CBNU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) was selected for the Global Innovative Talent Training Project and conducted the cultural exploration program for international students to tour various regions and companies in Korea. The program was held three times in total: the first was a traditional culture experience in Jeonju on Aug. 5 to 6, the second was a field trip to Ulsan HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP and Po-hang POSCO Co., Ltd on Aug. 26 to 27, and the third was a cultural heritage site in Gyeongju on Sep. 26-27.

  Regarding the selection of the location for this cultural exploration program, Professor You Tae-soo (Dept. of Chemistry), Dean of the OIA, said, “We planned it so that international students could experience a wide range of cultures, including Korea’s traditions, industry, and history. Jeonju is a place where you can directly experience Korea’s traditional culture. Ulsan and Pohang are areas where you can understand Korea’s economy and technology. Also, Gyeongju which has many cultural heritage sites is a place where you can show Korea’s history and cultural heritage.” 

  Jeong Moon (Dept. of International Business), a Chinese student who participated in this program as a postgraduate Ph.D. said, “I decided to participate after seeing the recruitment notification in the cultural exploration program on the OIA’s website. It was a great opportunity, so I participated in all programs three times.” Additionally she said, “It was nice to go to various regions of Korea rather than Seoul, which is mainly visited by foreigners. It was especially nice to see cultural heritage in Gyeongju that is different from Seoul.”

  She continued, “I was frustrated because the OIA did not provide us with information about the place we were going on a field trip in advance during the program. It would be nice if there were a prior briefing session or training before the tour started. Also, when we went to Gyeongju, food that is unfit for Muslim students was served for lunch.” She expressed her disappointment, as international students from many different countries, the people in charge of the program need to be more considerate.

  An official from the OIA, which hosted this cultural exploration program, said, “We are operating various support programs to help international students have a successful study abroad life. We do our best to understand the difficulties our guests may experience as international students in academics, life, and cultural adaptation. A variety of support programs are available to help international students spend their time in Korea more meaningfully and rewardingly. including Korean language education programs, living support services, and cultural exchange programs. The doors of the OIA are always open, so please feel free to visit us whenever you need any help,” requesting active participation and use by international students.

  Meanwhile, the OIA is preparing various programs for international student participation in the future. The 10th CBNU’s International Student Festival is scheduled to be held on Nov. 15. It is a festival where foreign students from various cultures and nationalities gather to introduce the culture of their countries. In addition, the OIA is preparing the “HAPPY NEW YEAR, K-FOOD” program, where international students can cook their own Korean holiday food in celebration.