This study explores international graduate students’ educational experiences, employment intentions, and settlement plans in South Korea’s BK21-funded programs. Using survey data (N = 1,726) and interviews with 6 professors and 6 students, the research examines the backgrounds, educational experiences, and post-graduation intentions of BK21 international students. The findings show that BK21 international students are largely from Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam, and choose Korea for generous scholarships, advanced research infrastructure, and opportunities to publish in English. While students report satisfaction with academic supervision, research facilities, and financial support, they experience significant challenges such as limited Korean proficiency, inconsistent English-medium courses, and a lack of practical career preparation, which diminish their overall educational satisfaction. These linguistic and institutional barriers strongly shape students’ employment and settlement decisions: only 43% intend to work in Korea, and 27% plan permanent settlement. To enhance international students’ long-term engagement, the study recommends tailored Korean language and cultural adaptation programs, expanded career and internship opportunities, and more coherent institutional linkages between education and employment. These measures would strengthen Korea’s capacity to attract and retain global research talent through the BK21 initiative.
Byun et al. (2025) studied this question.