In cooperation with the GKL Social Contribution Foundation, the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange held a launch ceremony of the second Outlookie class, an international/foreign student group aiming to learn more about Korean culture, at the Hi Seoul Youth Hostel located at Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, on April 23 (Saturday). The event offered a variety of programs for newly selected students to improve their team spirit. In particular, Alexander, a former member of the Korean idol group U-Kiss and currently a student of the School of Media and Communication of Korea University, gave a speech about his life in Korea and shared some of his knowledge with regard to studying in a foreign country, drawing lots of sympathy and positive feedback from the audience.

Outlookie is a cultural program aimed at promoting bilateral exchange between Korean and foreign students. The program, which kicked off last year, is designed to reduce the stress of foreign students while they are away from home and to help them adjust with their new life in Korea. Moreover, the program is also intended to encourage their pro-Korean sentiments as well as to getting them to deliver favorable images of Korea when they return home. In particular, the number of countries and students allowed to participate in this program sharply increased, extending its reach to more international students.

A student by name of Buthure Alexandra Elena (studying for a master’s degree at Ewha Womans University) from Romania said, “As I was selected by breaking tough competition, I was very excited about having the first meeting. I had a lot of fun meeting other members and enjoyed more than I expected. It was very meaningful as it exposed me to the diverse cultures of the students who came from various foreign counties.” Another student, Citipone Situmbarat (a senior at Seoul National University) from Laos said, “I’m very happy to get to know 100 new friends who have the same purpose of learning more about the Korean culture. I’ll try my best to make unforgettable memories with them for a year.”

The Outlookie class for this year is composed of 87 foreign students and 13 Korean university students, forming 10 groups with 10 members. Beginning with a launch ceremony in April, a variety of experience and exchange programs shall take place. The schedules for the various activities of the second Outlookie class, including Multi-cultural Camp in May, Taekwondo Trip in June, Domestic Hallyu Tour in July, K-Fashion in September, Global Friendship Festival in October, and so on, will follow. The activities will then be concluded with a disbanding ceremony in November.

Chairman Kwak said, “With the growing number of foreign students not only from China and Japan but also from other Asian countries, Europe, and the Americas, a systematic and consistent interest and support for them are ever more needed, and training programs in such efforts are essential.” He also added, “We will do our utmost efforts to support international students through this project so that they can grow into global leaders by having a higher understanding of the Korean culture and an exchange with the Korean people.”