CAMPUS Asia is a dual degree program where students can take classes and earn credits and/or an additional degree in Japan or China. Designed to promote cooperation among Asian universities, CAMPUS Asia allows our students to enjoy the rare experience of living and studying in the three Northeast Asian countries.

Mr. Kimura Yusuke is an exchange student from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) from Japan through Campus Asia program. Mr. Yusuke has previously studied at KDI School’s Seoul campus in 2014, and he came back to study at the Sejong campus. Please continue reading to find out why he decided to come back to KDI School!

Please tell me something about yourself and where you are from.

Hello, my name is Kimura Yusuke, and I belong to the Infrastructure Development Policy Program from GRIPS. I have worked in The New Business Development and Public Relations Department from East Nippon Expressway Company. It is a state-owned company in Japan that constructs and operates highways.

I heard this is actually your second time at KDI School, what made you come back to KDI?

Yes, I participated in the KDI School’s summer program last year for only one month in Seoul. I wanted to study abroad even longer ever since, and I knew KDI School was a perfect opportunity when I heard that KDI School will be relocated to Sejong City.

How does KDI School differ from GRIPS?

GRIPS is divided into two programs; domestic and international program. I am part of the domestic program so all of my classes from GRIPS were taught in Japanese for Japanese students. In this regard, KDI School’s environment is nothing like GRIPS. I believe that one of the biggest strengths of KDI School is the rich educational curricula based on international perspective and the international environment.

How do you like Korea and Sejong City?

Sejong is a newly built city and shows many changes that I can learn from. The transportation system such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), road management (roundabout, traffic circle), and cycling lanes are very interesting.

This is definitely something rarely seen in Japan, because the decision-making procedure will take a long time from its start. I love the national library in Sejong City and the environment for kids and the child care environment. I would love to move to Sejong and live with my family if I get a job here.

Why did you decide to study in Korea?

Korea successfully concluded its FTA negotiations with the United States and the EU. The growing interests from South Korea to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership makes me want to learn about the FTA trend in Korea, for I believe that the investment in roads and rail infrastructure is vital for one country’s future growth.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

In the future, I would like to pursue my career in exporting infrastructure, such as toll roads. I believe that my experiences at KDI School, including learning and discussing in my classes, and developing relationships with the international student community, will have a great impact to my future career.

By Grace Eun Hye Choi (2015 MPP, Korea)