ASEAN-Korea Centre Hosts ‘Orientation for New ASEAN Students’ and ‘ASEAN Youth Career Mentorship Program’

ASEAN-Korea Centre Hosts 'Orientation for New ASEAN Students' and 'ASEAN Youth Career Mentorship Program'

- ASEAN students gain practical insights into life settlements and careers in Korea through engagement with their ASEAN peers -

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC, Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) co-organized the '2026 Orientation for New ASEAN Students' and the '2026 ASEAN Youth Career Mentorship Program' with the ASEAN Youth Network in Korea (AYNK), Pukyong National University, Dongseo University, and Busan University of Foreign Studies on September 12 at the Pukyong Convention Hall of Pukyong National University in Busan. Around 100 ASEAN students studying in Korea participated in the two programs, gaining practical information on student life, career planning, and employment in Korea while networking with other fellow participants.

Since 2017, the AKC has organized the Career Mentorship Program to support ASEAN students in exploring career opportunities and preparing for employment in Korea. This year, it also introduced a back-to-back orientation program for new ASEAN students. During the orientation, ASEAN undergraduate and graduate students shared their experiences of studying and university life in Korea. Participants received a pamphlet containing practical information and firsthand accounts of studying and living in Korea. Ms. Leah Victoria T. Carada, Philippine Consul General to Busan, also delivered a special lecture on its diplomatic role in promoting Philippines-Korea exchanges and supporting international students, and offered words of encouragement.

During the Career Mentorship Program, a professional consultant shared key considerations for work visa applications and job-search tips based on real-life cases through the "All About Work Visa" session. A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea also provided information on the recent changes to the visa pathway system. Five ASEAN professionals currently working in Korean companies shared their experiences of job preparation, workplace life, and career insights in Korea. Participants also had a chance to directly engage with the ASEAN panelists through small-group mentoring sessions. One participant said, "It was very helpful to meet senior ASEAN counter parts who had already experienced studying and working in Korea and to hear their firsthand and practical insights."

The program was the first joint event of the AKC with Pukyong National University, Dongseo University, and Busan University of Foreign Studies, following its signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 27, marking a meaningful step toward building a sustainable foundation for cooperation with universities in the region.

Annex 1. Program Poster

Photo 1.

▲ Participants of the '2026 Orientation for New ASEAN Students' and the '2026 ASEAN Youth Career Mentorship Program' pose for a group photo. September 12, Pukyong National University, Busan.

Photo 2.

▲ New ASEAN students hear from senior ASEAN students about their academic experiences and practical tips for adapting to life in Korea. September 12, Pukyong National University, Busan.

Photo 3.

▲ Ms. Leah Victoria T. Carada, Philippine Consul General to Busan, delivers a lecture on the diplomatic role Consulate General in promoting Philippines-Korea exchanges and supporting international students. September 12, Pukyong National University, Busan.

Photo 4.

▲ ASEAN students discuss career planning and job preparation with ASEAN professionals working at Korean companies during a mentoring session. September 12, Pukyong National University, Busan.