By Lee Hyo-sik
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) will release all of its official documents and public notices in both Korean and English from this year’s second semester so non-Korean students and faculty members can more easily adapt and get the most out of campus life.
The measure also aims to make the school a more globalized academic institution, KAIST officials said.
Those who draw up official papers only in Korean will rate poorly in the performance evaluations, the school said.
“Currently, we produce documents only in Korean. But beginning September, all academic departments and administrative offices will be required to add an English version when drawing up official papers, public announcements and postings on a website,” said Kim Yoon-soo, senior management at KAIST public relations office.
Not only official documents, but also campus bulletin board messages and banners will be required to be bilingual. Those who send email to a group of people on campus should also add an English version of the message along with the Korean one.
Bilingual content will be mandatory.
Kim said the school will check performance records of each department and administrative office, and reflect them in the group and individual evaluations.
As one of the country’s most prestigious universities, and since the number of foreign students in exchange programs has been rising rapidly, this policy will set a standard for other schools.
The education ministry has encouraged schools to actively adopt globalization programs in cooperation with foreign schools.
“It will also help KAIST become more global and strengthen its international competitiveness. We will continue a campaign throughout the fall semester to encourage all members of the school community to prepare documents bilingually,” the manager said.
All announcements made on the school’s website and on homepages operated by student groups should be made in both languages as well, according to the school.
leehs@koreatimes.co.kr