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First Two Weeks in Korea: KDI School Experiences (OSMAN Abdihakim Omar / MPM 2023, Somalia)

  • Date 2023-02-08 16:54
  • CategoryStory
  • Hit1835

On January 25, 2023, after nearly 13 hours on a plane (2 hours from Mogadishu to Addis Abeba and 11 hours from Addis Ababa to Seoul), I arrived in South Korea as a newly accepted 2023 spring international student at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.

 

Coming to KDI School and getting the opportunity to study here was a dream come true for me. It has been living in my mind for the past three years. The journey was not easy, but with some planning, genuine desire, and perseverance, it became possible. This enabled me to win the scholarship after my third try, as I was learning new lessons each time I applied. The reason I did not withdraw was my ambitious desire to turn my dream into reality. For now, I feel honored to be a member of the KDI family who has benefited from this opportunity. 

Nevertheless, last week, the school held an opening ceremony and three days of orientation sessions for new students. The ceremony was well-organized, colorful, and well-attended by senior professors and staff. We were introduced to all the professors, assistant professors, and staff.

During the orientation days, various presentations were given and sessions held, such as on Visa and Immigration, Student Health Services, School Facility Introduction, Dormitory Orientation, Crime Prevention, Safety Education, International Students Insurance and Alien Registration Card Application, and the Seoul G20 Global Leader's Fellowship session.

However, one of the most interesting and engaging sessions was the Sejong City Tour, during which we toured Sejong City and visited many amazing and important places such as the Happy City LH Promotion Center, which is a Land and Housing Corporation leading the development of regional characteristics by spearheading the construction of Sejong City as an administrative city. We were amazed to observe the innovations of the corporation in terms of urban development. In addition, we visited the Korean Presidential Archives, which collects, manages, and services presidential records to establish a foundation for the understanding of history and ensure transparency and accountability of the nation's public services that contribute to the development of democracy in the Republic of Korea. 

The city of Sejong is well-designed and beautiful, offering well-equipped and convenient transportation systems.

Last, this year, I will live somewhere I used to see on YouTube and social media: namely, on the beautiful, smart, and green campus of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. I am amazed by the solar energy traps running across the road, the waste management system, the security within the dorms, and the rapid WIFI connection at the school. In addition, the lecture halls, library, study rooms, and other facilities are incredible as well.

Furthermore, the diversity of the students at KDI School is highly encouraging. I will have the opportunity to interact adequately with people of different cultures and backgrounds while learning new things and trying new foods, among other experiences, every day. The respect and reserved nature of the Korean nationals is another heart-lifting aspect, making this a truly life-changing experience.

I am proud to be a student at KDI School and have access to the school's wealth of expertise. I hope the knowledge I will harness from KDI School will help me to become a positive influence on my nation at large.

I am deeply thankful to the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, as well as to the government and people of Korea. We owe you a favor.

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