To tackle these problems, the Korean government has set up a center to counsel the foreign nationals. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Tuesday that it has opened the center at the National Institute for International Education in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Overseas students welcome the ministry's move to take care of their troubles and difficulties.

"It is very meaningful for Korea to have an official channel where foreign students are able to vent their complaints," Sodnomtsog Sukhochir, president of the Mongolian Students Association, told The Korea Times.

The Mongolian student leader, attending Seoul National University (SNU), said the center could initiate a change for a foreigner-friendly academic environment in colleges and universities, noting even his school, one of Korea's best, is poor at dealing with affairs involving international students.

According to the ministry, about half of the total 400 colleges and universities have at least one official in charge of foreign student affairs. However, not many schools have a center or programs to help foreign nationals adapt to school life. The situation is worse in case of colleges out of the Seoul area.

Many foreign students pointed out that their schools have "no concept" about culture differences.

Li Zhong-hui, president of the Federation of Chinese Students, said he expects the education ministry to cooperate with other government agencies or corporations through the newly established center to set up a better environment for foreign students.

"I appreciate the ministry's willingness to take up our problems," he said.

Those who have difficulties in adapting to life here can visit or call the center, which runs from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. on weekdays.

The center has two counselors and provides students with information regarding admission systems and education courses at Korean universities along with scholarship programs.

Foreigners also can get help in finding accommodations and landing jobs here.

Currently, services are offered in three foreign languages, English, Chinese and Japanese, and the center is preparing other language services including Mongolian, Vietnamese, Russian and Arabic.

"Our center will do its best to serve foreign students and help them enjoy studying here," said Lee Kyeong-lim, deputy director of the ministry.

In addition, the ministry will open an online consulting section at its Web site (www.studyinkorea.go.kr).

It will also publish a book, "Student Guide to Korea," and distribute them to foreign students. For more inquires, call the center at 02-3668-1490-2.

Korea has seen a growing number of foreigners seeking to study here; now some 75,000 students from abroad are enrolled at higher education institutes in the country.

Source: The Korean Times