KS's Global Insights into Higher Education

Motivation to Apply for the Fulbright Program  In 2012, I embarked on a pivotal journey as a Fulbright scholar in the Korea International Education Administrator (IEA) Program. My decision to apply was rooted in a deep-seated desire to bridge the gap between South Korea’s higher education system and the global landscape. As a professional navigating the intricacies of international education, I recognized the need to expand my understanding of global best practices, forge meaningful partnerships, and cultivate innovative strategies that could elevate the institutions I served.  South Korea’s higher education sector, while robust in its academic rigor, faced challenges in adapting to the demands of globalization. I believed that participating in the Fulbright program would provide me with unparalleled exposure to diverse educational models and strategic frameworks employed by U.S. institutions. Fulbright’s mission of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across cultu...

In a recent podcast interview with Fabrizio , I shared insights into my professional journey in international education, reflecting on pivotal experiences, challenges, and the evolving trends shaping the field. For the entire recording, please visit HERE . "Kyuseok Kim, Center Director at IES Abroad Seoul, tells us how his interest in international education began when as a teaching assistant at an international summer school program in South Korea, where he worked closely with a broad range of international faculty and students, and experience that contributed to his decision to work in the international education sector, including eventually at Suny Korea, the first and the largest US campus in South Korea, operating within Incheon Global Campus education hub. KS shares his passion for facilitating transformative international education experiences for students, and how he has been able to put this passion into practice in his current work as the inaugural Director of IES Abroad...

 "Competence is inversely rewarded." This was what a staff member at T University told me in a casual conversation about two years ago. At first, it struck me as an exaggeration, perhaps even a contradiction. Surely it couldn’t be that bad, I thought. But as we continued our discussion, I began to see his point. What seemed like a cynical remark was, in fact, a reflection of the frustrations stemming from the structural and inherent limitations in the system. His comment also made me realize that the atmosphere was quite different from what I had experienced at S University, where staff capabilities, pride, and commitment as agents of university innovation were strongly emphasized. After transitioning from S University to N University (a U.S. campus located in Songdo International City), one question I frequently received from former colleagues was, "How far can you advance over there?" While becoming a university president seemed out of reach, they were curious abo...

Over the past two decades, South Korea has seen significant growth in its international student population, driven by factors like the Korean Wave and the expansion of English-medium instruction. This rise has transformed South Korea into a global education hub, shifting its role from a "sending" to a "receiving" country for international students. By 2023, international students represented 9% of the global international student population. A detailed analysis shows that Korean language studies and undergraduate programs attract the most students, while advanced degree enrollments are smaller. However, the surge in international students has introduced challenges, particularly concerning illegal residency. In 2023, 16% of international students were found to be residing illegally, with a stark contrast between non-degree (34%) and degree-seeking students (6%). Issues like universities struggling to manage students, and some engaging in illegal employment or activit...

In recent times, it has become increasingly difficult to find a term as frequently mentioned in South Korean universities as "international students." About a year ago, a plan was announced to attract 300,000 international students by 2027, but efforts to recruit students from abroad have intensified unprecedentedly for several years now. The objective of 'internationalization'—far from being a mere emulation of others or a lofty goal—has transformed into a fierce struggle for survival, a stark contrast to the situation before 2010. The Rapid Rise of Diversity in South Korea Around the turn of the millennium, the number of international students in South Korea began to significantly manifest, with the Ministry of Education reporting 180,000 and the Ministry of Justice over 230,000. It has been about three years since South Korea transitioned into a 'receiving country,' where the number of students coming from abroad surpasses those leaving for studies overseas...

My recent article discusses the impact of financial pressures and policy decisions on higher education in South Korea and Japan, focusing on the challenges posed by tuition fee regulations. In South Korea, universities have struggled financially due to a long-standing tuition fee freeze, which has been in place since 2009. This freeze has limited their ability to upgrade facilities, attract top faculty, and invest in research, leading some private universities to increase fees in 2023 out of necessity. In Japan, there is controversy over the University of Tokyo's proposal to raise tuition fees, which critics argue could exacerbate educational inequalities. Both countries face similar challenges with government control over university policies, demographic shifts, and competitive academic environments. These factors combine to create significant financial and operational difficulties for universities, affecting their global competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The article s...

Have you read the book “College Admission Systems: A Status System or an Educational System?” by former Minister of Education Nam-Soo Seo and Professor Sang-Hoon Bae of Sungkyunkwan University, published in 2022? This masterpiece is a must-read for anyone involved in or affected by South Korea’s college admission system. It delves into the history and evolution of the college admission system, theoretical and value-based issues, major components of the admission process, and policy design processes related to the curriculum.  It even includes intriguing anecdotes such as efforts to halt flights on the day of the national college entrance exam. Following the struggles and efforts of elite government officers to contribute to the improvement of South Korea’s education system, readers are deeply impressed by their practical knowledge, skills, political sense, agility, and academic depth and breadth. Misguided Reforms and the “Apology” About a third into the over 300-page book, a line ...