In March 2023, the Student Affairs Division launched the Spring Semester Buddy Matching Program. This program matches Korean buddies with current international students. The matching program is aimed at providing both buddies with an opportunity to explore the different global cultural differences within the university community. We spoke to some matched buddies and asked them about their experience of the program so far. 

Can we meet both of you? 

Saidalieva: Absolutely! My name is Dilrabo Saidalieva (Dilya). I am from Tajikistan, and I was admitted in the Masters of Public Management (MPM, spring 2023)

Ko Min Jae: Sure! My name is Ko Min Jae, from South Korea, and I am in the Master of Public Management program (MPM- 2023). I am also Dilya’s Korean Buddy.

Can you describe your first meeting and initial impressions of each other?

Saidalieva: I met my Korean buddy in Prof. Lee Junesoo’s Public Organization Management class, but I got to know him only in the second week when we sat next to each other during the class. During one of the 10-minute breaks, we got to introduce ourselves and have been friends ever since. My first impression of him was very warm and kind.  

Ko Min Jae: The very same POM class she is referring to. We were all asked to introduce each other and then it was her turn. She speaks fluently in English and has a friendly and bright personality. 

Can you share some challenges you faced when you first arrived on campus? 

Saidalieva: I think the food and cultural shock. From our initial conversation, Min Jae was eager to introduce me to Korean cuisine, with which I had limited experience. Thanks to his efforts, I have had the pleasure of sampling a diverse range of dishes, including fried chicken, octopus tentacles (nakji), homemade jabchae and tteokbokki, as well as various other delectable offerings. As a native of Sejong, I trust Min Jae to provide me with any assistance or information I may require during my stay here. Recently, I was composing an article on dining options in Sejong and immediately thought of Min Jae as the ideal person to consult for recommendations. As expected, he furnished me with a comprehensive list of outstanding restaurants and hidden gems throughout Sejong, which I believe will prove immensely enjoyable for KDIS students to visit in the future.

Ko Min Jae: Dilya is from Tajikistan, and she said came to Korea for the first time. So, I thought that life in Korea would be unfamiliar, and the most difficult thing is food. Because she’s a Muslim and has some dietary restrictions. So, we ate Korean food that she could eat together.

How frequently do you meet with your buddy, and what kinds of activities do you typically do together?

Saidalieva: Besides the fact that we meet at least once a week during the POM class, we have met at least twice outside of the class too. I felt honored to meet Min Jae’s family on our last meeting, especially Kevin, Min Jae’s son. There is still a lot to explore in Korea for me, and I look forward to sharing some of those experiences with my buddy Min Jae. 

Ko Min Jae: We meet at least once a week because we take the same class. And last time, I invited her to my house and we had dinner. We ate Korean traditional food such as soybean paste stew, jabchae, and tteokbokki together. And my son Kevin really likes Dilya. Although Kevin couldn’t talk much because he was shy when he first met her, now he is already looking forward to the next meeting with her.

And I’m going to do fun things with Dilya so that she can make a lot of good memories in Korea.

Lastly, is there any advice would you give to incoming students who are considering joining the student buddy program?

Saidalieva: It is definitely one of the best things you can do while studying in a foreign country. Who can tell and show you about Korea better than a Korean person?!

Ko Min Jae: Don’t hesitate to apply for a buddy program. Your buddy will help you live in Korea. I hope you make precious memories in Korea!