Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate North Korea students' adaptation to South Korean college life. Qualitative interview was done on 10 students from North Korea who were studying at colleges located in Seoul. The interview asked questions on reasons for college enrollment and difficulties experiences in college life. Data from the interview were analyzed using theme analysis method. Results showed that the reasons for college enrollment were (1) South Koreans' emphasis on high education (2) Need for personal connection through college life (3) motivation to learn. Students reported that difficulties they experienced in college life were (1) limitations in their ability to learn and information collection (2) difficulties in personal relationship (3) difficulties in asking help from others (4) psychological problems (5) hardship in working and studying at the same time (6) anxiety about the future and getting a job, and (7) problems in self-identity. I described how the difficulties affected their life in college. I also discussed how schools, counseling centers, counseling policies and programs, and counselors may approach their problem. Finally, I presented strengths and limitation of this study and suggestions for future studies.