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[KNUH No.269 interview] Breaking Down the Barriers: Supporting International Students’ "Soft Landing" at the Gangneung Campus
작성자 : 영자신문
작성일 : 2026-06-19 11:56:32
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Breaking Down the Barriers
Supporting International Students’ "Soft Landing" at the Gangneung Campus
As the initial bustle of the spring semester fades and final exams approach, students at the Gangneung Campus of Kangwon National University are reflecting on their first few months of academic life. While many have found their rhythm, a significant group continues to struggle behind the scenes: international students. For them, the dream of studying abroad is often clouded by a persistent sense of isolation and cultural barriers that remain unaddressed even as the semester draws to a close.
The most significant challenge for these students isn't just coursework, but the linguistic hurdle in daily administrative tasks. A, a student from Uzbekistan, recalled a frustrating experience during the course registration period, noting that although there were many things they were curious about regarding school life, the language barrier made it impossible to get help at the right time. Feeling like there was no one to turn to, A had to struggle alone for a long time. Freshman B majoring in business management, who moved from another city to Gangneung, empathized with this sentiment, realizing that the sense of isolation felt by international students must be far greater than the anxiety of local freshmen. These difficulties are not isolated incidents but recurring issues that highlight the need for a more sustainable support system.
Upperclassmen who have already navigated these challenges offered words of encouragement to those still struggling. C, a senior student, reflected that it is natural to feel exhausted by the pressure of making every decision alone in such a large campus and suggested that being proactive is the key to overcoming this. C advised students not to suffer in silence, but to knock on the doors of their department's student council or join various campus clubs, as building a social network is the fastest way to relieve that anxiety.
Fortunately, the campus offers specialized programs to help international students integrate, such as the "Global Buddy" program. This program pairs international students with local students to provide practical, hands-on support. Through this initiative, students can naturally improve their Korean skills and experience local culture firsthand, while receiving assistance with complex administrative tasks like course registration. Furthermore, by helping navigate Gangneung’s geography and public transport, the program provides a "life guide" that effectively reduces social alienation. Such institutional support serves as a crucial stepping stone for international students to transition from being "outsiders" to active members of the campus community, allowing them to welcome their next semester with confidence.
Jeong IRin
<carzym001@gmail.com>