So Young Kim

Vice President
International Office

This era wires the globe into a close knit community, intertwined with diverse cultures and knowledge. Boundaries that once seemed so definite, be it from national borders or vast bodies of the blue ocean, have long since been overcome by the world’s push towards a more interconnected community. In the 21st century, the term “international community” has evolved to secure a prominent place in our daily lives. Perhaps the most prolific and pioneering example of this would be the development of global societies that can be found within universities and other tertiary institutions, bringing students with a wide range of talents and diverse cultural backgrounds together as a single, united body.

KAIST has not only functioned as a gateway to science and technology, but also to a globalized community. To celebrate diversity, we must learn to appreciate our differences in order to become global leaders of today's world and set our differences aside, to interact with each other in creating a unique blend of cultures. KAIST will continue to make improvements by creating and implementing programs and activities in order to further globalize KAIST, as well as encourage collaboration among international and domestic students and institutions alike.

As a leading global research university, KAIST now has about 1,000 students from almost 80 different countries and this diversity requires us to promote global understanding and cultural awareness. In order to compensate for this rapid change, the International Office will work to create an environment where different cultures can thrive in both a social and academic setting.

KAIST, as a world class institution in the education and research of science and technology, also possesses strong leadership in such trends, with a robust global community and intricate international relations. Comprising of a sizable body of students and scholars from all over the world, the international community of KAIST is a significant and important part of KAIST in its whole.

To accommodate such a large company of international members, KAIST has established a strong structure of services and systems aimed to support each and every international member. It is the highlight of the devotion KAIST puts into welcoming and supporting its members from overseas, opening way to success and achievements.

Through the work of the International Scholar and Student Services, the International Office will continue to sustain and improve the services it provides for the KAIST international community, listening to the voices of its members, aiding students and scholars in adjusting to a life in a foreign country, and overcoming hardships of all forms and sizes that may come along in the journey forward together. We are always appreciative of the support we receive from everyone, and promise to serve with dedication.

The International Office will continue to sustain and improve the services it provides for the KAIST international community, listening to the voices of its members, aiding students and scholars in adjusting to a life in a foreign country, and overcoming hardships of all forms and sizes that may come along in the journey forward together.

Also, to serve as a place of cultural understanding and global friendship by offering programs and activities for everyone, this office will put forth its utmost efforts to create a culturally interactive and tolerant environment by generating fruitful and diverse programs for the KAIST community through the works of the International Relations Team.

In the process, we are always appreciative of the support we receive from everyone, and promise to serve with dedication.