The CBNU Office of International Services(OIS) has conducted the buddy program every semester to help foreign exchange students to adapt to our university and understand Korean culture. However, as the program proceeded, students have exposed some problems of the current program.
  The OIS has selected Korean students who can meet their foreign buddies at least once a week and help them responsibly during the program. When selecting students, the OIS puts emphasis on applicants’ English grades to help lower the language barriers between buddies. Korean buddies, who are selected after several steps, help their foreign buddies’ individual activities, such as issuing their student IDs, and have to perform given tasks such as introducing school facilities. They’re done with the program when they submit a volunteer work journal and an activity report.
  However, some Korean students who are participating in the buddy program are complaining about the program. Kim Dae-hun(’13, Dept. of International Business) said, “The possible number of meetings with their buddies could be different depending on the students’ schedules. In my case, we were too busy going to classes to meet often, so it was difficult to form intimacy with each other.” He suggested, “To make the buddies’ relationship closer, I think the OIS should make events such as a camp. Moreover, I hope the OIS provides more financial support for more diverse and interesting activities with buddies.”
  The buddy program’s foreign participants also have suggestions for the program. Li Yixiao(’16, Division of Autonomous Majors) commented, “I think students with common interests should be assigned as buddies, rather than buddies with no similarities, even if they are in the same college.” Long Dongyong(’16, Dept. of Public Administration) said, “Although we met each other during the program, I want a buddy who can be my real friend. However, Korean buddies are busy going to classes and doing part-time jobs, so they don’t have enough time to talk with us, and most foreign buddies feel sorry for disturbing them.”
  About these students’ opinions, the director of the buddy program in the OIS, Woo Jeong-youn, said, “We are trying to support students as much as possible to help buddies to work actively within limited budgets. We will do our best to assign appropriate buddies when checking the applications thoroughly. We are going to match buddies by considering hobbies, interests, and religions next semester.” However, she added, “There is a limitation to satisfy individual demands. However, it is volunteer work, and that is why we have announced in advance that only students who have a sense of responsibility should apply.”
  Although the buddy program needs more improvements, it is clear that it’s receiving positive evaluations. Kim Hyeon-sun(’14, Dept. of Russian Language and Literature) said, “Because the OIS considered the majors of students, my buddy had the same major with me, and it was really helpful for me to broaden my perspective.” Li Yixiao(’16, Division of Autonomous Majors) said, “As a foreign exchange student, the buddy program is a good program. Thanks to the program, I could easily adapt to the campus and surroundings, understand Korean culture, and improve my level of Korean language.”
  The OIS said, “It is a good phenomenon that students express their opinions on the buddy program because it means that they have an interest in the program. It is hard to change many things at once, but we will gradually improve by reflecting on the foreign and Korean buddies’ opinions. Please keep on paying attention, and try to participate in the program.”

By Hong Ye-ha
yh37@cbnu.ac.kr