Yara and Aya, both ardent enthusiasts of Korean culture, who crossed paths a decade ago at an event hosted by the Korean Embassy in Egypt. Over the years, their shared passion blossomed into a deep friendship, leading them to embark on a remarkable journey together. Today, they find themselves studying side by side at the KDI School in Korea. Let's delve into their inspiring story:

They connected at a K-pop event organized by the Korean Cultural Center in Cairo. Through chance encounters and shared enthusiasm, they gradually forged a strong bond over the years, evolving from casual acquaintances into the closest of friends. The decade-long journey has solidified their friendship, creating a unique and enduring connection that has withstood the test of time.

Aya and Yara decided to pursue their dreams of exploring new cultures through education together. Fueled by this common passion, they decided to study in Korea together. Researching universities, planning logistics, and immersing themselves in language and cultural programs - their joint academic journey is a testament to both their education and the strength of their bond, encouraging each other every step of the way. As they have pursued studies in Korea at KDI School, their friendship has deepened through pivotal moments, guiding decisions, facing challenges, and celebrating shared milestones. At KDI School, their companionship not only provides support but also becomes a pivotal force, significantly influencing and enhancing their educational adventure.

These two friends approached integration into the Korean community in different ways, both highly effective for their respective personalities. For Yara, she took part in events like the Korean Buddy Program offered at KDI School, where she experienced wearing the traditional Korean Hanbok while also exploring historical places throughout the country. Of course, her interests extended to include Korean language classes and various sports activities, where she highlighted her talent in football. For Aya, her choice involved taking part in the Talent Show, where she was able to reveal to the KDI School community her incredible dancing skills, showcasing her country’s traditional Egyptian dances to all those in attendance that day. Together, they also participated in the Food Festival, where they made and shared numerous Egyptian dishes with the students, staff, and faculty of KDI School. All of these efforts allowed both Yara and Aya to connect more deeply with the community in Korea - both within, and outside of the school.

Each of us undertakes a journey when we first start at KDI School. This was no different for Aya and Yara, and now that they are nearing the end of that journey, a look back is in order. They spoke of a transformative experience during their 1-year time here, where they saw definite growth with their academics, personal resilience, interpersonal relationships, and character. This was undoubtedly attributed to the numerous challenges they faced, and ultimately overcame, over the course of 2023. These experiences further honed their adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Aya and Yara discovered strengths within themselves that they hadn't recognized before.

Yara, as an architectural engineer, took many challenging courses offered by her chosen program in sustainable development at KDI School, despite previously having zero background in those fields. She now aspires to apply the knowledge and expertise gained here to inform policy decisions, sustainable development practices, and address societal changes for the benefit of her home country.

For Aya, her aspirations post-graduation encompasses being a good and ethical leader in the human resources management realm (HRM). The rigorous academic curriculum, combined with practical experiences, has equipped her with analytical skills, a global perspective, and a deeper understanding needed to thrive with HRM. She is ready to use this knowledge to address complex challenges there.

Yara and Aya's enduring friendship and shared interests hold great promise for collaborative projects, granting their common passion for positive change and cultural exchange to flourish in both personal and professional endeavors.