(Cover photo of Yonsei University Counseling Center from 연세대학교 공식 블로그)
Moving abroad to study can be challenging - especially when you do not speak the language, or have not completely adapted to a foreign country. However, living in Korea as a foreigner has become much easier nowadays thanks to innovative services and facilities!
This review post will introduce some foreigner-friendly services and places where you can seek assistance or consultant! From handling paperwork to mental health support, these institutions offer help with a variety of facets of Korean life.
Yonsei University Counseling Center (연세대학교 심리상담센터)
This center aims to support students having psychological difficulties or troubles adapting to university life. The service is completely free and can be accessed at both Sinchon Campus and International Campus of Yonsei University.
At International Campus, the counseling service is specifically catered to help first-year students with university life, dormitory adaptation and career orientation. Meanwhile, Sinchon Campus Center implements various support programs for a wider range of students (sophomore and above, including graduate students). Both provide one-on-one counseling, group counseling, basic psychological examination, and workshops.
Other than that, there is also a Support Center for Students with Disabilities and Gender Equality Center. These institutions can be referred to when necessary - in case of not only difficulties but also disabilities or gender knowledge enhancement.
Counseling sessions can be conducted in the students' preferable languages out of Korean, English, or Chinese. Before visiting, do not forget to make an appointment at https://yscreening.yonsei.ac.kr/ysclinic/counsel01.do?lang=en! This step is strongly important because it provides the counselor with needed information (preferred counseling languages, aspects of concerns, required service, etc.) of the student.
However, if you do not have time to directly visit the Counseling Center, try the Self-Diagnosis function on the website (https://encounsel.yonsei.ac.kr/sub/self.php)! You can find a variety of questionnaire which examine your psychological condition based on frequency level of behaviors and emotions. The website gives a detailed analysis on state of depression/anxiety/stress and how students can improve it.
Immigration Contact Center (1345)
Immigration Contact Center is an online service assisting foreigners with civil affairs and administrative information when residing in Korean. This service is conducted through telephone, and users can choose from a variety of up to 19 languages for counseling.
This service is a part of the Korea Immigration Service, operated by the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, it is a highly trustworthy source of information and consultation for foreigners.
Range of consultation is specified as follows:
- Foreigner's domestic sojourn
- Visa related services such as study in Korea, job, foreigner invitation, etc.
- Overseas Koreans' (including foreign national) domestic residence.
- Acquisition of nationality, naturalization test, and refugee.
- Certificate issue for certificate of the facts concerning the entry & exit.
- Support for integration of immigrant families (education, marriage, etc.)
