Gwangju University Launches 'Glocal Mentoring' for New International Students

Gwangju University conducted the Glocal Mentoring Program for the first semester of the 2025 academic year to help new international students adapt to campus life. Photo by Gwangju University

Gwangju University announced on July 8 that it conducted the Glocal Mentoring Program for the first semester of the 2025 academic year to help new international students adapt to campus life.

Korean students and international students who have achieved level 3 or higher on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) participated as mentors in this program. Over the course of about one month from May to June, the mentors assisted new international students with various aspects of campus life, including the overall school experience, class operations, academic systems, and campus facilities. Through these efforts, they supported the students' stable settlement and adaptation to university life in a foreign country.

Based on mentoring activity reports, the Office of International Affairs held an awards ceremony for outstanding mentors on July 3 at Hosimgwan on campus, recognizing their dedication throughout the semester. Shin Jia, a student from the Department of Nursing, was selected as the top mentor for her active engagement, including maintaining contact with her international mentee even after the mentoring period ended. Boubiet An from the Department of Hotel, Food Service, and Baking, and Le Dang Tuong from the Department of Trade and Distribution also received awards for outstanding mentorship.

Lee Kipyio, Director of the Office of International Affairs, stated, "The mentoring program is a meaningful activity that goes beyond simply providing information, as it is based on cultural exchange and mutual understanding." He added, "We will continue to expand a variety of programs to support international students in the future."