The Hidden Struggles of Foreign Students: Hard Thruth of Chasing Dreams in Korea
Navigating Visas, Job Opportunities, and the Quest for Inclusion, frustrating foreign students and settlement in Korea
“There must be job opportunities out there for foreigners like me, but many of us don’t know how to get information about them. It would be nice if more Korean companies and universities could cooperate to host on-campus recruiting programs,”
For language enthusiasts and culture seekers, the allure of studying in Korea and building a career there is an enticing dream. However, behind the glossy facade lies a harsh reality that often shatters the aspirations of foreign students. Limited visas and a scarcity of job opportunities can leave these individuals feeling unwelcome and disheartened, forcing them to abandon their Korean dreams or resort to breaking visa regulations. In this gripping account, we delve into the hidden struggles faced by foreign students who dare to chase their dreams in Korea.
Part I: The Elusive Job Hunt
Meet Vlada Ten, a 26-year-old graduate student from Uzbekistan, whose fluency in Korean has failed to open doors to Korean companies. As Ten candidly shares, “This is my last semester, and despite applying to numerous Korean clothing companies, I haven’t received acceptance from any of them.” The primary obstacle she faces is the visa issue. Most foreign graduate students, including Ten, hold a D-2 visa, which restricts them from working full-time for the two-year duration of their stay. Consequently, their relentless efforts to master the Korean language and excel academically often go unrewarded due to visa limitations.
Part II: The Visa Maze
Under the current regulations, undergraduate or graduate students with a D-2 visa are permitted to work up to 30 hours per week. However, if they aspire to pursue a career in Korea after graduation, they must transition to a D-10 visa, also known as the job seeker visa. This visa allows holders to engage in job-seeking activities or short-term internships for a six-month period. The catch? Once foreign job seekers secure an offer from a Korean company in specific industry sectors, they must then undergo the arduous process of applying for an E-7 or another work visa. While the E-7 visa can grant up to five years of stay, shorter contracts are more prevalent.
Part III: Bridging the Gap
Beyond the visa labyrinth lies another significant challenge faced by foreign students — the gap between education and employment. Kumar Suraj, a 29-year-old Indian graduate student at Hanyang University, perfectly encapsulates this struggle. With years of diligent Korean language study under his belt, Suraj still finds himself uncertain about his career prospects in Korea. Expressing his frustrations, he states, “There must be job opportunities out there for foreigners like me, but many of us lack information on how to access them.” While foreign students can search for employment opportunities through portal sites, the majority of recruitment posts prioritize Korean candidates, further deepening the divide.
Conclusion: Embracing Diversity and Empowering Dreams
The stories of Vlada Ten and Kumar Suraj reflect the unspoken battles waged by countless foreign students in pursuit of their dreams in Korea. As they grapple with the intricacies of visas and limited job prospects, their unwavering dedication and passion for Korea’s language and culture deserve recognition and support. To foster an inclusive environment, Korea must establish better communication channels and encourage collaboration between companies and universities. On-campus recruiting programs and enhanced transparency can bridge the gap, allowing talented foreign students to thrive and contribute to the growth of this remarkable country.
It is time for Korea to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of foreign students who aspire to build their lives and careers within its borders. By nurturing diversity, embracing inclusion, and creating pathways for success, Korea can unlock its full potential as a global destination for aspiring scholars and professionals alike.
Thank you for reading,
Gaurav
Links and credits: https://www.koreaherald.com/
