The arrival of new students at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is always an exciting time, and this spring is no different. Freshmen from across Korea recently arrived on campus, eager to begin their academic journey.
Before classes officially start, they participate in an immersive orientation week filled with activities designed to help them adapt, connect, and feel at home.
The journey begins with a two-day orientation, where students receive an introduction to various aspects of life at GIST. They learn about campus facilities, academic expectations, student resources, extracurricular opportunities, and support services.
More importantly, it is a time for them to bond with their fellow freshmen and form friendships that will last throughout their university years.
“A big change is always scary, but the orientation helped me ease into the university atmosphere,” said Kim Jihyun, (25, planning to major in physics). “It really made me feel like I was part of a community.”
Following the orientation, students participate in an English Camp designed to improve their communication skills in an international setting. Although international students do not officially take part in this program, many Korean freshmen wish they could, as it would provide a valuable opportunity to connect with their international peers while practicing English together.
“I wish international students could join English Camp,” shared Lee Minho (25, Challenge and Exploration Program). “It would be a great way for us to get to know each other and create a more global campus atmosphere.”
International students, who arrived the previous fall semester, also hope for more opportunities to interact. Currently, there are no formal plans to include international students in the program, but many students believe that expanding participation could foster a stronger sense of inclusivity.
“We arrived months earlier, and it was a bit hard to meet Korean students at first,” said an international freshman from Kazakhstan. “Now that the new freshmen are here, we’re excited to make new friends and become part of campus life together.”
After English Camp, students dive into the vibrant campus culture through Club Introduction Day. This event is a highlight of orientation week, as it is the only time during the year when clubs open their recruitment.
Beyond just signing up for extracurricular activities, this event plays a crucial role in shaping student life at GIST, helping students develop new skills, pursue hobbies, and form lasting friendships.
Club leaders give presentations about their activities, explaining their missions and showcasing what new members can expect. From academic and research groups to music, sports, and cultural organizations, there is something for everyone.
“I was surprised that there’s a club for anime—and cooking too?” said Park Sunwoo (25, Challenge and Exploration Program). “I also noticed students from different years checking out clubs. I hope we can all participate together. I’m also excited to make friends with international students.”
For international students, who arrived earlier in the year, this is also a crucial opportunity to integrate into student life. Since clubs only recruit in spring, attending this event is their best chance to get involved in campus activities and meet new people.
“Joining clubs will help us feel more included and active on campus. I’m looking forward to joining GIST News and the Travel Club the most,” said an international freshman from Bangladesh. “It will be a great way to travel around Korea and make more connections so I can write meaningful articles.”
The week concludes with the highly anticipated trip. This overnight trip is a cherished tradition where students travel together, play games, and create unforgettable memories. It is designed to strengthen bonds among students in a relaxed, fun setting.
During the trip, students visit scenic locations, participate in team-building exercises, and enjoy traditional Korean meals. Some common destinations for these trips include nearby mountains, coastal retreats, or cultural heritage sites, offering students a break from campus life while experiencing Korea’s natural beauty.
“The trip was even more fun than I expected. I was exhausted by the end, but the atmosphere remained enthusiastic,” said Jeon Seungwoo, (25, hoping to study computer science). “It’s a great way to make lasting friendships.”
Lee Soomin (25, Challenge and Exploration Program) remarked, “I appreciated that no one was forced to play any games. It made me feel safe and at ease.”
International students share the same excitement. “We would love to be included in these trips,” said an international freshman from Kazakhstan. “It’s such a great way to understand Korean culture and make friends in a fun setting.”
As orientation week wraps up, the campus is filled with energy and new connections. With such a positive start, the new batch of GIST freshmen is ready to take on the academic challenges ahead—together.
“I am excited to attend classes with the friends I made,” said Lee Minho (25, Challenge and Exploration Program). “I can’t wait to start the semester. The schedule feels so much more refreshing than high school.”
As such, GIST is continuously making efforts to ensure that new students can adapt smoothly and experience various cultures.