Due to recent events concerning the heated tension across the demilitarized zone (DMZ), universities all over South Korea, including KAIST, are experiencing a decline of international applicants. According to the KAIST Admissions Office, the number of international students applying this year decreased by approximately three percent from last year’s pool. In an attempt to deal with this situation, the Admission Team and the KAIST International Student Association are cooperating to initiate a new project: the High School Visit.

With this new endeavor, in addition to its efforts of actively reaching out to some international universities in search of talented students, KAIST will expand its focus to students from foreign high schools as well. Special science high schools in many countries around the world will become promising sources for intelligent and ambitious prospective students. In particular, during the upcoming summer vacation, currently enrolled students may volunteer to promote KAIST education to potential applicants in their home countries.

Students taking part in the project will be required to give information sessions at their designated high schools with prepared materials given by the Admissions Team. Leaflets with comprehensive guidelines regarding the application requirements and process will also be provided. Considering the spread of panic that followed a series of implausible threats from North Korea in the last few months, the KAIST Admissions Team believe that reassurances of security as well as academic privileges provided at KAIST will be of significant importance in many students’ decision to apply.

For those who believe that they possess confident presenting skills, high sense of responsibility, or above all a willingness to contribute to KAIST, the High School Visit project is definitely a worthwhile experience.  On June 6, the first meeting event was held, but those who could not attend can come directly to the Admissions Office for further information. It does not matter whether one has only been part of KAIST for one semester or have had years of fulfilling student life here; so do not miss out on a chance to show some KAIST pride!