GIST Selected as Operating Institution for Immigrant Early Adaptation Program

Foreign exchange students of various nationalities are taking a commemorative photo on the GIST campus. Photo by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on the 31st that it has been selected as the final operating institution for the 'Immigrant Early Adaptation Program' organized by the Ministry of Justice. As a result, GIST plans to further strengthen its systematic support so that international students can quickly adapt to Korean society and settle in stably.

The 'Immigrant Early Adaptation Program' is a system operated by the Ministry of Justice to support the initial settlement of newly arrived foreigners by providing information on Korea's institutions, legal order, culture, and daily life. The program aims to offer practical assistance to foreigners by including essential information for daily life, such as how to use public services.

This selection is considered an example that demonstrates how research-oriented universities can serve as hubs to support the stable settlement and independence of global science and technology talents, within the context of the nation's integrated policy direction to expand policy support for foreigners and immigrants.

GIST has been operating various settlement support programs to help international students feel comfortable in unfamiliar environments and focus on their studies and research. Representative programs include: ▲ 'International Culture Night,' a multicultural communication event where Korean and international students mingle; ▲ 'GIST Companion Campaign,' a cultural experience and exchange program in collaboration with the local community; ▲ 'Global Internship Program,' which invites outstanding science and engineering students from abroad to participate in research for eight weeks; and ▲ 'Buddy Program,' which operates one-on-one mentoring between Korean students and international students.

In addition, GIST supports the early adaptation of international members through various programs that provide practical information, such as ▲ Korean language education ▲ life orientation ▲ guidance on administrative procedures. GIST aims to be a campus that provides a 'sustainable settlement foundation' where international members can settle and grow stably not only in terms of study abroad but also across education, research, and daily life.

President Lim Gi-cheol stated, "GIST has established various settlement support systems to alleviate the anxiety and inconvenience that international students may feel in a new environment," and added, "With this selection, we will further strengthen our role as a practical support hub for international students."

Currently, GIST has 169 international students, accounting for about 10% of the total student body, enrolled in undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, and 74 foreign researchers, including full-time faculty and postdoctoral researchers, are working together.