Globalization Competence Development Program Overcoming the Limitations of Non-Contact Program

As the competence of K-culture, including movies, TV dramas and music, is increasing over the offline barriers, international students are paying increasing attention to SNU. However, the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the students from going out from and coming into Korea. Despite the difficulties, the Office of International Affairs is taking initiatives in the globalization of SNU by promoting various programs in which both Korean and international students can participate.

The Office of International Affairs, consisting of 20 staff members, is serving as a bridge that connects SNU with the world through the exchange activities with overseas universities. The SNU in the World Program is a program for the SNU students to visit key cities in the world to gain the global leadership capabilities, and it is receiving fervent responses from the students. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the summer programs in 2020 and 2021. Hence, the Office of International Affairs converted them into online winter programs in 2020 and 2021 so that the students can participate in the classes provided by the international scholars via Zoom. 

The International Summer Program (ISP), which used to be provided to the international students, was also conducted online in 2021. Turning the crisis into an opportunity, the program provided a new foundation in which the SNU students can enjoy excellent lectures with the international students together. The buddy-matching and language-exchanging arrangements with the international students enhanced natural exchange and communication. Based on the know-how earned in 2021, a face-to-face ISP is being planned for this year, extending the participation by both international students and SNU students.

“Most of the programs and events have been conducted online since last year. That was a shame for us, but the online programs allowed more students to participate, as they had more freedom with regard to the physical accessibility and time.”

Dreaming about SNU Going Forward to the World

The international competence of university is becoming more important. The Office of International Affairs wants the students to have a broader viewpoint, and hope SNU to secure diversity by positively conducting exchange activities with overseas universities.

“Globalization is essential in cultivating higher educational competence, and fierce competition is happening in the global educational environment according to the trend. SNU is also making efforts, but we feel that we need more diversity and attention from the students in pursuit of globalization. We are looking forward to seeing a more globalized SNU by means of our efforts and the participation by the university and the students.”

Above all, the Office of International Affairs asked the students to pay more attention to international exchange. They feel sorry that students are not earning the opportunities for participation even though there are various systems for supporting the students. The Office of International Affairs also mentioned that they will continuously implement programs that can overcome the limitations of COVID-19.

“There are an increasing number of international students visiting SNU, including those from not only Asia but also all other continents. In harmony with this trend, we hope that the SNU students can positively participate in the global network that we have prepared. Moreover, there are various scholarship programs for supporting international students. Please refer to the official web site of the Office of International Affairs to make your university life more meaningful.”

 (SNU President Fellowship Program, SPF) 

Seoul National University is pleased to announce the call for SNU President Fellowship (SPF) for the Fall 2022 semester. 

The SNU President Fellowship (SPF) offers faculty members of major universities in developing countries (Asia, Africa, South America region will have preference) to pursue their Ph.D degree at SNU. 

We would like to invite qualified students who demonstrate academic promise to apply for the Fall 2022 semester. Please refer to the following information for detailed description of the scholarship.

✜ How to Apply  

• Online scholarship application should be done through SNU Office of Admissions Website (https://en.snu.ac.kr/admission)  within the admissions application period. 

(Please check the eligibility criteria below. Only one application can be made between the two scholarships. Checking only one box is allowed.)

• For details, please refer to the guidelines posted by the SNU Office of International Affairs (https://oia.snu.ac.kr/ Inquiries: intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr)

✜ SNU President Fellowship Program (SPF)

• Eligibility: International Admission I applicants who are a faculty member of a major university in a developing country WITHOUT a Ph.D. degree

     ※ Only Ph.D program applicants can apply for the SPF scholarship program 

• Details of the scholarship: Full tuition fee up to six semesters, monthly stipends of KRW 1,500,000~2,000,000 for 3~4 years, a round-trip airfare, Korean language training, national health insurance coverage