The KDI School Dormitory offers a best-in-class residential facility where graduate students can study, research, and enjoy a vibrant social life. Apart from excellent facilities, the KDI School Dormitory has energetic human resources, which include housemasters, cleaning staff, and facilities staff. Today, we explore more about the human side of KDI School Dormitory by interviewing Housemaster Peter.

Hello, Housemaster Peter! Thanks for giving an interview to KDI School Newscenter. First, we would like to know what you used to do before joining as Housemaster at KDI School's Dormitory.

First of all, thanks for taking my interview. It is a nice experience to interact with the KDI School Community via KDI School's Newscenter. I used to work as a coordinating manager at a logistics company before joining KDI School as a housemaster two years ago. By the way, my Korean name is Yeomin.

Okay, Housemaster Yeomin, please tell us about your typical working day.

The structure of the housemaster job is such that we have to stay at the dormitory for one full day and at home for the other day, so the two housemasters, including me, work on a rotational basis.  When I am at work in the KDI School Dormitory, I manage the dormitory and take care of students. On the days in which I am at home, I like to exercise and watch YouTube. I also watch different genres of webseries on Netflix.

Please tell us about the two main things you like about your job.

All though I like many things, the two main ones will be: first, I have an adequate work-life balance in my life, which helps me to stay healthy mentally and physically. The second one is the ability to communicate in English. KDI School's Dormitory provides me with an opportunity to practice my English skills in real-life situations. 

How do you feel about the multiculturalism in the dormitory at KDI School?

That is an interesting question. Earlier, I used to think that people from other countries think, act, and behave in different patterns. After becoming housemaster, I realized different countries share a lot of similarities with Korean culture and society. So, we have to respect and embrace pluralism everywhere. 

I'll ask the most important question: what tips do you have for KDI School Dormitory residents to have a good time in Korea?

I suggest students make many Korean friends and visit Korean homes to understand Korean society and culture holistically. I also know that some students feel depressed as they are away from home and miss their country and family. I would advise them to make many friends, travel to make KDI School their new home, and take advantage of the opportunity to study at KDI School.

Please tell us one interesting fact about yourself.

I do not use social media. This might seem strange and unique to others. I do not have a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok account. I feel social media is a waste of energy and time. It also gives us a lot of unintended stress and insecurities.

Finally for our audience, can you please mention any memorable experiences while working as a housemaster?

I have had a lot of good experiences while working as a housemaster. To mention one of them is difficult. One of the many would be that when some students leave the dormitory after finishing their degree, some give the housemasters handwritten letters of appreciation. I think this is one of the most memorable experiences I encountered while working as a housemaster.  

With this, we end the interview with Housemaster Peter, and we thank him for sharing his valuable experience. KDIS Newscenter is engaged in interviewing different personalities at KDI School, including students. We encourage everyone to read these interviews as they provide insights into the journeys of different individuals at KDI School.