Many universities in Korea have programs that help foreign students such as the “Hi-Club” in Sungkyunkwan University and “Buddy” in Kei-myung University. Kyonggi University is not exceptional. There is an organization in Kyonggi University that helps foreign students learn Korean culture and get accustomed to living in Korea. The organization is called “Global-K.” We have interviewed a member of Global-K, Kwon Oh-hwan, majoring in English literature, in order to find out what he thinks as a member of the group.

1. Why did you decide to apply to Global-K?

Whenever I saw foreign students from many countries in the school, I wanted to be their friend. Also, I hoped to help students who couldn't adapt to their school life. For these reasons, I applied to Global-K.

2. What activity do you usually enjoy with foreign students?

At the beginning of the school term, I picked them up and helped them enter the dormitory and register for courses. After that, I assisted them in their effort to get the certificate of alien registration that is needed for foreigners who will stay over one month in Korea and sometimes enjoyed going to festivals or Korean places like the Korean Folk Village with them. In addition to this, whenever they need something, I help them in my spare moments.

3. Have you ever suffered from the work? What is it?

I enjoy helping someone, so I like my job. However, I sometimes feel like it’s uncomfortable for us to work whenever the foreign students need our help. Our work schedule is not fixed, and helping them to get used to being here is our main job. That is why we reply to their questions and help them with their problems even after the work time has finished.

4. What is a fun memory you have of being with them?

One time, one of the foreign students who is a German was sick with a cold. So I bought some rice porridge and gave it to him. Afterward, when I got a grateful letter, I was rewarded for helping him.

5. Which countries' people have you been in charge of? And who has been the most impressive person so far?

They have been mainly English-speaking people especially ones from Germany, France and Mexico. Among them, the German students have impressed me the most because I played the PC game named "Dota" with them. Although "Dota" isn't famous, we enjoyed playing it and went to Internet cafes many times.

6. When you work at Global-K, you spend time with many foreign students. Have you felt cultural differences when dealing with them?

At the beginning of each term, Global-K has a campus tour. After last semester's campus tour, we had a wrap-up party with the exchange students. However, we couldn't eat the meat that had already been placed on the table because of religious differences. In that situation, we were very hungry and couldn't get a refund. As a result, we divided up into two groups and ate different food in two different places.

7. What have you learned from your time at Global-K?

I think my sense of responsibility has increased. If I hadn't helped the foreign students, they might not have been able to do basic things. Also, Global-K members could have suffered in terms of their image if I had been indolent. As for me, my passion for helping people continues to be strong because my motivation to work at Global-K is reinforced whenever I assist other people.

8. Do you have anything to say to Kyonggi University students?

I want every student to get close to foreign students. All of the ones I have met are ready to become close to Korean students. Saying “hello” is the first step in becoming close to them. If you do that, they and you will feel good. The last thing I want to say is that many students have an interest in Global-K. Because it has recently been organized, I think many people don’t know about Global-K. These days, the number of foreign students in Kyonggi University is rising, so I want many students to work with us.

Global-K members have been contributing to the growth of the number of the foreign students. Without the members’ work, would it have been possible to increase the number of foreign students in Kyonggi University? If you want to give a hand to the foreign students, it would be a good idea for you to be a member of Global-K.