전주대학교

Jeonju University Hosts Warm Meeting Ceremony between International Students and Local Families

-Building Friendly Relations Between International Students and Local Families Through Host Families-

Jeonju University (President Park Jin-bae) held a 'Host Family Matching Ceremony' on the 18th (Saturday) at the Star Tower Lounge in collaboration with The Onnuri Church (Pastor Kim Jong-hong), connecting international students with Korean families.

During this ceremony, 10 families from The Onnuri Church met with the international students, fostering warm relationships. The initiative aims to help students adapt to life in Korea and support their studies through regular meetings, introductions to Korean family culture, homestays, and cultural exchanges.

The International Exchange Center operates differentiated programs in connection with the local community to ensure that international students and their parents can feel secure about studying in Korea.

Truong Thi Nhu Quynh, a Vietnamese exchange student, shared her feelings at the ceremony: "When I first heard about the host family program through the university's introduction, I felt a bit awkward and burdened, but now I am happy as if I have gained Korean parents. I will strive for a successful study life together with my host family."

Shim Young-guk, the Director of the International Affairs Office, expressed his gratitude for the warm hearts of the community volunteers, stating, "During the study abroad period, students miss their parents and families even more. Encouraging them with love and comfort as if they were their own children is more valuable and precious than any education." He also thanked the local community for their support, which he believes will allow the university's international students to lead stable and joyful lives. 

Since 2017, Jeonju University has partnered with the local community to match over 200 families as host families. The program, which was suspended due to COVID-19, will be expanded and continued, with new ideas and methods to strengthen cooperation with the local community.