In the International Hall of SeoulTech where many students go for language classes, one can find the SeoulTech Office of International Affairs. The Office of International Affairs is divided into 4 teams: the International Relations Team, the International Student Services Team, the International Admissions Team and the Foreign Language Education Team. Those teams help Korean or international students. Students can guess that the Office of International Affairs strives to support language education as they would take language courses daily. Yet, there is a wider range of work managed by the Office of International Affairs that students may want to know about. Some examples of how the Office of International Affairs supports students are suggested below.

 

Support Exchange Students from Abroad

Each semester, many overseas students come to Seoultech as exchange students. For reference, 140 students come to SeoulTech. To make sure every exchange student has the same rights as SeoulTech students, the Office of International Affairs deals with all administrative work and helps with personal affairs when these students find difficulty.

"I was an exchange student for a year and the Office of International Affairs helped me from the time my application process was completed. They helped me with selecting courses, applying for a dormitory room, signing up for ARC, and obtaining health insurance. Sometimes they even made reservations for visa extension if I asked."

Assist Undergraduate Students with Exchange Programs

On the official web site of the Office of International Affairs, students can find abundant information such as processes, qualifications, and reviews from other students who have already participated in an exchange program. In addition, the Office of International Affairs connects students going to the same school or city so that they can share information and interact during the exchange semester.

"As I became close friends with exchange students through ISC (International Students Club), I wanted to go to another country like they did. There is a KakaoTalk channel run by the Office of International Affairs and they give kind replies when students preparing for an exchange program ask questions. I once asked for a letter of acceptance as I needed it for my visa registration. My coordinator made quick contact with the partner school and I received the document on time."

Organize Short-term Programs

There have been some short term programs run by the Office of International Affairs during vacations. Last summer, "2023 K-Global Summer School" took place as one of those programs. This program was for students from Northeastern University in the USA and KAIST IP in Korea. The program lasted for a month with the goal of entrepreneurial spirit and promoting a deeper understanding of Korean culture. SeoulTech staff managed the whole schedule, and also offered business lectures, language classes and various cultural experiences in Seoul, Busan and other parts of Korea.

 

Support Foreign Student with Bachelor's and Master's degree issues

International students who live in Korea may face administrational problems that Korean students usually don't know about. The Office of International Affairs is open to their inquiries and many students have taken advantage of this service.

"I was able to find quick answers about my inquiry regarding visas, and I could feel that the staffs of the Office of International Affairs really care about international students. When I entered SeoulTech, I didn’t know how to sign up for courses and thankfully, one staff member at the Office of International Affairs helped me out."

Manage Language Program

The Office of International Affairs works for Language Program students. From the level test for finding the right course to taking the Topik exam, Language Program students can have quality assistance so that they can focus on language study without administrative problems.

 

Support International Students Club (ISC) & International Student Association (STIC)

Student organizations are very important in campus life. There are two student organizations under the Office of International Affairs. ISC provides a buddy matching program where one ISC member matches with 3 to 4 international students to help them with any questions about campus life and build up interactions with Korean students. STIC is made up of international students who can help other international students adjust to school life by making community. Both of those organizations put on various events for international students such as "Culture Trip" and "International Coffee Hour."

 

The Office of International Affairs has even more things they do than those examples, interacting with students, professors, and even wider range of people. Hopefully, students may take advantages of their helpful services.



 

Reporter,

Eunkyeul Kim kyeul@g.seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 김은결

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• e-mail : kyeul@g.seoultech.ac.kr