“Welcome to UNIST”: 73 New International and Exchange Students Embark on a New Journey
A two-day orientation was held, with current student mentors helping new students adapt to campus life. The event featured a variety of programs, including student performances, a special faculty lecture, and a World Heritage site tour.
Sep 03, 2025 | Sujin Bae
The UNIST campus has welcomed new and exchange students from all over the world for the new semester.
The International Affairs Team hosted a two-day “Fall 2025 Orientation for New International and Exchange Students” on August 28 and 29. The event was attended by 73 new international and exchange students, with eight current international students serving as mentors to help the freshmen smoothly adjust to university life.
An international student dance club welcomes new and exchange students with a performance. | Photo: International Affairs Team
This orientation was composed of practical programs designed to help international students settle in successfully. It included guidance on residency, academic affairs, and daily life, as well as a special lecture by an international professor, a performance by the student dance club, and a tour of a World Heritage site. Senior international students also participated as mentors, directly sharing valuable information and experiences about life at UNIST.
The first day of the event kicked off with a celebratory performance by an international student dance club, creating a lively atmosphere. Following the performance, Professor Lu Zhang from the School of Business Administration gave a special lecture, sharing stories from his own experience studying abroad in the United States.
Professor Lu Zhang from the School of Business Administration delivers a special lecture on his experience studying abroad.
“To adapt successfully in a new environment, you need an open mind and a spirit of challenge,” advised Professor Zhang. “Efforts to understand Korean culture will further enrich the UNIST community.” She added, “Even learning simple Korean expressions will be a great help in your daily life.”
On the second day, a World Heritage tour took place. Students visited the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulju and Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, experiencing Korea’s history and traditional culture firsthand.
International students pose for a photo during their World Heritage tour at the Bangudae Petroglyphs.
“Seeing these historic sites in person helped me understand Korean culture more deeply,” said Les Zhulyze, a master’s student from Kazakhstan. “I was particularly impressed by the beauty of the Bangudae Petroglyphs and Tongdosa Temple, and interacting with other students was also very meaningful.”
The current international student mentors played a significant role in helping the new students settle in. The mentors provided essential information for campus activities and helped lower language and cultural barriers. By sharing their experiences as senior students, they helped the newcomers quickly become familiar with the campus.
“Congratulations on your new start as a UNISTAR,” said Park Young-bin, Head of External and Corporate Relations. “Our faculty and staff will do their best to ensure that our new international and exchange students can achieve academic success and enjoy a fulfilling university life.” He emphasized, “We will provide systematic and diverse programs to help you adapt smoothly to your studies and research and grow into global talents.”