South Korean Students in the USA: Is it the Right Choice?

According to Open Doors data from 2021/2022 there were 40,755 South Korean students studying in the United States. Since the U.S. boasts top-rated universities in traditional degrees like business and management and growing areas of study like STEM, those numbers aren't surprising. 

What are the top areas of study?

The most popular fields of study for South Korean students studying in the U.S. include:

1. Engineering: South Korean students have a strong interest in engineering, including fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering. (16%)
2. Mathematics: Mathematics is another sought after field of study, including areas such as pure mathematics and applied mathematics. (13%)
3. Information Technology: Information technology and computer science are also in demand fields of study. (13%)
4. Business and Management: Interest in business and management degrees remain strong; including finance, marketing, and accounting. (12%)
5. Fine Arts: Subjects such as photography, painting, sculpture, and graphic design are attractive options for many students. (10%)
6. Natural Sciences: Natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, are also popular though not as much as others. (8%)

That these are general trends, and the specific areas of study for South Korean students may vary depending on the individual student's academic background and interests. Additionally, the popularity of certain fields may change over time as educational and economic conditions in South Korea and the United States evolve.

What are the top schools?

Universities pride themselves on having a diverse student population and happily welcome international students from around the world. The top schools for South Korean students in the United States can vary depending on individual preferences and needs. However, some of the most popular universities among South Korean students include:

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. Harvard University
5. University of California, Berkeley
6. Princeton University

These universities are highly selective and competitive, and admission is determined by a variety of factors including academic achievement, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.

Popularity of specific universities can fluctuate over time and may depend on a variety of factors such as academic programs, research opportunities, cost of attendance, location, and available resources and support for international students. You’re sure to find a program and university that’s best suited to your individual goals. 

Are there specific scholarships available?

Yes, there are scholarships available for South Korean students who wish to study in the United States. Some of these scholarships are sponsored by the South Korean government, while others are offered by universities, non-profit organizations, and private foundations.

Here are some examples of scholarships available for South Korean students:

1. Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF): The KASF provides scholarships to Korean American and Korean international students who are pursuing higher education in the United States.
2. Korea Foundation: The Korea Foundation run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Korea offers scholarships to students who are pursuing advanced degrees in various fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
3. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): The GKS is a government-sponsored scholarship that provides funding for South Korean students to study abroad, including in the United States.
4. University Scholarships: Many universities in the United States offer scholarships for international students, including South Korean students. These scholarships may be based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both.
5. Private Scholarships: There are also private scholarships available for South Korean students studying in the United States. These scholarships may be sponsored by corporations, foundations, or individual donors and may be awarded based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership, community service, and special talents or abilities.

The availability and eligibility criteria for these scholarships may change over time and vary depending on the specific scholarship. Students should research and apply for scholarships that best match their individual circumstances and goals.

What student resources are available?

International students from South Korea studying in the United States have access to a variety of resources and support services. Some of these resources include:

1. University International Admissions Offices: Most universities have dedicated offices that provide support and resources for interested international students. These offices can help with admission and English language requirements, immigration paperwork, housing options, and other practical matters.
2. Student Organizations on Campus: Many universities have student organizations for international students, including those from South Korea. These organizations can be a great way to meet other students from the same country and get involved in cultural events and activities.
3. Cultural Centers on Campus: Some universities have cultural centers that provide resources and programming for students from specific countries or regions. These centers may offer language classes, events and workshops, and other resources specific to South Korean students.
4. Government Resources: The South Korean government provides resources and support to its citizens studying abroad, including in the United States. South Korean students can contact the Korean Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. for assistance with immigration, legal, and other issues.
5. EducationUSA: The U.S. Department of State offers various advising services to South Korean students interested in studying in the United States. Find your advising office here. 
6. Online Communities: There are many online communities, such as Facebook groups and forums, that are specifically for South Korean students studying in the United States. These can be a great way to connect with other students and get advice and support.

Specific resources available to South Korean students in the United States may vary depending on the individual university and location.

What are the demographics of South Korean students studying in the United States?

1. Gender: South Korean students in the United States are generally evenly split between male and female.
2. Age: The largest group of South Korean students in the United States are between 18 and 24 years old, although there are also older students pursuing advanced degrees or continuing education.
3. Degree Level: Most South Korean students in the United States are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, although there are also some students pursuing doctoral degrees.
4. English Proficiency: The majority of South Korean students in the United States are highly proficient in English, although the level of proficiency can vary depending on the individual student and the type of academic program they are pursuing.

These demographic characteristics are general trends, and the specific demographics of South Korean students in the United States may vary depending on the individual student and the university they are attending. Additionally, the demographics of South Korean students in the United States may change over time as educational and economic conditions in South Korea and the United States evolve.

Are there online communities available?

Yes, these online communities provide a platform for students to connect with each other, exchange information and advice, and build a sense of community while they are studying abroad.

Here are some examples of online communities for South Korean students in the United States:

1. Naver Cafe: Naver Cafe is a popular online platform in South Korea that connects students with similar interests and backgrounds. There are specific Naver Cafe groups for South Korean students studying in the United States, where they can connect with each other and share information and experiences.
2. Facebook Groups: There are also Facebook groups specifically for South Korean students in the United States. These groups provide a platform for students to connect with each other, ask for advice, and share information and experiences.
3. Korean Student Associations: Many universities in the United States have Korean student associations, which provide a community for South Korean students on campus. Some of these organizations also have online forums or platforms where students can connect with each other.
4. International Student Organizations: Some universities also have international student organizations, which provide a community for international students on campus, including South Korean students. These organizations may have online forums or platforms where students can connect with each other.

The availability and accessibility of these online communities may vary depending on the specific community and the individual student's needs and preferences. South Korean students in the United States should research and explore the online communities that best match their individual circumstances and goals.

In 2022 ECE wrote 850 credential evaluation reports for students from South Korea. We have the experience to help you achieve the next step in your life. We’d be honored to write an evaluation report for you, too! 

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