What Explains Resilient Prestige of U.S. Higher Education in South Korea?

Over recent months, a strong sense of elation has permeated social media platforms among professionals in higher education, spurred by the United States' remarkable surge in the influx of international students. This wave of enthusiasm primarily stems from the insights revealed in the Open Doors report. This comprehensive study has highlighted that the U.S. has made significant strides in its educational outreach, educating over a million international students—a substantial increase of 11.5% from the 2021/22 academic year. This figure accounts for 5.6% of the total higher education enrollment in the U.S., marking a noteworthy achievement in international student integration. A prime illustration of this triumph was observed in a post by EducationUSA, which extended commendations to the U.S. higher education system for its unprecedented recovery in attracting international students, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape.

Simultaneously, South Korea's contribution to U.S. educational institutions has demonstrated both strength and resilience, despite facing shifts in the country's socio-economic landscape. The number of South Korean students in the U.S. rebounded to 43,847, marking a 7.6% increase from the previous year. This recovery follows a significant downturn during the pandemic, where the numbers plummeted below 40,000 in 2020/21, reflecting a 20.7% decrease. However, a modest recovery was observed in 2021/22, with a 3.2% increase to 40,755 students. Historically, South Korea has been a pivotal player in the realm of global student mobility within higher education. This trend commenced with a surge in the number of South Korean students pursuing education abroad, underscoring the nation's dedication to educational excellence and international engagement.

The patterns of outbound student mobility from South Korea have undergone shifts due to a confluence of factors, such as economic transformations, demographic changes, and the evolution of educational policies. Furthermore, the burgeoning presence of transnational education initiatives within South Korea, epitomized by developments like the Incheon Global Campus, signifies a paradigm shift in the international higher education landscape. Since the inception of data compilation by the Ministry of Education on South Korean students in overseas higher education institutions in 2008, the peak of this trend was witnessed in 2011, with approximately 262,000 students abroad. However, this figure witnessed a decline to 123,000 in 2023, a decrease of 43%. Correspondingly, the fluctuation rate for students in the five English-speaking countries during this period was approximately -42%.

In recent years, despite witnessing a diversification in destination preferences, the United States has steadfastly remained the primary choice for South Korean students pursuing overseas education. This trend persists even amidst a gradual decline in their numbers from the peak period. A key motivation driving this preference is the quest for high-quality English language education in Anglophone countries, a pursuit seen as essential for gaining a competitive edge in the global arena. Consequently, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which are prominent English-speaking host nations for international students, have also risen as preferred destinations for fulfilling this specific educational aspiration. However, it is important to note that the overall declining trend in the number of South Korean students studying abroad has had a disproportionate impact on these countries.

In 2008, these five countries collectively accounted for 54% of the total South Korean student population abroad. This proportion experienced a decline as other destinations, notably China, began to capture a more substantial share. Nevertheless, the geopolitical conflict in 2017-18, which eroded China's appeal to South Korean students, led to a resurgence in the popularity of the top five Anglophone nations, culminating in a 55% share. Within this context, it is particularly significant that the United States saw its share increase from 28% in 2008 and 25% in 2017 to 33% in 2023. Conversely, the combined share of the other four nations decreased from 25% in 2008 and 29% in 2011 to 22% in 2023.

From 2008 to 2023, the rate of change in the number of South Korean students in the United States was a decline of -35%. This decrease is notably less severe compared to other countries, with the exception of Canada, which experienced a slight increase of 6% (the UK -71%, Australia -45%, New Zealand -86%). When analyzing the 'highest' and 'lowest' points over the past 15 years, the total number of South Korean students studying abroad declined by -53%, and by -55% in the five English-speaking countries. However, the United States exhibited the most moderate decline among these countries at -47%. This trend becomes even more pronounced when comparing the years 2019 and 2023, which encompass the period before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States experienced a change rate of approximately -25% during this period, in contrast to Canada's -30%, the UK's -58%, Australia's -50%, and New Zealand's -79%, indicating significant disparities in the impact of the pandemic on student mobility to these destinations.

The enduring resilience of the U.S. higher education system, which appears less affected by overall global trends and environmental factors, is a testament to its unique position. This persistent preference for the U.S. cannot be solely attributed to the pursuit of high-quality English language learning in South Korea, as this does not fully explain the relative fluctuations observed in other English-speaking markets. This raises the question: What distinguishes U.S. higher education, making it more valuable than credentials from competing countries?

To comprehend this deeply ingrained phenomenon, one must consider historical perspectives. Post-liberation from Japanese colonial rule, South Korean society has been significantly influenced by the United States. Many South Korean elites received their education in the U.S. and subsequently assumed leadership roles in society and academia. Additionally, the cosmopolitan capital and global hegemony of U.S. higher education play a crucial role in shaping students' decision-making processes. The value of U.S. credentials and experiences are held in high esteem within the social and cultural context of South Korea. The outstanding prestige of top-ranked U.S. institutions often proves to be a decisive factor for South Korean students.

Despite data indicating a rapid recovery of South Korean student enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions, several challenges remain. Concerns over safety due to widespread drug use in major cities, soaring living costs, and potential policy changes regarding international students following the upcoming Presidential Election are among the primary apprehensions. Additionally, last year's Supreme Court decision on affirmative action drew considerable attention. The evolving landscape of higher education is constantly influencing the mobility patterns of South Korean students to Anglophone countries. The rise of institutions like Minerva University made in Silicon Valley, which has generated enormous viral in South Korea, is a notable example.

In conclusion, the evolving patterns of South Korean student mobility to Anglophone countries, particularly the United States, represent a complex phenomenon that extends beyond mere statistical analysis. The sustained preference for the U.S. highlights deep-rooted sociocultural influences and the high regard for American educational credentials in South Korea. This preference is not just based on the pursuit of English language proficiency but also intertwined with historical ties, societal aspirations, and the dominant position of U.S. higher education in the global arena.

As South Korea continues to adjust to the changing dynamics of global education, influenced by safety concerns, cost of living, and policy shifts, the decision-making process of students and families remains intricate and multifaceted. The U.S.'s resilience as a favored education destination, despite variable global trends, underscores its unique status in the educational sphere. However, the future trajectory of South Korean student mobility is likely to be shaped by both external global influences and internal educational reforms and societal trends within South Korea itself.

💫 This is the original manuscript of the article "Universities targeting Koreans will always struggle against the US" published on the Times Higher Education in February 2024.