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International Students as Regional Human Capital: An Analysis of Work-Study Practices and Policy Implications for Regional Settlement

Author

Listed:
  • Seongmin Seo

    (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade)

  • Juno Kim

    (Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade)

Abstract

We examine whether international students’ work-study practices in South Korea support the government’s goal of developing regional human capital and promoting long-term settlement. Using survey data and focus group interviews from two universities, we find that parttime employment does not necessarily reduce the amount of time students spend studying and may improve Korean language proficiency. However, most jobs are concentrated in low-skilled occupations unrelated to students’ fields of study, limiting the accumulation of occupation-specific human capital. The findings suggest a gap between current work-study practices and the policy objective of preparing international students for regional labor markets. We recommend expanding major-related internships, university-industry cooperation, and integrated employment and settlement support services to strengthen the transition from study to regional employment and long-term settlement.

Suggested Citation

  • Seongmin Seo & Juno Kim, 2026. "International Students as Regional Human Capital: An Analysis of Work-Study Practices and Policy Implications for Regional Settlement," Industrial Economic Review 023845, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:kieter:023845
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    JEL classification:

    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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