The student government seeks to foster harmonious relationships between students and university personnel. They plan, sponsor, and are involved with student activities such as the Spring and Fall festivals and HanST (Freshman Orientation). Elections are held each fall semester for the upcoming school year.

The ISA is a branch of Student Government that focuses on programs and assistance for international students enrolled in Handong University. Comprised of leaders from the student body, faculty, and staff, the group works to make the cultural and academic transition to Korean life easier for students from abroad. Following are some of its programs and goals:

GOALS

1. Activities for the benefit of international students
2. Activities for the improvement of the University's support of international students
   

PROGRAMS

1. Buddy System - International students entering Handong for the first time can be matched with an upperclassman who is also an international student. This one-to-one relationship provides personal support in helping new students to adjust to Handong University and Korean culture.
2. Large Group Meetings - Once a month all international students gather for fellowship, fun, and business. One aim of this meeting is to understand common needs and concerns of international students, especially related to administrative and academic issues, and cultural adjustment. Older students and faculty sometimes speak on specific topics of interest.
3. Small Group Meetings - There are also numerous small group meetings available for the support of international students. First, all international students are placed on the regular Handong Teams which include 20-25 students from both Korea and abroad. This gives the international student an immediate "family" to belong to and provides comfortable interaction with native Korean students who can assist in cultural adjustment. There are also small-group Bible studies which the international student can sign up for, either for international students only, or other groups including native Koreans. The ISA encourages international students to participate in many activities with native Korean students--both formally and informally--but also seeks to provide the support of other international students who understand their unique needs.
4. Interpretation/Translation/Presentation Preparation-The ISA also translates important school documents and provides interpretation at important meetings and school functions.
5. Administrative Support-The ISA also works behind the scenes with the University's administration to represent the concerns of international students. This important work affects many aspects of Handong life for the international student, and any administrative concerns or needs can be addressed to the ISA leaders.
6. Student Government Relations-The ISA also represents the interests of international students as a special branch of Student Government, and works to enhance the good relations between international and native Korean students.

Other programs, events, and support functions will be provided as needed or desired by the student body.