It is no secret that KDI School has an extremely diverse community. This spring semester alone, the School took in 108 international students from 62 countries. Not only that, the School has an extensive alumni network with more than 1,500 international alumni members spread across 119 countries. As with all groups and organizations, KDI School experiences the usual mixture of daily quarrels and disputes. But each and every student, faculty member, and staff member is confident that KDI School offers an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and differences are celebrated rather than shunned.

For its Spring edition, The Globe set out to find a group of students, consisting of students with different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, working together every day to respect and learn about not only the individual but also the culture each person represents.

Upon research, The Globe found a group of students including Ibrahim Haail ABDUL RAHMAN (2014 MPP, Maldives), Krystyna OSENA (2014 MDP, the Philippines), Sudeshna RAY (2015 MDP, India), Mai Phuong NGUYEN (2014 MDP, Vietnam), Sonam LHAMO (2014 MDP, Bhutan), and Kilton Jose Luis Lauter PORTUGAL (2014 MDP, Mozambique). Their group graciously agreed to talk to The Globe about their activities, challenges, and success in coexisting together as a multicultural band of students.

Haail says it didn’t take long for their group to grow close because they liked each other’s personality. In his words, “We became more of a family rather than friends.” During the Song and Dance Festival in the summer of 2015 the group got even closer as they met for dance practice regularly. Haail recalls, “The practice sessions were really fun and we really enjoyed every moment of it. KDI School wouldn''t have been possible without these people.”

The group usually gathers once a week on campus or they choose to go out into the city for something more special. When they do go out, finding a suitable place to eat presents a unique challenge. Since Muslims stick to Halal Meat only (i.e. meat slaughtered in the name of Allah), Buddhists refrain from eating meat, Hindus do not consume beef etc. it is always important to find a restaurant that caters to these dietary restrictions.

Haail does say their go-to location for group meals is either Sejong March or Areum-dong. More specifically, a restaurant called “Chicago champpong” is a favorite for the group as it offers a variety of dishes with seafood and vegetarian options, not to mention the meal set menu goes well for the student budget.

One of the most important activities they do is the fact that they celebrate each other’s birthdays together. The group comes up with memorable plans to support each other like family while living in a foreign country.

Remember, this group is one of many groups at KDI School sharing their culture and experience. KDI School and The Globe looks forward to covering more groups like so, in order to foster more interaction and friendship between its students.

By Kilton PORTUGAL (2014 MDP, Mozambique)