Thirty international students from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management (KDIS) recently participated in an immersive training program at the National Civil Defense and Disaster Management Training Institute (NDTI), gaining firsthand insight into how Korea prepares for emergencies through advanced training and technology.

The one-day field trip, held last week, is part of an annual collaboration between KDIS and NDTI. It aims to give students practical exposure to disaster preparedness, moving beyond classroom theories to real-life application. The program featured interactive safety workshops, live simulations, and opportunities for participants to practice critical response skills in controlled environments.

The NDTI, located in Uiwang, is Korea’s primary facility for disaster preparedness education and training. It offers programs for citizens, professionals, and government officials—both domestic and international—on how to respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters. The institute is recognized for its use of advanced simulation technology, which allows participants to experience realistic disaster conditions without actual danger.

For many students, this was their first time engaging with such hands-on safety training. Magdaleine , an MDP student from Malawi with experience in community development, reflected on the visit:

“Joining the field trip to the NDTI was a very helpful and eye-opening experience for me. As someone from Malawi who has worked to build community resilience, it was interesting to see how Korea prepares for different types of disasters. Seeing how Korea’s systems work gave me ideas on how we can strengthen our own disaster response back home.”

Another participant, Collins Mbah, an MPP student from Nigeria, highlighted the difference between theoretical learning and practical application:

“It is one thing to read about disaster response, but another entirely to practice it. My recent experience at NDTI was a powerful lesson, transforming my understanding of safety from abstract knowledge into tangible skill.”

Pamela, an MPP student also from Malawi, said her favorite part was a team-based board game designed to simplify complex concepts for all ages:

“The board game can be used across ages and can help even young people understand complex ideas such as disaster preparedness in a simple way and how to respond and how to recognize warning signs. The NDTI is an open space for continuous learning for the public, free of charge, which I think is a great opportunity for people to leverage.”

She added that the final simulation exercise stood out most:

“We had the chance to implement hypothetical solutions to disaster problems. This simulation is highly relevant because, as development professionals, we tend to focus more on socio-economic issues, but it challenged us to also consider environmental issues and how to incorporate them into sustainable solutions. It was innovative and stimulating. It would be a good opportunity for our governments to replicate such initiatives in our countries. The main aspect is the importance of emergency preparedness—it’s not a once-off thing. It can be a continuous learning process for anyone who is interested, and I believe that countries can learn from how Korea prioritizes emergency preparedness.”

The training program also included a tour of the Disaster and Safety Experience Center, hands-on CPR practice, and simulations of earthquake and typhoon conditions. In one exercise, participants navigated a wind tunnel designed to mimic the force of a severe storm, learning how to maintain safety and assist others in challenging conditions.

The NDTI’s work extends beyond Korea’s borders. Over the years, it has hosted training programs for officials from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, promoting international cooperation in disaster resilience. By opening its resources to other nations, the institute contributes to building a global network of professionals equipped to respond to emergencies.

Through initiatives like the NDTI visit, KDIS seeks to complement academic study with practical skill-building opportunities that can have a direct impact in students’ home contexts.