, many students decide to come to Yonsei and some of them apply to be school ambassadors,'' Jeon said. ``I have great pride in influencing their life.''
The promotion group aims to encourage middle and high school students to come to Yonsei as well as strengthen bonds among Yonsei students and alumni.
Lastly, Kim and Jeon remarked what they need to drive the group. ``I hope our school prepares more souvenirs so that our school image remains with visitors,'' Kim said.
``I feel that we need a room to have meetings and discussions. Also, our PR video is old so we need resources to make a new one. Although the number of visitors is increasing every year, by the thousands, we don't have enough resources so we are struggling,'' Jeon said.
Korea Times Intern Joan Kim and Jung Joo-yang contribute to this article. _ED.