Konkuk University was founded in 1946, and is now ranked among the top 30 universities in South Korea. Currently there are 32 Vietnamese research students here. All of them were granted scholarships and are active professors' assistants in laboratories (not teaching/laboratory assistants?).
Professor Kim Ki-Duk, Principal, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Konkuk University said: "The Vietnamese students in our school are very hardworking. Long-term students are of course good at studies. But exchange students who stay only for 6 months to 1 year also have very good command over English and adapt to the Korean environment very quickly".
To get positive feedback from the university's professors needs more than just individual effort. A Vietnamese students union was established at Konkuk University to assist fellow students with both their studies and stay.
Nguyen Thanh Tam, President, Vietnamese Student Union, Konkuk University said: Though the Vietnamese students here may come from different places, they all have the same need for community activities. Therefore, we established this union as a place to gather everyone and organise and enjoy these activities together.
Pham Quang Vinh, Student, Department of Aerospace Information Engineering, Konkuk University said: It is fortunate that I met many fellow Vietnamese students here in Konkuk University. I can feel the soul of Vietnam very clearly though I'm far away from home.
Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, Student, Department of Business Administration, Konkuk University said: When new students come, I often instruct them in how to use the facilities here because it differs greatly from how it is in Vietnam. I can also help them with registrations around here.
Konkuk University has signed agreements with 13 universities in Vietnam. So, in the near future, the Vietnamese student community at Konkuk University will certainly be larger and more developed./.
