(VOVWORLD) - A large number of Vietnamese students are studying or doing research in the Republic of Korea (RoK). Most of them have upheld the fine traditions of Vietnamese people and integrated well into the host country, thus enhancing the reputation of Vietnam.
 Dong-A University in Busan city (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Vietnamese students studying at Korean educational establishments now number 70,000, second only to China in the RoK.
Dong-A University in Busan has about 1,000 Vietnamese students who are pursuing language courses, as well as graduate and master’s degrees.
Do Kim Yen, a third-year student, said to be able to pursue tertiary education, it takes 2 years for language study and 4 years of university study.
“After graduation in Korea, I intend to return to Vietnam and apply to an event company,” Yen told VOV.
Khoa Nguyen who is studying at Silla University in Busan said, “After completing the 4-year tertiary education, international students can study for a master’s degree. I will complete my PhD program this year and plan to work here for about 2 to 3 years before returning home. I anticipate a bright prospect in Vietnam.”
To improve their Korean language skills, most Vietnamese students in Korea study and work simultaneously.
Nguyen Quang Truong, who is pursuing a Master's degree at Hansung University in Seoul, said, “Most of us try to study and have part-time jobs at the same time. The students learning the Korean language attend school from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., then go home to rest, and do part-time jobs in the evening.”
 Vietnamese students at Dong-A University take a group photo with Korean friends. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Many Vietnamese students receive full-funded scholarships if they have the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) certificate, level 5 for the first semester and have good academic averages from the second semester onwards.
A number of schools offer tuition fee reductions of between 40% and 70%, depending on each student's performance and course of study. Some Korean businesses have coordinated with schools to recruit the students upon their graduation. A number of Vietnamese graduates have stable jobs.
Truong Van Gia studying in Busan city told VOV that he is working for a startup company, specializing in medical device development.
“When I first came to Korea in 2016, the university's student association helped me a lot in finding a house to rent and services for foreigners. The Vietnamese Embassy has provided lots of help to overseas Vietnamese in Korea. The Vietnamese Association in Korea has its own fanpage,” Gia recalled.
 A lecture hall at Dong-A University (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Vietnamese students in Korea are known for building a community of solidarity and mutual support, according to Ho Tran Phuong Nghi, a language student at Dong-a University.
“The Vietnamese student association of Dong-a University is thriving. We often share useful information, activities, and study and employment experiences to help each other,” said Nghi.
Vietnamese students’ academic achievements, unity, and mutual support are one of the best ways to promote the Vietnamese nation and people to international friends and tighten friendship between Vietnam and Korea.