Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea Vu Ho said Korea needs to foster a more favorable academic environment for international students during his congratulatory speech for The Korea Times Global Conference at the Grand Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul on Wednesday.

Titled "Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities," the conference offered a platform to discuss challenges facing Korean universities.

Underscoring that Vietnam represents Korea's largest international student community with around 70,000 students, the ambassador highlighted difficulties experienced by Vietnamese students pursuing studies and careers here.

"Language barriers and cultural integration still limit academic performance and professional growth," he said.

"Financial pressures force many to work long hours, often at the expense of health and study. Career pathways after graduation are not always aligned with students' field of study, and a small number fall into irregular residency status, affecting both the future and reputation of the broader community."

Ho suggested possible solutions to help these students.

"We must act decisively at three levels: short term, middle term and long term," he said.

"At the short term, one or two years, provide orientation, legal counseling and specialized Korean language training from the start, and establish a rapid response support network involving embassies, student associations and universities."

For the medium term of three to five years, he suggested Korean universities and the government should expand scholarship programs while introducing transparent frameworks for internships and part-time work to ensure compliance and fairness.

"For those students who stay more than five years, we need to develop a human resource program aligning education with strategic industries. Establishing a Vietnam-Korea innovation and research fund can be another option to support entrepreneurship and promote mutual recognition of degrees and professional qualifications, empowering students to contribute to both nations and beyond," he added.

"Vietnamese students in Korea are not only the pride of their families and their nation, but also a strategic asset (for both countries). Let us work together -- government, universities, businesses and communities -- to empower this generation."

Vietnamese ambassador calls for more favorable academic environment for int'l students - The Korea Times