The spring semester has just begun, and students are already looking for clubs to join. Although there are several clubs run in English, many of them still require Korean and due to language barriers, international students are not able to participate in them. Additionally, they face difficulty finding information on clubs they could apply to without speaking fluent Korean. As a result, many international students at Korea University (KU) find it challenging to get involved in school activities. However, there are some clubs without any language barriers that they can freely participate in, too.
A staggering 91.3 percent of KU students are local, so many of the clubs are understandably focused on Korean students and are offered in Korean. Unfortunately, this naturally limits the opportunity for non-Korean speakers to join clubs that trigger their interests. Also, their university life is restricted to activities offered in English, which are sparse, making it challenging to enjoy unique university club activities such as membership training (MT)s. Nevertheless, there are several clubs international students should keep an eye on, and the following are a few examples of such clubs.
The Granite Tower (GT) – Korea’s First Collegiate English Newspaper
Founded in 1954, GT stands as Korea’s oldest English collegiate newspaper. GT is fully student-led and aims to deliver hard-hitting, viral topics to its readers. To do this, reporters at GT conduct research and interviews about different topics and write articles that are published in monthly magazines. GT has strict deadlines in order to be on time for publication, so work may seem challenging. However, not only do the members earn scholarships, but they also enhance their writing skills and gain a grasp of how the printing process occurs.
Furthermore, GT reporters participate in a variety of activities, such as covering the Annual Ko-Yon Games from press seats, conducting interviews with distinguished alumni, and experiencing friendly get-togethers with fellow reporters. The current editor-in-chief, Y u n S u n w o o ( ’ 2 1 , B u s i n e s s Administration) explains that GT does not simply look for the “best” writers, but rather writers with potential and grit. She adds that anyone with a passion for writing and a knack for creativity is welcome to join, and those who are interested in joining GT can check the GT Instagram page during the recruitment period (@thegranitetower).
Release Your Thoughts at KUDC
Korea University Debate Club (KUDC) is an English debate club that is open to anyone who loves discussions and critical thinking. It is part of the Korea Intervarsity Debate Association (KIDA) which includes collegiate debate clubs across Korea. Members of KUDC participate in regional, national, and international debate tournaments to further polish their debate skills. Members gather in regular sessions every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 P.M. and conduct practice rounds of debates. On other occasions, upperclassmen with impressive debate records are invited to give lectures about strong and persuasive debate skills. Without a doubt, members of KUDC are given invaluable opportunities to enhance their skills to articulate their ideas in English.
Go Dabin (’21, International Studies), the leader of KUDC, says that the club consists of a wonderful atmosphere for those with a passion for the art of debate and welcomes anyone with dedication to enter the club. Students interested in KUDC can apply through a Google form found in Everytime, Koreapas, and their Instagram page (@ kudc_official) during recruitment period. Selected applicants are then called for an online interview and accepted interviewees will be contacted and added to the group chat. Anyone who has a passion for debate and seeks improvements should submit their application fast!
Make Friends From All Around the World in LECA
The leader of the Language Exchange Communication Association (LECA), Lim Dongkyun (’20, Cyber Defense), describes that LECA is a club where students get an opportunity for language exchange. Students gather weekly, where international and Korean students form groups to have dinner, picnics, or drink together. The club also goes on an MT every semester, where international students can fully enjoy a uniquely Korean experience with their fellow club mates. Through the activities, LECA forms an international environment for students to share different languages and cultures. Therefore, students who are openminded, motivated to share their unique cultures, and down to spend some quality time with one another are suitable for joining this club. Students who are interested in joining should submit a form which can be found in LECA’s Instagram bio @ku_leca.
Just KUZ – Publish a Zine
Just Korea University’s Zine, or Just KUZ, is an up-and-coming club for students who enjoy creative writing. The club focuses on publishing a “zine,” which is a short-form literary magazine including varying pieces, from literature to reviews to comics. Not only that, but Just KUZ also aims to promote student diversity and creativity with a global mindset; thus, international students would be a great addition to the club.
The editor-in-chief of Just KUZ, Naama Schoneveld (’20, Linguistics), welcomes anyone who wants a creative outlet and the urge to try new things weekly. Students interested in Just KUZ can apply through an application form, which can be found in their Instagram bio @justkuzzine. The initial application submission period is February 27 to March 15. This semester, Just KUZ is recruiting for various positions including design, writing, and editing the zine. However, regardless of position, all members attend the weekly meetings where the content is selected and edited before the issue is printed and distributed. On the publication day, all the pieces come together to create a complete zine under one theme. Further inquiries can be made through their official Instagram page.
Some international students find it difficult to take an active part in school life due to the limited clubs offered to them. Despite this, there still are great clubs in KU offered in English where students not only can enrich their university experiences but make valuable friends that last forever. Also, with the current trend, it is expected that there will be a wider range of clubs that international students could choose from in a few years. Therefore, students should not hesitate to enjoy their youth and create great connections through interesting, fun club activities at KU.