A young South Korean named Chimba Chung, who has been pursuing a medical degree in Cuba, has announced that he must suspend his studies because of the exorbitant tuition fees, as he lacks any scholarship assistance. In a video shared on his Instagram account, Chung revealed that the tuition for international students in Cuba has reached $10,000 annually, which has become unsustainable for him.
Currently, Chung is burdened with a debt for three academic years—fourth, fifth, and sixth years—amounting to approximately $30,000. "I am self-funded. I need to pay $10,000 each year, and since I don't have that money, I have to work. I've taken a one-year leave from the faculty and plan to go to Australia to work in mines and earn money. After that, I'll return to Cuba to complete my studies," Chung stated.
Now residing in Seoul, South Korea, Chung shared that he has completed the necessary medical and legal procedures and secured a visa to travel to Australia. There, he intends to engage in a demanding and risky job that is well-compensated, allowing him to gather sufficient funds.
"I need to make a lot of money, so I decided to go to a place where I could work harder and earn more. Yes, there are risks, and it's tough work, but it's worth it. I also want to meet people from different cultures," he remarked.
The student and influencer noted that he doesn't know anyone in Australia, and it will be his first visit, although he recalled having a similar experience when he moved to Cuba seven years ago to start his medical studies.
"I feel good because I'm going to eat well, work, and make money. I'll share my daily life in Australia with you, and then, in a year, we'll see each other in Cuba," he said optimistically.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Chimba Chung has gained followers on social media by sharing content about daily life in Cuba. In several videos, he contrasts his previous life in Korea—where he enjoyed eating meat as he pleased, skincare routines, fashion, and K-pop music—with the Cuban reality marked by food shortages, transportation challenges, and the prevalence of reggaeton.
He has also showcased scenes from his medical classes on the island, offering a personal and often critical perspective of his experience as a foreign student. His decision to pause his studies and temporarily move to Australia highlights the financial challenges faced by self-financed international students in Cuba, a nation where tuition fees for foreigners remain high despite the widespread crisis the country is undergoing.
Understanding the Challenges of International Students in Cuba
Why did Chimba Chung decide to leave Cuba temporarily?
Chimba Chung decided to leave Cuba temporarily to work in Australia and earn the money needed to pay for his medical school tuition, which has become unaffordable for him.
What are the tuition fees for international students in Cuba?
The tuition fees for international students in Cuba are approximately $10,000 per year.
How does Chimba Chung plan to fund his studies?
Chimba Chung plans to work in the mines in Australia, a demanding and well-paying job, to earn enough money to settle his tuition fees and return to finish his medical degree in Cuba.