배재미디어센터

As a student at Pai-Chai University, you're likely familiar with various programs available on campus. One such program, the 'non-curricular program,' holds significance, yet surprisingly, only a small portion of students have engaged with it. However, what might astonish you is the abundance of extracurricular activities offered across numerous departments. Among these, one standout program is organized by the Office of International Affairs, yet regrettably, many students remain unaware of its existence. As a journalist who has participated in and benefited from these extracurricular initiatives, I aim to shed light on the offerings facilitated by the Office of International Affairs.

 

 

1. Global Notebook (Mentor/Mentee) Program

Having personally undergone this program, I can attest to its value. Essentially, it operates as a mentor/mentee initiative, aiding international students in acclimating to university life and fostering a seamless study abroad experience. Recruitment transpires each semester, with approximately three mentors selected for the 2024-1 term. Notably, only Korean students are eligible to apply. If chosen, mentors are required to submit activity reports, reviewed by program coordinators, and upon completion, receive a scholarship. Furthermore, participants earn additional points towards other extracurricular programs conducted by the Office of International Affairs. Given the dynamic nature of program benefits and eligibility, I encourage prospective applicants to consult the international notices on the university website regularly.

 

2. Challenge Global Backpacking Trip

This exclusive extracurricular venture, unique to Pai-Chai University, distinguishes itself as a hallmark offering. Serving as the sole institution to provide such an opportunity, Pai-Chai stands out. Despite a hiatus due to the pandemic, this highly competitive program has resumed this year. Aimed at deepening subject-related knowledge through creative and challenging study trips, it aims to cultivate global competence. Teams, comprising three to five members, embark on themed explorations, with eligibility criteria factoring in grades and international student status. Notably, participants benefit from school-sponsored backpacking, a rare opportunity that accounts for its popularity. While summer expeditions have concluded, potential winter iterations merit consideration, necessitating regular perusal of notices for updates.

 

3. Major Study Assistant

Resonating with the mentor/mentee model, this initiative serves a distinct purpose of enhancing international students' comprehension of major (liberal arts) coursework. Operating as a learning-oriented mentoring endeavor, it emphasizes major-specific guidance. Eligibility requirements and benefits mirror those of prior mentoring programs, subject to semester-based variations highlighted in international notices.

 

4. Cross-Country, Cross-World

Following global backpacking, these programs rank among the most sought-after extracurricular pursuits. Cross-Country entails domestic travel, fostering intercultural exchanges between Korean and international students, while Cross-World extends this camaraderie to destinations inhabited by international peers. Though temporarily halted due to the pandemic, Cross-Country has gradually resumed, promising enriching cultural encounters and global exposure. As normalcy returns, anticipations for future cross-country excursions soar, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring of international notices.

In conclusion, these extracurricular avenues have proven instrumental to numerous students, offering invaluable learning and growth opportunities. As pandemic-induced disruptions subside, I encourage fellow students to explore and engage with these programs, seizing the chance to learn and grow simultaneously.