North Korean defectors have been studying at Korea University (KU) through the Ministry of Education’s Special Admissions for North Korean Defectors Program, which allows defectors to apply to all universities within this program so long as they fit the requirements of such universities. Moreover, as KU has been striving to include more exchanges with other universities, it has also created an exchange program for defectors. In one such case, the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Korea recently partnered with Yale University (Yale) and KU to grant defectors the opportunity to study at Yale as part of the KU-Yale Summer Program.

Along with the start of the new year, KU has been expanding its programs for students, especially on helping North Korean defectors, who are adapting to university life in South Korea and are looking to expand their cultural knowledge of the world. Thus, with the help of the U.S. Embassy in Korea, KU has partnered with the Ivy League school Yale University to create a program for defectors. As part of the program, both Yale and KU will cover traveling fees, accommodation expenses, and more importantly, tuition for students partaking in this program. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy in South Korea will cover the remaining expenses, which makes the program appealing since applicants do not have to worry about potential financial burden.

The four-week summer program is part of the U.S.-Korea Summer English Scholars, and its main purpose is to improve the quality of life of North Korean defectors. In fact, the program works through the cooperation between the two universities as KU hosts workshops and orientation lectures that provide a preview into life as a university student in the U.S. On the other hand, Yale teaches American issues - including social conflicts, politics, and culture - providing students opportunities to hone their fluency in English, and promoting cultural exchange activities.

Yale also allows the defectors to reside in their dormitories in order to experience the unique campus life with fellow Yale students. In fact, according to the Office of Admissions of Yale University, dormitories have been modernized to provide better accommodations for students on-campus, so anyone who lives there can have better school experiences. Therefore, candidates are more likely to be involved in the community by socializing with other students inside the dormitories.

As there is relatively little known about North Korea defectors, the program aims to improve the cultural knowledge of defectors while boosting diversity at both universities for the general public and students studying at them. It gives a clear idea of diversity that all students are integrated as part of the university’s social circles, and all nationalities are given equal opportunities through exchange programs and scholarship offers.

To gain a specific opinion about the program, The Granite Tower (GT) has interviewed Yessi Swarani, (21’, Division of International Studies), a student interested in both international and Korean cultures.

GT: How do you think this program affects North Korean defectors and Korean culture?

Swarani: This program offers North Korean defectors a chance to learn by experience, which I believe is the most effective way to learn something new. In order to adapt, one has to have a great understanding of their surroundings. Therefore, by giving them the opportunity to experience and witness a different culture, they can learn the importance of diversity and how people’s ways of living can vary depending on where they are. Moreover, this eliminates any fears of encountering an unfamiliar or foreign culture. The program also provides them a way to improve their English, adapt their skills, and gain new knowledge about how culture affects quality of life. When they return to South Korea, they will be able to analyze the culture they are in, how it has impacted society, and find new ways to improve. Critical thinking skills will help them not only to survive, but to grow and advance in whichever society they live in.

GT: What advantages could be had by expanding this kind of program to other universities in Korea?

Swarani: I do think that educational institutions should do more of these programs because it is a great example of helping North Korean defectors to adapt to any environment. Starting a life in a new environment is a scary and challenging process. It is really encouraging to receive support and guidance from educational institutions or the government throughout adaptation processes. The skills and knowledge students receive from such programs can give students the confidence and competitiveness they need for their education. Therefore, creating innovative and remarkable graduates with high employment rates and a greater chance of improving the quality of their lives.

GT: How does this program benefit Koreans as a whole on the international stage?

Swarani: People from different backgrounds will have a different approach to the same situation. A society comprised entirely of people who share the same point of view may struggle to find ways to improve. However, a diverse society can have multiple approaches to the same situation, which creates more solutions, new ideas, and innovations that can help improve the wellbeing and quality of lives for everyone. By offering a program for students to improve their knowledge and skills in the areas of diversity and culture, the world will gain fresh perspectives, innovations, and novel ideas. Furthermore, these students grew up in a society that has less exposure to other cultures. Their acceptance of a completely different and foreign culture can be an inspiration and lesson in appreciating differences and raising more awareness of the importance of diversity.