BUDDY ‘N’ SEOUL

Date 2012-08-01 01:41
CategoryNews
Hit1528

By Maria Charmaine D. GUEVARA (2012 MDP, Philippines)

One of the best ways to discover Seoul and learn more about the “Land of the Morning Calm,” as Korea is often referred to, is to cultivate friendships among the locals.

The Buddy Program of KDI School does exactly do that; it advocates friendly exchanges between international and Korean graduate students by matching them based on individual preferences and interests. The program mutually benefits all participants by providing them the opportunity to share and experience each other’s culture, the support in adjusting to the Korean way of life for foreign students, and the chance to enhance communication skills and global perspectives for all.

This year, the Student Affairs Division received a record number of applications for the program, making it a challenge to pair the applicants. Nevertheless, each and every participant had nothing but positive and memorable experiences to share. Following are responses and comments from some of the participants:

Regine Minoce (2012 MDP, Haiti) and Min Eun Kyung (2012 MDP, Korea)

Regine: Min and I were so busy with our core courses (so tough!) in the Spring Semester that we only found the time to explore Seoul together right after the finals week. My buddy and I went to Insadong where I had my caricature done. We also visited the various art galleries in the area, which I enjoyed so much. Min is so kind and hospitable and super nice!

Min: I brought my buddy Regine to Insadong and Samcheungdong to introduce her to Korean traditional art. It was her first time to visit the place, and I was glad that she found our visit unforgettable.

Dara Ayu Prastiwi (2012 MDP, Indonesia) and Bo Bae Lee (2012 MDP, Korea)

Dara: I have the “bestest” buddy in Bo Bae!

Bo Bae: Meeting my bubbly buddy, Dara, and learning Indonesian culture through her, has made my life in KDI School so much more enjoyable! I look forward to making more good memories with her.

Phay Sokcheng (2012 MDP, Cambodia), Em Pheakdey (2012 MDP, Cambodia), Kibrom Aregawi Weldegiorgis (2012 MPP, Ethiopia) and Jongyun Shin (2009 MBA, Korea)

Phay and Em: I am grateful to Jongyun for bringing Em, Kibrom and me to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Yeouido! It was our first time to experience this seasonal phenomenon. Jongyun also introduced us to Korean history when we visited Gwanghwamun Square where we got the chance to discover the great achievements of King Sejong and Admiral Yi!

Kibrom: I share Phay’s sentiments. Jongyun, when is our next pingpong match?

Jongyun: Originally, I was assigned with two buddies, Phay and Kibrom, but I also adopted Em, Phay’s friend. Aside from visiting the Cherry Blossom Festival in Yeouido and Gwanghwamun, I also brought my buddies to my home, where they met my wife. We went to Soraepogu where I tried to convince them to try live octopus, but to no avail! We had to settle for Gonghwachun, the first Chinese restaurant in Korea.

These are just some of the wonderful experiences of Buddy Program participants. Why don’t you feast your eyes on their photos?