KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

Debates surrounding artificial intelligence are intensifying, and universities are no exception. Recent controversies over AI-assisted academic misconduct have sparked public concern. Media reports have highlighted students recording professors’ voices for later AI use while paying little attention during lectures. Some universities have begun experimenting with real-time translation AI in classes for international students. At the same time, there is ongoing disagreement over how AI should be used in research, and many institutions still lack clear guidelines for AI-related practices. The changes students undergo through higher education, and the complex interplay of factors shaping those changes, can be broadly understood through the concept of college impact. A substantial body of research demonstrates that higher levels of student engagement and a stronger sense of belonging are consistently associated with more positive educational outcomes. As AI becomes embedded in everyday life...

The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), a leading organization specializing in international education, officially opened its Seoul Center in Gwanghwamun this August, marking a new turning point in Korea. Founded in 1950, IES is the world’s most reputable study abroad organization with 75 years of history, and more than 10,000 students participate in its programs each year. The newly established IES Seoul Center has chosen Gwanghwamun as a strategic base. Director Kyuseok Kim explained,  “Gwanghwamun is surrounded by cultural and historical resources, such as the Seoul Museum of History and the Seoul Museum of Art, and it is close to Jeong-dong and Seochon. It is the optimal location for international students to experience Korean society in diverse ways, and this fits well with IES’s educational philosophy. IES is a learning platform that emphasizes supporting student growth and development by providing quality educational experiences, and ultimately nurtu...

A few weeks ago, I turned a corner off Whitehall and there he was, Robert Clive in bronze, surveying his dominion. The sight was a stark reminder of how empire lingers in subtler forms. Education has long been a medium of power, and my time in London sharpened an old question: if guns and tariffs once carried British influence, do degrees, curricula, and branch campuses now serve the same purpose in gentler guise?  Knowledge has never traveled neutrally. Empire conferred prestige on what was taught in its centers and relegated indigenous traditions to the margins. The legacy endures: English dominates academic publishing, global rankings reflect Western metrics, and UK degrees remain universal benchmarks. To many, the statue of “Founder of British India” is more than a relic. Expansion of UK Higher Education Abroad Transnational education has expanded rapidly, with British universities offering degrees through branch campuses, joint programs, and franchises across Asia and the Midd...

The 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule invites reflection on the many ways the nation has rebuilt itself. Among the institutions that symbolize this rebirth, Inha University occupies a unique place. Founded in 1954 with the support of Korean immigrants in Hawaii, Inha represents one of the earliest acts of transnational solidarity in modern Korean history. The name itself, " In cheon + Ha waii", embodies this legacy. For the diaspora who had left their homeland in the early 20th century to work on Hawaiian plantations, establishing a university in war-ravaged Korea was an act of patriotism and gratitude. Yet today, despite this extraordinary history, Inha University is often undervalued in South Korea’s higher education landscape. It is not because of a lack of contribution. Inha has trained generations of engineers, scientists, and business leaders who advanced Korea’s modernization. The problem lies in a society where entrenched hierarchies o...

Faced with declining domestic enrollments, political tensions, and financial pressures, U.S. universities are increasingly reconsidering international branch campuses (IBCs) as strategic diversifications and safeguards against uncertainty at home. Examples like Georgetown University in Qatar and Illinois Institute of Technology in Mumbai highlight renewed interest in global expansion. However, South Korea’s Incheon Global Campus (IGC) exemplifies the complexity behind these ambitions. Initially expected to attract large student numbers from Asia, IGC has significantly underperformed enrollment expectations, especially among international students. Its struggles underscore that geographic proximity alone does not ensure student demand, challenging assumptions of automatic enrollment and highlighting the importance of understanding local markets deeply. The IGC experience demonstrates that English-medium instruction (EMI), although seemingly advantageous, can paradoxically restrict rathe...

During South Korea’s 2025 presidential election, a provocative question surfaced in public discourse: “Why not vote for the guy from Harvard?” This rhetorical pitch, delivered by a close ally of Lee Jun-seok, a leading opposition candidate, was intended to reinforce Lee’s legitimacy as a modern, tech-savvy leader ready for the AI-driven future and educated within what is widely regarded as the most prestigious higher education institution in the world. The framing appeared to resonate with a public that continues to place high value on elite academic credentials. At the same time, some observers questioned whether such messaging risked appearing overly elitist or detached from broader social concerns. This moment captured a deeper and more persistent undercurrent in Korean society: the enduring power of academic pedigree or what Koreans typically refer to as “ hakbeol .” In this context, Harvard functioned not merely as an alma mater but as a symbol of excellence, global access, and pr...

The global rise of "K" branding is undeniable. Sparked by the Korean Wave, terms like K-pop and K-dramas became household names. Later, K-quarantine emerged during the pandemic, and in more recent political turbulence, even "K-democracy" entered the lexicon. Together, they reflect the undeniable strength of Korea’s soft power. And while many countries begin with the letter “K,” it is perhaps only when paired with the assets of South Korea that the initial feels natural, even self-assured. Education has recently entered this expanding K-brand universe. The notion of “K-Ed” is already widely recognized, both for its merits and its flaws. On one hand, it reflects the national ethos that “our only real resource is human capital,” and indeed, South Korea’s meteoric rise owes much to its education system. International benchmarks such as PISA have consistently validated Korea’s academic excellence. Yet there is a darker side to this success story. The relentless pursuit...

In Seoul’s affluent Gangnam district, it’s not unusual to see parents lining up on a Saturday morning with children barely out of preschool. The reason isn’t a playdate or a pediatric checkup. It’s an entrance exam for kindergarteners. Dubbed the “4-year-old exam” and “7-year-old exam” in local parlance, these tests have become the latest escalation in South Korea’s education frenzy. Parents are pushing kids as young as four into academic training and test prep programs, despite scant evidence of any lasting educational benefit. The phenomenon raises an uncomfortable question: Why are we compelling toddlers and young children into this extreme of early competition? Education experts and policymakers warn that this trend is a symptom of deep structural pressures, from the fierce race for elite university admission and a high-stakes exam culture to parental anxiety in status-conscious communities and failures of public policy. It is an arms race that is warping childhood and widening soc...

1. South Korea’s Evolving Role in Global Higher Education South Korea is increasingly positioning itself as a dynamic and competitive destination in the global higher education market. With international student enrollment surpassing 200,000 in 2024, the country is not only expanding its global reach but also actively leveraging its cultural soft power—namely K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean language education—as an integral part of its internationalization strategy. South Korean universities are attracting students through short-term language programs, full degree offerings, and scholarship schemes. However, this growth comes with considerable challenges. Cultural and linguistic barriers persist, and many academic programs remain inaccessible to students who do not speak Korean fluently. Moreover, limited post-study employment opportunities and insufficient support structures continue to affect the student experience. While Korea’s appeal is rising, ensuring that international students can...

Challenges in South Korea’s Higher Education Reforms South Korea's higher education system is undergoing significant reforms in response to demographic decline, regional disparities, and global competition. The government has introduced initiatives like the Glocal University 30 and the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) to restructure institutions, enhance global competitiveness, and address financial instability. However, these reforms have faced strong resistance from students, faculty, and local communities, particularly regarding university mergers. Cases like the proposed integration of Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime and Ocean University, as well as Chungbuk National University and Korea National University of Transportation, have sparked student opposition due to concerns over institutional identity and lack of transparency. Emotional and Cultural Resistance to Reform Beyond structural changes, reforms have triggered emotional and cultural tension...

The Impact of South Korea’s Political and Economic Crisis on the Won The declaration of martial law by South Korea’s now-arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, led to the won plummeting to its weakest level against the US dollar since the 2009 financial crisis. The won had been steadily depreciating, but the turmoil in December 2024 caused it to surpass 1,474 won per dollar, a 14% increase from the previous year. With South Korea facing political instability and economic challenges, forecasters predict that the won is unlikely to recover soon. This decline could have significant consequences for international higher education, particularly for South Korean students studying in the US, as tuition and living expenses become increasingly unaffordable. Rising Costs and Potential Shift in Study Abroad Destinations The sharp depreciation of the won has made US higher education significantly more expensive for Korean families. At the current exchange rate, annual tuition at a public university, p...

With South Korea’s Constitutional Court preparing to rule on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, university campuses have become battlegrounds for opposing political forces. While pro-impeachment sentiment has been dominant among students, recent weeks have seen a surge in pro-Yoon demonstrations, many of which have been orchestrated with the involvement of external conservative groups and far-right influencers. What began as a series of student-led discussions has evolved into a crisis, as politically motivated agitators force their way onto campuses, disrupting academic life and threatening student safety. Universities have long been centers of political engagement, but the escalating conflict, marked by intimidation, violence, and unauthorized intrusions, raises urgent concerns about the erosion of academic autonomy. Spreading Controversies Across Major Universities The wave of campus protests began in early February when students at Yonsei University held a pro-impeachment ...

In December 2024, South Korea faced significant political instability when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a decision that was quickly rescinded by the National Assembly amidst widespread opposition. This brief but impactful episode has had lasting repercussions, particularly on the country's higher education sector, which is vital to its international reputation and demographic strategy. The crisis disrupted South Korea's ambitious goal of attracting 300,000 international students by 2027, a cornerstone of its efforts to counteract population decline and workforce shortages. International students, previously drawn to South Korea for its safety and democratic stability, began to reconsider their plans, with some expediting their departures. The situation highlighted vulnerabilities in South Korea's efforts to position itself as a global education hub, undermining recent achievements, such as surpassing 200,000 international students in 2024. The political tur...

In August, controversy erupted over merchandise produced by a university. Items emblazoned with the English phrase, “I am a proud parent of a student at S University”, intended to foster alumni loyalty and raise funds, drew criticism for promoting vanity and “vulgar academic elitism.” The issue escalated to the point where a civic organization filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. In defense, some argued that such practices are commonplace at American universities. Indeed, during a recent visit to the gift shop of the prestigious N University in the Midwest, I observed a wide variety of merchandise catering to members, alumni, and even local residents who proudly identify with the university. On the same day, I saw many community members casually sporting N University merchandise at a college football game, showcasing their connection to the institution. The Premise That Universities Guarantee Life My own college years overlap with the late 1990s and ear...

South Korea's international higher education landscape in 2025 is set to be shaped by a combination of policy-driven strategies and evolving global trends. One prominent trend is the national push towards the “Study Korea 300K” project, which aims to attract 300,000 international students by 2027. It emphasizes structured support systems and strategic engagement with high-demand regions such as Southeast Asia and Central Asia. This initiative aligns with policies like the Digital TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) platform and enhanced scholarship programs under the Global Korea Scholarship.  Such measures aim to bolster Korea's appeal by addressing language barriers, providing digital resources for Korean language acquisition, and increasing opportunities for STEM-related academic pursuits. This focus on inclusivity and academic excellence is likely to position Korea as a more competitive destination for higher education in East Asia, attracting a broader range of students ...

The recent intense conflict between students and the administration at Dongduk Women’s University illustrates this complexity. According to media reports , the issue began when the university administration pushed forward plans to transition to a coeducational system without sufficient prior discussion with students. The situation escalated as students attempted to physically block the initiative, leading to additional disputes over property damage and financial compensation. The opposition, rooted in the argument that allowing male access to a university established to promote women’s education and rights was unacceptable, further intensified the conflict. This incident, like many others, invites a variety of perspectives. Understanding it accurately requires insights from sociology, gender studies, political science, and communication studies. However, I believe that perspectives from higher education administration and international education are equally indispensable. One of the ke...

US students are choosing South Korea. This marks a new milestone for the country, which over the past decade has been receiving spotlight as a popular study abroad destination for international students globally.  The data from the Institute of International Education (USA) and Korea’s Ministry of Justice corroborate the shift in mobility patterns. In 2002/03, a small margin of internationally mobile US students was found in Korea, 834 or about 0.4% (739 of 174,629). Since then, inbound numbers have grown eight-fold (to 5,909) in 2022/23, representing a dramatic increase in the shares of total US students found globally. The ratio of US students in Korea to global numbers stood at 2.1% for the 2022/23 academic year while pandemic levels were even higher with US students in Korea representing nearly 7 percent of the global US study abroad population (977 out of 14,549). Notably, Korea is exemplary for having not only the highest rate of growth in recent years, but also fast rebound ...