Vocational universities unite to boost international student enrollments

Presidents of 57 vocational universities formed an association with a shared goal of attracting more international students.

Members of the Korean TVET University and College Association for Recruiting International Students pose for a photo at the Korea National Open University campus on Thursday. [DONG-EUI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY]

Presidents of 57 vocational universities formed an association with a shared goal of attracting more international students.

The association, named Korean TVET University and College Association for Recruiting International Students, was formed by the Korean Council for University College Education on Thursday.

A total of 57 presidents of vocational universities are part of the association.

The association will work on projects to bring more international students to vocational universities, host study-abroad fairs and help the admitted students reside in Korea after graduation.

Its members will also work with each other to create learning materials that teach Korean to international students.

Kim Young-do, president of Dong-eui Institute of Technology, was named the first chairman of the association.

"Regions outside of greater Seoul are in danger of being extinct, and it's the result of our decreasing population," said Kim. "The only way to solve the problem is to invite foreign nationals that will become part of our society."

"We plan to offer vocational training so the students can learn Korean, Korean culture and necessary skills, becoming people that are crucial to our industries."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]