전주대학교

Jeonju University, JJ-Friends Host Family Program for International Students

- 1:1 Pairing of Professors, Staff, and International Students to Support University Life -

Jeonju University (President: Jinbae Park), through its Office of International Affairs, announced on the 14th that it held the JJ-Friends Host Family matching ceremony to help international students settle into life in Korea.

Jeonju University has been assisting international students in adapting to their studies and settling into local life through various methods during their time studying in Korea. As part of this initiative, the university has been running the JJ-Friends Host Family Program since 2017, where professors and staff members are paired 1:1 with international students to help them improve their Korean language skills and adjust to university life.

In this matching ceremony, seven teams of mentor professors/staff and mentee international students were paired 1:1. Throughout the second semester of the 2024 academic year, these teams plan to meet regularly, engaging in Korean language conversations, cultural experiences, home visits, and other activities to provide comprehensive support.

The significance of this program lies in the fact that professors and staff directly serve as mentors, offering practical assistance and support to international students who may face various challenges in their early stages of studying abroad, providing a strong foundation for them.

Sim Young-guk, Director of the Office of International Affairs (Professor of Hotel Management) at Jeonju University, said, "We support your courage in stepping out of your familiar environment and taking on the challenge of a new one. I hope this program will help you overcome any difficulties or mistakes you may encounter in the early stages of your university life. It would be wonderful if these valuable connections could continue until you graduate."

Chinese student Xuhao Shi (Business Administration) expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful to have found a mentor on the Jeonju University campus. Due to language barriers and cultural differences, it has been difficult to approach and interact with Koreans, but through this program, I was able to meet people who can help me when I face difficulties. I will work to better adapt to life in Korea by meeting with professors and staff."

Additionally, the Office of International Affairs at Jeonju University plans to further expand the program, allowing not only university members but also community members to pair 1:1 with international students to support their university life.