Students prepare for US schools

Students at the International Education Exchange Association (IEEA) Global Campus pose with graduates of the program, Friday, at COEX, southern Seoul. At the event, around 120 students came to learn about the U.S. universities they are to attend next year. / Courtesy of International Education Exchange Association

By You Soo-sun

Students assembled at COEX in southern Seoul on Friday, to learn about the U.S. universities they are to attend beginning January 2018. One hundred twenty students will begin studying abroad next year after successfully completing the one-year program at the International Education Exchange Association (IEEA) Global Campus, which connects students to its U.S. partner universities.

They are now halfway through ― and before embarking on this journey, students were able to meet and hear from those who have finished the IEEA Global Campus program and are now attending or have graduated from one of the partner universities.

“It’s a precious opportunity as students will get to hear about the hands-on experience of those who have been in their shoes," IEEA Director Matthew Kim said. “Students can also contemplate upon how they have been approaching their studies ― and if they are heading in the right direction.”

Four IEEA graduates invited to speak at the event were: Kim Ki-hyun from Temple University, Jang Kwan-yup from Georgia State University, Lee Hyun-min from Southern Utah University and Kim Byeng-geun, a graduate of State University of New York at Albany. The first three studied at the institution just last year and have completed one semester at their universities. As the only university graduate, Kim Byeng-geun ― now employed with a legislator here ― offered tips on building a career.

Kim Ki-hyun, now a sophomore at Temple University, wanted to return the help he had once received from the IEEA.

“Last year I came here, which was of tremendous help ― I am still very grateful for that,” Kim said. He has only been at Temple University for one semester, but he was glad he was able to share that experience.

“Studying abroad itself is a bold move that cannot come without great determination, and we are fortunate to have this opportunity, I really hope the students will grab onto that,” Kim said.

Students also had the chance to meet 20 IEEA graduates who attended the event. Refreshments were served in front of the conference room where students participated with the graduates of the program.

“I have never been to America,” said Mun Sung-hyun, 19, “so it was nice to listen to those who have already gone through all this.” Mun planned on talking with a student who attends SUNY Oswego where he will go next year.

Those majoring in aviation came in pilot and flight attendant uniforms, as they always do during major events and to classes they are taking to fulfill their major requirements.

Jeon Byoung-jun, 19, in his pilot uniform, was glad he came to the event: "Now I know what to expect when I get to my school, Southern Utah University.”

Parents there had hopes and worries about what their children will go through.

"I hear there are many students who do not have successful outcomes after going abroad to study,” a parent said. “This program gives me a sense of relief as it can serve as a guide to help us avoid common mistakes." She hopes a similar event would be arranged for parents as not many were present at the event.

Han Yedarm, who currently attends SUNY Geneseo, also understands the significance of this event. This is because she wasn’t able to attend an event like this when she was a student here. Acknowledging how important this could be for students, she came to the event to provide assistance.

“It’s really important to hear about what happens once students get to their universities in the U.S. Every school has its differences, so it depends on what the students make of it,” she said.

“I used to attend a foreign language high school, but I was still afraid of the English language. IEEA helped ease my qualms by helping me to stay on track. Students should try to learn as much as they can while they are here ― writing essays and talking to foreigners here can help.”