Junki’s success story – tackling anti-Asian racism

An international education is personally transformative for any student that embarks on a journey overseas. But it’s when international students then go on to transform the lives of others that they often make the real benefits visible to themselves and to others.

One person who exemplifies this is Junki from South Korea. After joining the Study Group-run University of Sussex International Study Centre, he successfully progressed to MA Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex.

Junki is committed to understanding the roots of social problems and using this insight to drive positive social change — work which can then underpin the policies which will help organisations and societies make better choices in future.

As part of his course, Junki wrote about anti-Asian racism during COVID-19. His dissertation was presented to South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission, who were so impressed that they made him the country’s youngest human rights instructor. “I did not believe it when I was appointed,” Junki told us. “I am proud to be the youngest, but there is a lot of pressure!

“I use the role mostly to instruct other human rights instructors and share opinions,” Junki says. “Sometimes, I teach human rights instructors that are in the same role as me, because even though they are qualified, racism has not been mentioned even once in their training.

“Racism is not something many Koreans are familiar with,” Junki continued. “I hope with my work, students and South Koreans in general will become more aware, and to be able to recognise anti-Asian racism in the world. Someone has to speak out - according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there cannot be discrimination against people based on who they are, but there is.

Junki also reflects on how his international education equipped him to play a key role in the service of greater equality in his own country.

“I used the skills I gained during my time in the UK a lot. Academic research skills, how to write an essay, present an argument, the ability to speak and understand English confidently are all helpful during my work as an instructor. At the International Study Centre, I had various opportunities to interact with people from around the world, which gave me a wide perspective of the world and its people.

“Make your study experience your own, and experience everything that you can,” is Junki’s message to others. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and develop personally and academically. One day, you will figure out that your experiences are your best assets, and make you who you are.”