Yoon-Jae Kim is an MPP (2008) student at the KDI School. He is currently in the Global Master’s Program (GMP) at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Q1 What are you studying at Bocconi University?

I am currently in the Masters of Public Management Program which is taught entirely in English. With the new MOU between KDI School and Bocconi University, Sang-Suk Ban (2008 MPP) and I are the first students here from the KDI School.

Q2 What were your motivations for applying to Bocconi University?

I was looking into various opportunities within the GMP program and I was informed that the KDI School made a new partnership with Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. I have a background in military history from my undergraduate studies and I have a particular interest in the Roman Empire. I wanted to climb the Alps where Hannibal marched with his 26,000 troops and war elephants. I wanted to go across the Rubicon River just like Caesar "passing the point of no return." I wanted to swim in the Mediterranean Sea where Pompey defeated the pirates. I wanted first-hand experience and this is what motivated me to come here to Bocconi University in Italy.

Q3 How are your studies at Bocconi University? Any tips or advice for those who are interested in going to Bocconi University?

The courses I am taking this semester are Law and Public Management, Accounting, Public Economics, Human Resource Management, and Performance Measure. The course load is quite heavy, especially because most courses involve a lot of group projects and debates. The courses are well-fitted for the loquacious Italians but, for someone like me, it does sometimes get stressful. The courses can be helpful in improving my English but I am still not too much comfortable with all these group discussions and debates.

Q4 How is your life in Milan?

Italy has so much to offer historically and culturally. I try to manage my time well so that I can visit a lot of the attractive places in Italy. It keeps me busy on weekends but I know I won’t have a second chance for this opportunity. I am planning to visit the Venice’s Carnival this weekend (mid

February).In addition to all the traveling experiences, I find Italian people to be very friendly. I had the opportunity to treat my Italian classmates at a Korean restaurant. Believe it or not, they love Korean food! They were emptying out all the spicy dishes and were guzzling down the bowl of doenjang jjigae (soy-bean paste stew). We also had a few bottles of soju. Soju prices are quite expensive in Italy and therefore, the bill turned out to be almost equal to a month’s rent. Nevertheless it still felt good, especially because of how much my Italian friends enjoyed that Korean dinner.

Mr. Kim added that if readers have any questions about Bocconi University or life in Italy, they can feel free to contact him at 200064645@hanmail.net, and he would be more than happy to help them out.

By Jun Hyun PARK (MPP 2009, Korea)