Int'l students, faculty praise Korea University’s vision for global campus

Domestic and international students pose together for a graduation photo at Korea University in Seongbuk District, Seoul. Courtesy of Korea University

As Korea University, one of the country's most prestigious learning institutions, advances its 120th anniversary vision of becoming a global campus, both international students and faculty members say that initiatives like mentoring programs and expanded English-language support are making a real difference in helping them feel welcomed and more integrated into campus life.

"I feel like I have a friend I can talk to when I have concerns," said Laura Kozhmuratova, a 20-year-old media and communication student from Russia.

Kozhmuratova is among the growing number of international students who have benefited from the Global Study Center (GSC) mentoring program — an initiative designed to ease the transition into university life for foreign freshmen. The program pairs new students with senior student mentors.

"My mentor that I met through the university’s GSC mentoring program helped me a lot to adjust to the systems at Korea University," she said.

Unlike other club activities or buddy programs, this mentoring program helps international students get useful information for their studies.

"As a freshman, there are so many things I don’t know, and it’s hard to get related information, like what kind of lectures I should take first, and the lecture application system is also totally different from Russia," Kozhmuratova said.

"But through the mentoring program, I was able to successfully apply for my first-semester classes."

With the support, she was able to adjust to campus life quickly. Now in her first semester, she is actively involved in three student clubs — the Korea University International Student Assistant program, a music club and her department’s magazine publishing club.

"I’m really enjoying my first semester," she said. "I’m excited not only about events like the school festival, but also about the tests and the learning itself."

Kozhmuratova hopes to continue her studies at the university and pursue a career in journalism or media in Korea after graduation.

An international student takes a photo while visiting Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, as part of a cultural event for International Summer Campus hosted by Korea University. Courtesy of Korea University

Kim Yoon-jin, a junior at Korea University's College of Media and Communication and a mentor to Kozhmuratova, described her participation in the GSC mentoring program as a mutually rewarding experience that offered both personal growth and a deeper understanding of cross-cultural connection.

It provides valuable support for international students while fostering meaningful cultural exchange for Korean participants.

"I joined the mentoring program because I thought it was a rare opportunity to meet and communicate with so many international students at once," Kim said.

"It felt like catching a glimpse of Korea’s future," she added. "What I see on campus now, feels like a microcosm of what our society might look like as the number of foreign residents is expected to grow."

Kim noted that although the number of international students on campus continues to grow, many extracurricular and group activities still tend to be centered on Korean students.

"That’s why I wanted to help and support foreign students," she said.

Kim also highlighted that a major strength of the program is its accessibility, making it easy even for shy or introverted students to seek support.

"As there are regular counseling sessions, even students who aren't outgoing can easily receive help," she said. "Since I’m often the first Korean they meet after arriving at Korea University, many of them rely on me and express their gratitude. It’s a really rewarding experience."

Currently mentoring 16 international students, Kim said she has gained a deeper understanding of the impact the university’s global initiatives have on attracting foreign students.

She noted that programs like Korea University’s exchange partnerships and its International Summer and Winter Campus (ISC/IWC) serve as effective recruitment opportunities, attracting students from diverse backgrounds to experience the university's global environment.

"One of my mentees applied to Korea University because of the positive experience she had here as an exchange student," Kim said. "Another joined the university after participating in the ISC and later decided to return to Korea for full-time studies."

Furthermore, Kim observed notable changes within the campus community as the number of international students continues to rise.

She pointed to the growing presence of nationality-based student associations, such as the Mongolian and Indonesian student groups, as a sign of progress.

"It’s encouraging to see these communities taking shape," she said. "The university offers support, but it’s just as important for international students to have their own spaces to express their voices and share their cultures."

International students participating in Korea University's International Summer Campus attend a campus tour during an orientation of the program at the university's Seoul campus in Seongbuk District. Courtesy of Korea University

The university’s internationalization efforts are being recognized not only by students but also by foreign faculty members.

Alexander Rothkopf, a professor of physics from Germany who joined the university in March, said he immediately sensed the institution’s commitment to inclusion during a meeting for new faculty members with the university administration.

"Most of the participants were Korean and the meeting was conducted in Korean," he said. "But they prepared all the presentation slides in English and even provided simultaneous interpretation using artificial intelligence."

While acknowledging that the translation wasn't perfect, Rothkopf described the effort as a meaningful gesture. "It made me feel recognized as an important part of the institution," he said.

Rothkopf also highlighted that research excellence is a key factor in attracting international experts to the university.

"I first learned about Korea University at an international conference, where I was impressed by the quality of research conducted by its professors," he said. "When a position opened, I decided to apply."

As part of its broader vision to become a globally competitive institution capable of addressing the pressing challenges of humanity, Korea University is actively expanding its international research network.

The university also aims to boost its global reputation by hosting internationally recognized university ranking events and strengthening partnerships with leading institutions around the world.