The UNIST International Affairs Team successfully launched the ‘First Global Mentorship Talk Concert‘ at the Global Lounge of the Business Administration Building on April 4, 2025. This initiative was designed to offer international students practical advice and guidance to navigate the academic, social, and cultural challenges they encounter while studying in South Korea.
The event kicked off with an inspiring talk by Professor Anton Gartner from the Graduate School of Health Science and Technology. He shared valuable insights from his overseas research experiences and cultural stories, addressing the common academic hurdles, cultural nuances, and career-related issues faced by international students. The interactive format of the session fostered an engaging Q&A, allowing students to delve deeper into adapting to life at UNIST and exploring future career opportunities.
“Passion is essential,” Professor Gartner emphasized, encouraging students to embrace the challenge of learning Korean and to appreciate the unique opportunities provided by their education at UNIST. He further noted, “Serving as cultural ambassadors for your respective countries will become a significant asset for each of you.”
Professor Anton Gartner from the Graduate School of Health Science and Technology, answering questions during a Q&A with students.
Aibek Bekbergen, a master’s student from Kazakhstan majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, expressed “I found inspiration in Professor Gartner’s academic journey and life experiences, which has given me the confidence to believe I can make a meaningful impact in science.” He added,”[And,] this was incredibly beneficial for international students, and I hope more opportunities like this will arise in the future.”
Dean Young-Bin Park of the Office of Public Relations and International Affairs expressed the university’s commitment to supporting international students by saying, “We have prepared mentoring programs to assist our international students in positively responding to challenges they face in Korea.” He added, “We will implement various support measures to ensure they can focus on their education and research as proud global UNISTars.”
The UNIST International Affairs Team continues to offer a range of programs to assist international students in adapting to life in Korea. These include Korean language education, freshman field trips, and cultural experiences designed to enhance their integration and engagement within the university community.
