From August 28^th to August 31^st 2013, the KDI School hosted the opening ceremony and orientation for 2013 Fall semester students. Dean Sang-Woo Nam, faculty members, and 72 new students including 17 Korean students attended this event, one of the biggest batch ever for the Fall semester.

The opening ceremony and orientation were designed to make students’ transition process organized, and to guide new students to enjoy the KDI School’s life as well as to experience the life in Korea during their enrollment at the KDI School.

First, Dean Sang-Woo Nam welcomed the students and briefly stated the history of the KDI School. Followed by the introduction from each faculty members and program introduction session, the students were presented with the mandatory requirements for graduation at the KDI School. More importantly, to get students familiar with the School various services and facilities, staffs and responsibilities were introduced.

International students also experienced the memorable first time Korea’s culture at the orientation as the session included the fundamentals of Korean culture; Hangul, Tripitaka Koreana, Korean traditional clothes “Hanbok” and all students were able to enjoy tasty Korean traditional dessert. 

Also, the most exciting session was the Seoul City Tour. Students had the great chance to visit cultural places and modern sites around Seoul, which is the economic and political heart of the Republic of Korea.

After completing the four days of orientations, the students could now start enjoying the life at the KDI School as well as the life in Korea.

By Sopheana BRONH (2013 MPP, Cambodia)