An anonymous exchange student A, who came to Korea last semester, recently experienced an embarrassing incident. Having trouble finding a dorm location, she contacted her buddy but received a slipshod reply, “I don’t live in a dorm.” Since then, she asked several “small questions” that Korean students would know, but her buddy consistently answered that she did not know. When student A tried to contact her buddy using her poor Korean, there was no response. When she asked for the location of the hospital, her KakaoTalk account had already been blocked.

The PNU Buddy Program, hosted by PNU International, is on the chopping block due to a lax activity certification process, but it was confirmed that there was no alternative. Even though some Korean students acting as buddies do not keep the designated activity time, there are no sanctions.

The Buddy Program is a system that connects Korean students and international students at PNU on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis. It was created to help foreign students adapt to life at Pusan National University (PNU). Students who complete all program activities can receive various benefits, such as issuance of activity confirmation, ten points for non-subject mileage, and three additional points when applying for exchange programs.

The problem occurred as the activity certification conditions were relaxed due to the deepening of COVID-19. Even if you submit only one supporting photo after the activity, the activity is recognized, and some students abuse it. Under the existing conditions, the activity could be recognized only if four supporting photos were required.

Student A (Dept. of Korean Language & Literature, 22) said, "I only met my buddy once. At that time, I tried to plan the meetup, and only then did she reply, “Okay, please bring an extra jumper so we can take two selfies.” I didn’t know why she would want two selfies but I have been informed by other international students that this is to prove she met with me more than once.” Student B (Dept of. Global Studies, 22) also said, "Since I met my Buddy and took a picture, I have never met my buddy again. I thought this program was an online-based activity."

International students who have participated in the Buddy Program claim that PNU International has to come up with countermeasures. Contrary to the purpose of the Buddy Program, the participation of Korean students is insufficient, so they cannot get proper help. Malgorzata Pierzynka (Dept. of Global Studies, 23) said, “Some Korean students don't seem to want to work on the buddy program. We need the determined will of Korean students.” Student C (Dept. of Global Studies, 22) also urged that “PNU International should closely investigate whether students are on their mission.” Sasha Gordian Pique (Dept. of Korean Language Education, 22) claimed, "It could be a solution if they hold an event where Korean students and exchange students can meet each other.”

PNU International is aware of this, but they said it is difficult to prepare countermeasures. PNU International said, "There are no measures such as suspension of eligibility because I think that students can recognize and implement activity times they have to fill on their own. If a complaint is raised from international students, we have advised their buddies to work actively." She continued, adding, "In the case of this semester, there is no cost of activities due to lack of budget, so it is difficult to control the mandatory time.” In fact, PNU International paid activity expenses to the Buddy Program participants until last year, but since this year, it has not been paid due to budget issues.

Meanwhile, Korean students participating in the Bbuddy Pprogram must carry out nine activities, such as entry guidance, dormitory employment application, opening a domestic bankbook, application for a foreign registration card, correcting courses and cancellation of classes. Optional activities include individual or group-specific cultural experience activities and airport pick-up.

Reporter Kim Hyeon-Hee

Translated by Kim Hyeon-Hee