Undergraduate Admissions Briefing for Korean Language Trainees Draws Strong Interest with Over 300 Vietnamese Attendees

Since President CHOI’s Inauguration, International Student Enrollment Surges by 71.6% Over Four Years, Far Exceeding National Average Growth

“Language Training–Linked Undergraduate Recruitment Model” … Seamless Study Path from Korean Language Institute to Undergraduate Programs

Comprehensive Briefing Covers Majors, Curriculum, Application Procedures, and Senior Students’ Study Abroad Experiences

[March 23, 2026]

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a presentation at the Undergraduate Admissions Briefing for Korean language trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute of Yeungnam University.>

CHOI Oe-chool, President of YU, has stepped forward to actively lead efforts to attract international students. As universities across Korea pursue international student recruitment as a key strategy for sustainable development amid a sharp decline in the school-age population, it is particularly noteworthy that the university president is directly engaging in student recruitment activities.

 YU held an undergraduate admissions briefing session over two days, on the 19th and 20th, for Vietnamese Korean language trainees currently studying at its affiliated Korean Language and International Language Institute.More than 300 Vietnamese trainees attended the session, reflecting strong interest.  Notably, at the session held on the 20th, President CHOI personally participated and recommended enrollment at YU.

 This briefing was organized as part of YU’s “language training–linked international student recruitment” strategy, which connects the Korean language training stage directly to undergraduate study at Korean universities. YU focused on strengthening practical motivation for academic advancement, recognizing that trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute possess strong Korean language proficiency and a high level of understanding of the university, making them highly likely to continue into undergraduate programs.

 During the session, YU introduced its external achievements and educational competitiveness, as demonstrated through global university rankings, and provided detailed guidance on the strengths of its undergraduate programs, including international student–tailored curricula, major selection strategies, and academic support systems. In addition, the University offered customized admissions guidance tailored to individual student circumstances, along with information on key admission guidelines and application procedures.

 In particular, a Vietnamese international student currently enrolled at YU personally attended the session and shared their own experiences—including the process of preparing for admission to YU, their experience of studying abroad, their academic adaptation process, and information about campus life—providing an opportunity to address the questions of prospective applicants. This session provided prospective applicants with practical information they needed while strengthening their motivation to pursue undergraduate studies. With President CHOI personally presenting YU’s vision and international student support system, the level of engagement and response from the Vietnamese trainees in attendance was notably high. 

 Nguyen Trong Hao, a Vietnamese Korean language trainee who attended the session, stated, “My questions about undergraduate programs, major selection, application procedures, as well as school support and adjustment to student life have been largely resolved, which has increased my interest and expectations for undergraduate study.” He added, “Above all, seeing the President personally introduce the university gave me a strong sense that YU is genuinely committed to attracting international students, which increased my trust.”

 President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Korean language trainees studying at the Korean Language and International Language Institute have strong Korean proficiency, a solid understanding of the university, and a clear motivation to pursue further studies, making them highly likely to continue into undergraduate programs. This represents the most effective model for attracting global talent.” He emphasized, “YU does not view international student recruitment merely as student enrollment, but as a core strategy to expand the University’s educational competitiveness globally and to build a campus environment where international and domestic students grow together into global talents.” He continued, “In the global era, universities must change their perspective on international students.  For students entering university, regardless of nationality, nationality is simply a geographical background and cannot define the essence of education and growth.” He further noted, “Many international students discover their own growth when they graduate.Vietnamese students, in particular, not only demonstrate strong academic passion and capability but also possess admirable character. I am confident that studying at YU will enable them to grow into global talents.” He added, “YU possesses a well-established and accumulated capacity in education and research to share Korea’s development experience—from one of the world’s poorest countries to a developed nation. Sharing this experience with students from developing countries is an important pillar of global social contribution, and YU will actively engage in educational sharing for international students.” Finally, he stated, “This briefing is intended to move students from ‘interest’ to ‘action’ in their academic decisions. We will fully support global talents, including those from Vietnam, so they can grow at YU and become individuals who connect regions and the world. Do not hesitate—knock on the door of YU.” 

 Since President CHOI’s inauguration, the growth in international student enrollment at YU has been particularly remarkable. The number of international students increased from 1,277 in 2021 to 2,191 in 2025, representing a 71.6% increase over four years, far exceeding the national average growth rate during the same period.  Recently, YU established an International Student Support Division within its Office of International Affairs and created a subordinate International Student Career and Settlement Team to support students’ settlement and employment in Korea. With President CHOI directly overseeing recruitment initiatives—such as the undergraduate admissions briefing for Korean language trainees—the growth rate of international students at YU is expected to accelerate even further. 

 Meanwhile, YU plans to use this initiative as an opportunity to further strengthen its undergraduate-linked programs and counseling systems for trainees at the Korean Language and International Language Institute, while advancing country- and region-specific recruitment strategies to increase the rate of undergraduate enrollment among outstanding international students. As of March 2026, 664 Korean language trainees from 39 countries, including Vietnam and China, are studying at the institute. Vietnam, in particular, is one of Korea’s top three trading partners and a key economic partner. It is estimated that more than 9,000 Korean companies operate in Vietnam, accounting for over 30% of the country’s total exports. YU’s proactive efforts to attract international students are expected to contribute not only to economic exchange but also to the further expansion of educational exchange.