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By Jang Bo-ram, Guest Reporter

 

 

Most International Student Unions at CNU have been very recently organized to enhance the welfare of foreign students’ on campus and in Korea, but they are still unfamiliar with CNUians and most of them are working on different areas. “We've been striving to make the Mongolian student union since 2007 and finally established our own version of ISU on October 29^th, 2010. A considerably small number of Mongolians (only about 500) lives in Korea. That's why we aim to protect Mongolian’s rights, as well as other members of the Mongolian community such as migrant laborers” says Munkhtushig (Junior, Dept. of Geotechnology), president of the CNU Mongolian Student Association. On the other hand, “one core role of our ISU is focused on cultural exchanges with other universities. For example, GIST Culture Night and other festivals,” says Tran Anh Tuan, VSAK-CNU (Vietnamese Student Association in Korea) Vice President (Ph.d Candidate, Dept. of Computer Engineering). Furthermore, “Holding festivals (Korean Speech Contest) and doing volunteer works are our main activities,” says Li Qiaowei (Junior, Dept. of Japanese Language and Literature) while mentioning that Chinese students are an overwhelming majority among foreign students. Winning recognition from Koreans would represent better conditions for studying abroad.

Why do these foreign students study at CNU? Most of them chose CNU probably because of the low tuition fee compared to other universities in Korea. Moreover, the study infrastructure and students' ardent attitudes may inspire them continually. CNU students tend to talk freely about politics thanks to this open environment. The spirit of the 5·18 Gwangju Democratic Movement felt by international students may be a factor as well. Not to mention a beautiful campus. Also, the cultural environment of Gwangju may be a reason. Delicious food and traditional culture can play a huge role for choosing CNU.“I can’t afford to pay attention to other things here because I will become so absorbed only in the city and busy life,” says Li Qiaowei.

 

Foreign students have tried to participate in various extra activities. Now, they are expecting positive attitudes from Korean's. However, much more still remains to be done. “For me, taking classes sometimes was very difficult. Some professors still refuse foreign students from taking classes. Although I finished the class, it is really hard to earn good credits and grades compared to Korean students” says Munkhtushig. Local students are also eager to go abroad to expand their horizons. It is time to enhance self-esteem for ourselves as CNU students. Students choose CNU considering it to be one of the most prestigious universities in Korea. The world continues to shrink, but Koreans' awareness still must expand. The origin of the international students' union was made from this background of awareness. We need to understand foreign students not from the mind but from the heart.