These days, the atmosphere among Korean students attending universities in the U.S. is quite complicated.

In the past, just saying "I graduated from an American university" felt like it opened up a future full of possibilities.

However, now many students honestly wonder, "Is it really right for me to stay in the U.S.?"

Simply graduating from a university in the U.S. no longer guarantees immediate employment.

Especially for those in the humanities, there is a chance to work for about a year on OPT, but obtaining a work visa, the next step, is a completely different game.

The H-1B work visa is a prime example, and it operates on a lottery system. Even if a company is willing to sponsor you, if you don't win the lottery, that's it.

So among students these days, it's said that "employment is possible through effort, but visas are a matter of luck."

However, choosing to return to Korea is not an easy option either.

The job market in Korea is already extremely competitive. Especially in Seoul, the competition for qualifications is almost at a war level.

TOEIC scores, internships, certifications, extracurricular activities, and job preparation are now considered standard, and there is an atmosphere that you also need study abroad experience.

The problem is that having a degree from an American university is no longer a special card.

In the past, graduating from an American university was rare, but now there are quite a few.

From the perspective of Korean companies, it can feel like, "Oh, another international student."

So sometimes you hear comments like this: "It's hard to find a job in the U.S. because of visa issues, and in Korea, there are too many international students, making competition tough."

Nevertheless, there are definitely people who want to stay in the U.S. The reason is simple. It's the potential that this country offers.

For example, in Korea, academic background and age often play a significant role. The new graduate recruitment system is still very strong.

In contrast, the structure in the U.S. is somewhat different. Of course, academic background is important in the U.S., but each company has a much more diverse hiring approach.

There are many forms like startups, small businesses, contract work, and freelancing.

It feels less like a single path is set and more like there are multiple branches.

Another factor is the industry itself. Fields like IT, AI, semiconductors, and biotech are still centered in the U.S.

Therefore, students majoring in these areas want to start their careers in the U.S. as much as possible.

Many find that if they return to Korea, they end up looking at the U.S. market again.

The lifestyle also differs. Korea is a very fast-paced society. Competition is fierce, and the standards are high.

For some, this serves as motivation, but for others, it can feel suffocating. Conversely, while the system in the U.S. can be slow and frustrating, some feel that there is a bit more room for personal choice.

So when you listen to the stories of students these days, a common conclusion emerges. No one says, "It's easier in the U.S."

On the contrary, considering visa issues, employment challenges, and living costs, the U.S. might be more difficult.

Yet, the reason they want to stay in the U.S. is just one: the potential.

Even if the path isn't clear right now, there is a feeling that there must be opportunities somewhere.

Working at a startup can suddenly open up career paths, and starting at a small company can lead to jumping to another company.

While in Korea, it feels more like a predetermined track, in the U.S., the direction may be uncertain, but unexpected paths can open up.

So some students say this.

"It's not that living in the U.S. is easy; it's just that I want to endure here a little longer."

In a way, that might be the most honest feeling of Korean students studying abroad these days.