The KDI School kicked off the 2014 academic year with the Opening Ceremony and Orientation, with 239 Master''s and 9 Ph.D. students in attendance, as well as KDI School professors, staff, and many well-wishers present.

The day''s proceeding started off with words of advice and encouragement from the President of the KDI School, Dr. Joon-Kyung Kim and the Dean of the KDI School, Dr. Sang-Woo Nam, who both congratulated the students on achieving this significant milestone in their lives, as well as urging them to do their best to become the next generation of global leaders.

The Orientation went on for five days, allowing students to become familiar with the facilities the KDI School has to offer, as well a preview of the degree programs and course presentation sessions to prepare the students for the grueling academic year. The international students were also treated to a Korean cultural awareness session to familiarize them with the more esoteric aspects of the Korean culture. There were some awkward moments as the international students tried on (with varying degrees of success) hanbok, a Korean traditional dress, but in the end it was a unique and satisfying experience for all those involved.

There were 137 Korean and 102 international students enrolling in the Master''s program this spring, with over 60% coming from the government or public organizations. The KDI School will once again be the home to a diverse culture, with students coming from 62 different countries. Of particular note are the students from Armenia, Israel, Jamaica, and Nicaragua, who became the first students from their respective countries to study at the KDI School.