The University Guys

From K-Pop and K-Makeup to world-class STEM programs, South Korea is rapidly becoming a top-tier destination for international students. But while the "K-Wave" is exciting, the university admissions process is notoriously complex, paper-heavy, and strict.In this episode, David Hawkins sits down with Justin Kurrass, a veteran high school counsellor with over 20 years of experience (including over a decade in Korea), to demystify what it actually takes to get into a Korean university.In This Episode, We Cover:The "SKY" Universities & Beyond: Why Seoul National, Korea University, and Yonsei are the "Ivory League" of Korea, and why KAIST is a powerhouse for STEM.The Three Admission Tracks: Understanding the difference between the Pure International track, the Overseas Korean track, and the hyper-competitive Domestic track.The "Study Plan": Why you need more than just a personal statement—and why Korean universities want a 1–3 page roadmap of your future career.Logistics & Red Tape: Why the "Apostille" process and strict two-week application windows mean you cannot treat Korea as a "backup plan."Hidden Gems: Exploring women's universities (Ewha) and international branch campuses like Ghent, Utah, and George Mason in Songdo.Key Takeaways for Counsellors:Start Early: Students should begin planning in 9th or 10th grade to ensure their subject choices align with rigorous Korean faculty requirements.Nationality Matters: If a student or parent holds a Korean passport, they are almost always funnelled into the more competitive domestic or overseas Korean tracks.ROI & Safety: Why the combination of low tuition, high safety, and worldwide degree recognition is driving the current surge in interest.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Study in Korea: The official government-run portal for international students.KCUE (Adiga): The Korean Council for University Education (use Google Chrome for translation).University Admission Pages: Justin recommends downloading the specific "Application Guide PDF" from each university’s site at least a year in advance.Connect with The University Guys:Website: The University GuysLinkedIn: Connect with David HawkinsSocials: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more global higher education insights!Enjoyed the show? Please subscribe and leave us a review!

 In this episode, David Hawkins explores the rising popularity of Spain as a premier destination for international students. Joining him is Oliver Rodriguez-Pearson, a Madrid-based educational consultant with Lemon Tree Education who breaks down the unique "formula" that makes Spanish universities thrive: a blend of high-quality English-taught programs, a diverse international intake, and an unbeatable lifestyle. From the complexities of the Selectividad entrance exams to the cultural importance of learning Spanish even in English-led courses, Oliver provides a roadmap for families navigating the Spanish higher education landscape. 

Richard Doring from CIEE joins David to discuss gap year opportunities. 

David is joined by Roberto Valdo Cortese of Valdo Academics to discuss the current landscape of Italian university admissions.

How did a specialised university in Milan transform itself from a national secret into one of the most selective and international higher education institutions in the world?In the early 2000s, the idea of studying in English in Italy was practically unheard of. If you wanted a global business education, you went to the UK or the US. Today, Università Bocconi has broken that duopoly, becoming a top choice for students globally—including, ironically, those from the UK and US.In this documentary-style episode, we tell the inside story of Bocconi’s 20-year rise. We sit down with the recruitment team members who lived through the transformation, tracing their journey.

David is joined by Sandy Furth, a globally travelled international university advisor, who discusses her areas of specialisation, including "twice exceptional" students and her work at World Student Support.

Our guest this week is Claire O'Connor from RCSI, exploring medical studies in the Republic of Ireland.

Find out about a university pathway in the United Arab Emirates, with Ango Mwakisu from NYU Abu Dhabi.

Explore the wonderful world of higher education in Prague! David is joined by Caleb House from Charles University. To find out more, visit www.studycharles.cz and https://studyinprague.cz/

Ben Ambrose of Medical Doorway joins David to explore options to study medicine in Europe, taught in English.

In this episode, we explore universities Down Under. Our guest is Stefan Watts, Founder & Director of Study Options.

Come and learn about a truly global experience, including lots of time in Asia, for students interested in an international business education. In this episode, David explores the opportunities at Tetr College of Business.

David is joined by Julie Maloney from Meto to discuss a new way to apply to universities - reverse admissions.

Join David as he speaks with Adam Wu of Stevens Institute of Technology about the student experience in the New York metro area.

Why should students visit US campuses before deciding where to apply? How is it best to spend time on campus? What key things do you need to know? Join David and Dr. Elizabeth Stone from Campanile College Tours to learn more.

This episode explores the nuances of the Claremont Colleges in California, a distinctive offering within the US higher education landscape. Our guest is Jennifer Hirsch, Senior Associate Dean of International Admission at Claremont McKenna College.

Ben Hsu of Venture Camp helps David unpack the purpose and variety of US summer programs for high school students.

Denise Nijuis, the Coordinator of Student Recruitment and Admission at University College Roosevelt is our guest to provide updates on the current landscape of Dutch higher education admissions.Dutch Universities ConsortiumStudy in NL

David is joined by Anne Corriveau, the Director of International Admissions at Boston University, to discuss the ins and outs of US Early Decision applications.

Dan Seneker, Associate Vice-President of Enrolment Management & Registrar of St Mary's University, joins us to discuss the current situation in Canadian higher education.

Join David as he explores the 'HBCUs' with colleagues from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia,Find out more about Spellman and the HBCUs at these links:https://www.spelman.edu/https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/

David discussed the concept of intellectual curiosity and its role in US college admissions with Matthew Jaskol and Brett Fuller from Pioneer Academics.From the conversation, the following weblinks were referenced:Oberlin recently doubling the credit it awards to Pioneer Academics research scholars is explained on Oberlin’s website about the collaboration and the post about the doubling of credit here. The push to publish been broadly publicized as being a ploy for wealthy students to make them look good is explored in this co-published article in the Chronicle of Higher Ed and ProPublica.

David is joined by Brendan McGroarty from Elite Rugby Scholars to discuss opportunities to explore rugby at US universities.

In this episode, we explore the world of high-school research projects. Dhruva Bhat of Lumiere Education is our guest.

Many students seek to travel as part of their degree, and some universities allow students to move to a new location each year. Join Sarah Sen from ESCP as we explore their option that gives global mobility across Europe

Join Olivia Anderson from the Savannah College of Art and Design to discuss artistic education in the USA.

Jason Smith of UES Education returns to the podcast to discuss the new digital SAT.

In this return to the podcast, we have a The University Guys team roundtable to explore the various references accompanying university applications and some ideas on how schools can approach them.

Join David with Ryan Sparks of Sparks Rowing to discuss everything you would ever need to know about rowing at college in the USA.

Join Joanne Tallentire, a higher education professional with over 25 years' experience in senior roles covering all aspects of the student journey from admission to graduation, to explore how UCAS Firm & Insurance work

Many students want to go to the USA to study for a degree in business, but might not be fully aware of what this actually means. In this episode, Idie Kesner, Dean of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University - one of the highest-ranked business schools in the world - shares her deep experience of undergraduate business education and the benefits of choosing one of the few direct-entry business schools available to prospective US undergraduates.

Join Alex Smith,  Assistant Director of International Admissions at Michigan State University, as we explore this type of US university and the benefits available to students.

So many students wish to study in London, but what's the experience really like. Join us as we discuss the student experience with Jo Philips, Director, Recruitment & Admissions at Regent's University London and Dr Jonathan Wilson, Professor of Brand Strategy & Culture

Join David as he discussed the various different 'pathway' options to UK universities, with Simon Fitch. Simon is the Centre Director of the University of East London International Study Centre.

Join us as we explore the ways in which IB Diploma Courses can be used for entry to UK universities and hear from Amy Durrant, College & Careers Counsellor at the International School of Brussels, Alizee Cordes from York St John University, and Peter Fidczuk from the IB.

Today's guest is Mike Nicholson,  Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at the University of Bath. We reflect back on his career in higher education and the changes he has seen across the sector in that time.

Jack Shull, a highly-experienced international school college counselor reflects on the past, present and future of the profession.

Join David as he discussed healthcare options at US universities for international students, with Megan Mankerian-Stem of Creighton University

As we hit application season, hear Parke Muth, formerly Director of International Admission at the University of Virginia, give an insight into the inner workings of a US university admissions office.

Caitlin Fairfield Hasson of Boston College joins this episode, to explore the world of Catholic colleges in the United States.

In this episode, Rhian John of Norwich University of the Arts joins the podcast, to explore the world of UK art schools. Creative Skillset, mentioned in the podcast, has now changed its name to Screen Skills with a website at https://www.screenskills.com/. Also check out the NUA Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/norwichuniarts/?hl=en 

Kieron Broadhead from the University of Southampton joins me to discuss what a UK university experience will be like in the 2020-21 academic year.

Mark Stacey of the International School of Brussels shares his expertise as an IB and A Level examiner, exploring how both exam systems have been graded this year and passing on advice to college counselors and admissions officers.

Across the USA, there are huge varieties in the educational experience available to students. Some universities, such as Bennington College, offer a hugely personalised curriculum, which students can tailor to themselves. Francesca Edwards from Bennington explains more.

Stephen Helliwell of Student Safety UK joins David to discuss how best to prepare students to be safe while attending university in the UK, and also the particular challenges that faced him and his team in helping students in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jason Smith of UES Education returns to the podcast to examine the international perspective for the changed situation with US standardized testing.In addition to his comments in the interview, Jason adds later that, "The ACT will not be introducing at-home testing for international students until 2021. They will be concentrating on rolling this out for US students in fall or early spring. There is no guidance as yet on the likelihood of the at-home SAT being available for international students this year."

Akil Bello of Fair Test and I discuss what's going on with US standardized testing in the US context, as well as the history of test-optional admissions.

In this episode, we explore a niche of US Higher Education which may not be immediately apparent to an international audience: the Christian university sector. Kristi Griem, of KC360, outlines the options available to students and how to find out more.One of these ways could be the upcoming KC360 virtual fair:Students and families are cordially invited to participate on May 19-20, 2020 in the KC360 Virtual College Fair. Students register for the Fair here. Registration and attendance to the Fair are free. Christian based universities will engage with students and families in 15 minute increments, so it will be a fast, fun event, slated to cover as many time zones as possible.The Virtual College Fair will be hosted via Facebook Live on the KC360 Facebook page and through Zoom (link will be to students who register) featuring over 20 Christian based universities and colleges looking to connect with your students at the following times:May 19: 8:00am CST - 10am CST USAMay 19 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USAMay 20: 8:00am - 10:00am CST USAMay 20 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USA

To mark episode 50, the tables are turned, as a new co-host decides to shake things up.