Do Korean universities really understand what int'l students need?

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While global fascination with K-pop and Korean culture may initially draw the attention of international students, it is the nation’s robust academic environment and the promise of expanded opportunities that ultimately attract many to its shores.

This academic appeal is precisely what drew in students like Airon Mussagy, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student from Mozambique currently studying at Sungkyunkwan University, who specifically cited Korea's medical programs as her reason for studying here.

"The educational environment in Mozambique hasn’t developed as much compared to Korea, and I thought the education system here was quite advanced," she said.

This perception of a more advanced system is a significant driver, but the incongruity extends beyond mere assumptions about what draws international students to the country. It is also manifested in various support initiatives that frequently fail to address their actual needs.

While Korea’s strong academic environment draws international students, many find themselves struggling to adjust to its fiercely competitive environment.

Mussagy mentioned that studying in Korea offers valuable opportunities for academic and professional growth, but she often feels overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up.

"Especially the relative evaluation system — it is really difficult because it is hard to understand the exact grading criteria," she said.

She also pointed out that the system fosters a culture of isolation, where students are forced to study alone and compete against one another.

Ioana Filipenko, a 20-year-old international business student from Romania at Hanyang University, shared a similar view.

"It feels like professors genuinely want us to succeed, but that also adds to the already competitive academic environment and creates pressure to constantly be the best," she said.

Although such an educational culture may be deeply rooted in Korean society, it presents significant challenges for international students hailing from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.

Graphic by Cho Sang-won

As Korea welcomes more international students, dropout rates are also on the rise, highlighting the need for universities to develop more effective measures for retaining them and ensuring they stay on track.

According to a report from the Korea Educational Development Institute (KEDI), the number of international students enrolled in degree and non-degree programs increased substantially, from 83,842 in 2010 to 208,962 in 2024 — a nearly 150 percent rise over 14 years.

However, the halfway dropout rate at general universities has also been rising, increasing from 4.7 percent in 2019 to 5.7 percent in 2020 and reaching 7.1 percent in 2024. The dropout rate at two-year colleges remained notably elevated, hovering at around 15 percent during the same period — nearly double the rate observed at four-year universities.

KEDI identified poor adjustment, financial instability and significant language and cultural barriers as primary factors contributing to the escalating dropout rates among international students.

International students stroll across the campus of Inje University in South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Inje University

One size doesn’t fit all

Universities nationwide are making efforts to help international students adjust to campus life and overcome language barriers, often through buddy programs that pair them with local students. However, the quality and availability of such initiatives vary widely by institution.

While some international students commend peer programs for helping them navigate daily life and foster friendships, others report receiving minimal to no support, even for fundamental tasks such as opening a bank account.

"I do see some efforts of the school, but most initiatives focus on the application process," said Maha Qaiser, a 25-year-old student from Pakistan. "There's much less support for daily life issues like opening a bank account or handling visa matters."

Furthermore, students emphasize the need for more tailored support based on their specific status — whether they are short-term visitors, exchange students or full-time degree candidates. Despite their significantly differing needs, universities frequently adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

Full-time international students, in particular, express a desire for deeper integration into campus life.

"There are very few opportunities for international students — not just in extracurricular activities like clubs, but also in on-campus jobs such as teaching or research assistant positions," said Jose Calderon, a 24-year-old student from the Dominican Republic studying at Busan University of Foreign Studies.

Like their Korean peers, they want to participate in student councils, clubs and other activities, but often face barriers that limit their involvement, preventing them from taking an active role in university communities.

Dai Ruhan, a 25-year-old student from China, said one of her challenges was missing out on information, as much of it was shared through KakaoTalk group chats.

KakaoTalk, the dominant messaging app in Korea, is not widely used outside the country, often leaving international students out of the loop.

"Since I’m from China, I wasn’t familiar with KakaoTalk and also faced limitations in using other social media platforms," she said.

International students seeking employment opportunities in Korea visit company booths at the 2025 Global Talent Fair at COEX in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, May 19. Yonhap

Another gap emerges in the job search services provided to international students, particularly concerning guidance on Korea’s complex visa regulations.

While opportunities such as recruitment fairs and career counseling sessions are available, students frequently report that these resources fall short in providing the most crucial information: navigating the intricate visa requirements for employment in Korea.

"I once had a consulting session, and the adviser had no knowledge or expertise on visa issues, which is one of the biggest concerns for international students trying to get a job here," said Antonia Prussak, a German student at Sogang University.

Access remains a major concern. Although international students are technically eligible, they are often excluded from internships and field training programs due to administrative barriers or systemic oversight.

Although language support plays an important role in helping international students adjust, their experiences point to the need for more tailored initiatives and a genuinely inclusive campus environment to ensure they stay long term.