If we were to pick out one event that was the coolest, fun-filled and perhaps the most exciting during our stay at the KDI School, many of us would choose the Korea Field Research and Study (KFRS). Four glorious days in summer outside campus, eating and enjoying! Who can forget the singing competitions, the midnight bicycle rides and the constant sleeping in the bus! And the lectures! Oh, the lectures! We came back to Seoul exhausted but refreshed, knowing a little more about economic development of Korea and a lot more about being in such a great place. 

Here’s how some of us remembered that wonderful experience...

ANJANI, Waode Diah (2011 MPP, Indonesia)

“KFRS gave me a great impression since learning from lectures in the classes was not enough to understand what is going on in the field.”

DIAZ MONROY, Ana Silvia (2011 MPP, Guatemala)

“The experience has been extraordinary and enriching, providing the opportunity to have a better point of view of the social and industrial diversity of Korea.”

DINH, Ngoc bich (2011 MPP, Vietnam)

“I highly appreciate the encouragement, participation and support of accompanying faculty and staff who often helped me with my concerns.”

DIOMANDE Younoussa (2011 MPP, Cote d’avoire)

“The trip was a practical lecture that showed us the reasons behind the Korean rapid economic development.”

EBAI, Moses Effimaka (2011 MPP, Cameroon)

“The field trip made us realize that the Korean economic development is not a myth. It is the determination of the people, manifested in hardwork, sacrifice, love for one another, commitment, nationalism, patriotism, and amongst all the spirit to succeed even in times of hardship.”

GAVILANES REYES, Rocial Elizabeth, (2011 MPP, Ecuador)

“The development of Korea serves as an example for our countries;  in few years and with few resources it is possible to change and it is possible to create better life conditions.”

GEBREMICHAEL, Seifu Gebrehiwet (2011 MPP, Ethiopia)

“In a nutshell, what is great in Korea is the people themselves.”

IBRAHIM, Uzma (2011 MPP/ED, Pakistan)

“This four day field trip not only provided us with an opportunity to learn more about Korea but also offered us a chance to enjoy nature and peaceful environment along with the company of our friends and classmates who added delight to our stay.”

ISMYILOVA, Naila Sohbet (2011 MPP, Azerbaijan)

“I would like to recommend an increase in the number of KFRS days in future, because we spent more than half the time in the bus.”

KAUNDA, Kondwani Charles (2011 MPP, Malawi)

“It is admirable to see the synergies between the state and non-state actors working together for the good of the Korean economy.”

LWENJE, Julius John (2011 MPP, Tanzania)

“Since many students are from developing countries which are predominantly agriculture economies, the KFRS program should include visiting farms.”

NAIVALUCAVA, Vilikesa Ratubulewa (2011 MPP, Fiji Islands)

“I learned that the Korean people are deeply rooted in their history and tradition. They are a people who are very proud of their achievements and sacrifices.”

OWUSU-ANSAH, Joseph (2011 MPP, Ghana)

“Indeed, no graduate school in Korea can match the family spirit of the KDI School.”

SHINAN Ali (2011 MPP/PM, Maldives)

“The whole trip, from food to accommodation, was just perfect. We could not have asked for more.”

SKACKAUSKAS, Julius (2011 MPP, Lithuania)

“The rich cultural heritage and well-developed recreational areas found in the region provide broad and accessible conditions to relax and bring happiness to people living and working within the area.”

SLODYCZKA, Klemens Piotr (2011 MPP, Poland)

“It should come as no surprise that thanks to initiatives such as KFRS, the international students will be the ambassadors about South Korea for the rest of their lives.”

By Fouz Khalid KHAN (2011 MPP, Pakistan)