This topic was discussed at the “Development and Settlement of International Students in Seoul” seminar, organized by Hansung University in collaboration with the Institute for Multicultural and Migration Studies. The event was attended by professors, researchers, and representatives from foreign resident support centers, alongside hundreds of Vietnamese and international students.

Speakers at the seminar answer questions from international students. (Photo: VNA)

At the seminar, experts analyzed the challenges international students face when seeking employment in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and discussed solutions to enhance their competitiveness in the labor market.

Presenting a study titled “Post-Graduation Paths for Vietnamese Students in RoK,” Professor Han Thi Le Thu from Hansung University noted a growing desire among Vietnamese students to find jobs and build careers in the country. However, competition in the labor market remains intense.

She emphasized the need for students to proactively enhance their personal value, highlighting Korean language proficiency as a crucial factor. Strong Korean language skills facilitate better communication and relationship-building with Korean faculty and peers, while also improving access to internship programs and research projects.

Professor Han also advised students to actively leverage guidance, referrals, and networking opportunities provided by their professors to expand their post-graduation employment prospects.

Professor Yoo Eun Gil from the Graduate School of Real Estate at Hansung University stated that RoK's companies face a shortage of high-quality human resources as they invest overseas and expand into international markets. These companies seek personnel who understand local environments while also possessing the ability to adapt to and integrate into the country's corporate culture.

He noted that international students, particularly those from Viet Nam, are well-positioned to serve as a human resource bridge for RoK's companies operating abroad. The Graduate School of Real Estate plans to collaborate with professional associations and businesses in the construction and real estate sectors to develop training and internship programs that align with recruitment needs. Professor Yoo Eun Gil believes that students need to simultaneously improve their foreign language skills and strengthen their professional knowledge in areas such as construction, asset management, and project development to expand their employment opportunities at multinational corporations and enterprises.

Professor Yoo Eun Gil, Graduate School of Real Estate, Hansung University. (Photo: VNA)

During the discussion, many Vietnamese students expressed interest in job opportunities, the process of transitioning to a work visa, and ways to gain practical experience while studying in RoK. Nguyen Ngoc Kim Ngan, a graduate student in the Department of Real Estate at Hansung University, noted that many Korean employers prioritize candidates with prior work experience; she asked about suitable ways for international students to build professional experience while still pursuing their studies.

A representative from the Seoul Global Center suggested that students should not limit the concept of “experience” to formal employment at a company. Instead, students can participate in internship programs, student startup projects, multicultural support activities organized by the Seoul authority, or business networking programs hosted by their universities.

Speakers at the seminar emphasized that the ability of international students to integrate and find employment depends on coordination among local authorities, educational institutions, and businesses. At the same time, it requires students themselves to take the initiative in improving their language and professional skills and accumulating practical experience.

For Vietnamese students, early preparation in these areas is considered a crucial foundation for expanding career opportunities in RoK after graduation, while also enabling them to act as bridges connecting businesses and markets between the two countries.

Summer Event Featuring Vietnamese Culture Underways in Seoul Seoul Botanical Park is holding a summer event with the theme of Vietnamese culture called “Scent of green papaya” from August 18-20.

Vietnam Pho Festival To Enhance Promotion of Vietnamese Culinary Quintessence in The RoK During the 2 days of the Vietnam Pho Festival, foreign friends will also be able to experience the exhibition and folk games, thereby helping them gain deeper access to culture-history, origins, and materials for Pho, as well as the link between Pho and other professions.