1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held an event to launch the “global youth” campaign on May 23 in an effort to promote about ten programs aimed at supporting youth seeking job opportunities abroad, including the working holiday program, internships at international organizations, and voluntary work overseas, which have been conducted separately so far, and to help more Korean youngsters work abroad, amid growing interest in and demand for the government’s policy for youth employment and overseas job opportunities.

2. Along with the launch of the “global youth” campaign, the Foreign Ministry created a website on “global youth” (/youth/main/), where youth can find various pieces of information, including details on programs to support youth seeking overseas job opportunities, requirements, selection procedures, and support to be provided, and pick out programs that are suitable for them.

3. The Foreign Ministry and its affiliates, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Foundation (KF), have been conducting a range of programs to support youth seeking job opportunities abroad. The programs, in which about 50,000 young people are participating a year, include the “public diplomacy internship” program, the “UN Volunteers (UNV)” program, and the “global challenge” program. Participants in various programs except for the working holiday program are provided with airfare and living expenses.

4. The ROK government’s programs to support youth seeking to work abroad have served as a stepping stone for overseas job and business opportunities by helping youth gain international work experiences in various areas, including arts, IT, energy, Latin America, and development cooperation, thereby building global capacity and establishing networks abroad. In the area of development cooperation, the programs provide youth with a valuable opportunity to contribute to global society.

5. In addition to the event on May 23, the Foreign Ministry will continue to work to help youth around the country easily find information on the programs aimed at supporting youth seeking overseas job opportunities by holding briefing sessions for each region, including one to be held at Chungnam National University on May 26. The Ministry will also work to improve the programs by communicating with youth and gather opinions of those who participated in the programs.


* unofficial translation