March 9, 2025 – The Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK) held a significant meeting with Her Excellency Dr. Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe, the Ambassador of Nepal to South Korea, to discuss critical concerns affecting Nepalese students studying in South Korea. The meeting, which took place at the Embassy of Nepal in Seoul, also included Mr. Xenim Adhikari, Deputy Chief of Mission, who contributed to the productive discussions.
This meeting marks an important milestone in strengthening the relationship between SONSIK and the Nepalese Embassy, with both parties focusing on addressing challenges faced by Nepalese students and exploring potential solutions to improve their experience and well-being in South Korea.
Key Issues Discussed
Several key issues affecting Nepalese students in South Korea were raised during the meeting:
Unethical Consultancy Practices in Nepal
SONSIK representatives highlighted concerns regarding the unethical practices of certain consultancies in Nepal that charge excessive fees and provide misleading advice to prospective students. These actions have led to significant challenges for students upon their arrival in South Korea. SONSIK emphasized the need for swift and effective measures to hold these consultancies accountable and prevent further exploitation.
Issues with the Embassy of Korea in Nepal
SONSIK also raised concerns regarding the appointment system and scholarship document verification process at the Embassy of Korea in Nepal. The current processes are cumbersome and often cause delays for students applying for visas and scholarships. Both SONSIK and the Embassy agreed on the importance of simplifying and streamlining these procedures to make the process more efficient and accessible for students.
Support Mechanisms for Nepalese Students in South Korea
The meeting underscored the need for enhanced support mechanisms for Nepalese students in South Korea, including academic, financial, and cultural support. SONSIK representatives emphasized the importance of addressing the various challenges students face during their time abroad. Both SONSIK and the Embassy expressed their commitment to working together on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nepalese students.
Future Collaborative Initiatives Looking ahead, SONSIK and the Embassy discussed future collaboration on awareness programs and events to better inform Nepalese students about available resources and opportunities. The Embassy expressed its willingness to actively participate in SONSIK’s upcoming student welfare campaigns and programs aimed at enhancing the student experience.
Statements from SONSIK Leadership Sourav Chandra,
President of SONSIK, expressed his gratitude for the meeting: “We remain committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Nepalese students in South Korea. This meeting marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with the Embassy, and we are determined to continue working together to improve the student experience and support our fellow Nepalese students.
” Kiran Suwal, Secretary of SONSIK, added: “As Secretary of SONSIK, I am proud to represent the interests of Nepalese students. This productive discussion with Her Excellency Dr. Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe has reaffirmed our shared vision of resolving the issues faced by students. We are committed to furthering our efforts and ensuring that Nepalese students have the resources and support they need to succeed in South Korea.
” Acknowledgment of Advisors’ Contributions SONSIK also took the opportunity to thank its esteemed advisors – Dr. Sirjana Thapa, Dr. Kapil Gurung, Dr. Keshav Thapa, and Dr. Devi Basnet – for their invaluable guidance and insights during the meeting. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing student concerns and improving the support systems available to Nepalese students in South Korea.
SONSIK’s Leadership and Commitment
The meeting was attended by key members of SONSIK, including Sourav Chandra (President), Kiran Suwal (Secretary), Sonam Sherpa (Vice President), Mansingh Chaudhary (Vice President), Shiva Kumar Bhandari (Treasurer), and Ankit Belbase (Executive Committee Member). Their participation demonstrated SONSIK’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the welfare of Nepalese students and strengthening the Nepalese student community in South Korea.
A Vision for the Future
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both SONSIK and the Embassy reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration. Both parties emphasized the importance of addressing the issues raised and finding practical solutions that will benefit the entire Nepalese student community in South Korea. ”
What is SONSIK?
The Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK) is a student-led organization dedicated to supporting and representing Nepalese students studying in South Korea. SONSIK plays an essential role in addressing the issues faced by Nepalese students, fostering a sense of community, and providing resources and assistance to help students thrive academically and personally in South Korea.
