For many students, moving to a new country for higher education is both exciting and nerve-wracking. For Vouch Lang, an MDP 2024 student from Cambodia, her journey to KDI School began on a day as cold as her anxieties—sharp at -9 degrees Celsius. This day marked not only her first steps into the academic rigor of KDIS but also the beginning of an unexpected personal transformation.

"My thoughts were already ahead, racing toward the spring semester and everything that lay ahead. Before I came here, I had been anxious. How would I manage to share a room with someone new, even if it was just until the room change period?" Lang recalls.

Like many international students, Lang was stepping into the unknown, unsure of how she would adapt to the challenges of life in Korea. The thought of sharing a room with someone she had never met weighed heavily on her. However, Lang’s apprehensions soon melted away in the warmth of an unexpected friendship.

"Everything changed when I met her. I had no expectations, but she was thoughtful and warm to me. On that first day, she took me out to help get the essentials—a blanket and some supplies—and made sure I felt settled in. I didn’t expect this warmth from someone I barely knew," Lang reflects.

This initial gesture of kindness laid the foundation for a lasting bond between the two roommates. As they spent time together, what began as a simple arrangement of convenience blossomed into a deep and genuine friendship. "We became study partners, spending long nights at the library, pushing through assignments, keeping each other company until dawn, going to E-Mart together, and there were tons of memories at the KDI dormitory kitchen as well. There were also times when we just relaxed, laughed, cycled, and enjoyed simple moments, making the cold nights a little warmer," she fondly adds.

Their friendship not only made life at KDIS easier but also more meaningful. Lang found herself embracing her new environment in ways she had not anticipated. "Now that I think about it, I owe much of this comfort to the KDIS Student Affairs Division. I never applied for a room change. I was surprised and grateful that we spent two semesters together."

Beyond the comfort of friendship, Lang's experience at KDI School has been transformative in ways that go beyond academics. Living in Sejong, a city renowned for its innovation and sustainable practices, has given her a new perspective on the importance of environmentally friendly development. "Living here in this smart city and pursuing my master's degree has been eye-opening. The campus is more than just buildings and classrooms; it’s a living, breathing place that prioritizes green and sustainable practices," she explains.

This exposure to sustainability has had a profound influence on Lang’s career aspirations. As she nears the completion of her master’s degree, her thoughts are returning to Cambodia, where she hopes to apply what she has learned. "Upon the completion of my studies, I am definitely going back to my home country, Cambodia. I will resume my career in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and I am driven by the belief that sustainable development is key to unlocking poverty and achieving progress," Lang shares.

Her time at KDI School has not only shaped her academically but also personally. Lang is confident that the skills and knowledge she has gained will allow her to make meaningful contributions to Cambodia’s efforts in sustainable development. "I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained from the master's program at KDI School will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to Cambodia's efforts in this area," she says.

But more than just professional growth, it is the personal relationships that Lang cherishes the most. Her bond with her roommate has become one of the most meaningful parts of her time at KDIS. "I never expected that a simple room arrangement would bring such a deep and lasting friendship," she reflects. Their shared experiences—whether it was studying late into the night or cycling through Sejong—created a sense of home far from Cambodia.

As Lang looks forward to returning home, she carries with her not just the academic rigor of KDIS, but the warmth of friendship and the support that made her journey easier. "KDI School has given me more than just education; it has given me a family away from home," she shares.

Her journey at KDI School has been a blend of personal growth, academic achievement, and professional development—all set against the backdrop of a smart city committed to sustainability. As she prepares for the next chapter in Cambodia, she knows the friendships and lessons from KDIS will remain with her for life.

In reflecting on her experience, Lang concludes, "KDI School has been more than just a place I came to study; it has become home, thanks to the friendships and the warmth I found here."