Starting your journey at KDI School is about more than just academics - it’s about building lifelong connections, embracing new cultures, and making the most of every opportunity. 

For many new students, arriving at KDI School is both exciting and overwhelming. Moving to a new country, adapting to an academic environment, and building a social network can be challenging. Fortunately, KDI School provides several support systems to help students feel at home. One of the most valuable of these is the Regional Forums, which offer students a sense of community, cultural exchange, and academic guidance.

Regional Forums: A Home Away from Home

KDI School hosts several Regional Forums that bring together students from different parts of the world. These include the ASEAN, Latin American and The Caribbean, South Asian and African Development Forums.

These forums aim to provide a supportive community, offer guidance on academic and administrative matters, and create opportunities for cultural exchange.

Laura Camila Pérez, representative of the Latin American and The Caribbean Forum, shares how their forum welcomes new students, "We organized an introductory session to explain how the university works, recommend courses, and introduce the services available to students. Our goal is to foster networking relations among Latin American students and promote our culture."

The Forum also offers Spanish language classes for students interested in learning the language and participates in events like the Food Festival, where students showcase their traditional cuisine.

Meanwhile, Sohel Chakma, representative of the South Asian Forum, emphasizes that the forum acts like a family, "Our main goal is to support new students even before they arrive in Korea. We provide information on cultural differences, academic challenges, and practical matters like finding necessary goods. We even have a program where graduating students donate essential items to newcomers, helping them settle in more easily."

On the other hand, Richmond Fosu, representing the African Development Forum, highlights one of their key initiatives to help new students settle in Korea, "During our welcome ceremony, we invited an immigration officer to explain the visa process and regulations. Understanding this process early on makes the transition much smoother."

Additionally, the Forum runs a mentorship program that pairs new students with experienced mentors who provide academic guidance and support. Richmond also emphasizes the value of the Study Buddy Program, which helps students facing challenges in specific courses by connecting them with peers who can assist them.

Similarly, Winda Melati, representative of the ASEAN Forum, shares how the forum is committed to fostering a strong and supportive community for students from Southeast Asia : "Our goal is to create a space where ASEAN students can engage in discussions on economic, political, and social issues while also feeling a sense of belonging. We aim to build bridges between ASEAN countries and South Korea through research, networking, and cultural events."

To welcome new students, the Forum organized a Welcoming Ceremony, led by Winda and representatives from Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia:. "We wanted the event to be fun, interactive, and stress-free. We introduced the forum, played team-based games to encourage bonding, and gave students a chance to connect in a relaxed setting."

Tips for Making the Most of Your KDIS Experience

Aside from joining a Regional Forum, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience at KDI School:

1. Take Advantage of Academic Resources

- The Students and Academic Affairs Ooffices help students understand scholarship requirements and administrative matters.

- The Writing Center supports students with academic writing and research.

- The Data Center assists in programming and statistical analysis.

- The KDI School Llibrary provides numerous resourcesferences that will be useful for your  studies.

2. Get Involved in Student Activities

- Participate in workshops and monthly seminars to enhance your learning.

- Don’t miss major events like the Talent Show, Sports Day, and Food Festival, which promote cultural exchange and community bonding.

- Join clubs and thematic forums like the Human Rights Forum or Women Leaders Forum.

3. Adapt to Life in Korea

- Learn basic Korean phrases to make daily life easier.

- Explore the country. Traveling and experiencing Korean culture will enrich your time here.

- Use the Human Rights Center if you need support for mental health and well-being.

A New Student’s Perspective

Adjusting to life in a new country is never easy, but having the right support can make all the difference. Harshanisha from India describes her first impressions of KDI School as a place where technology and efficiency define everyday life, "coming from India, I was amazed by the calm and organized environment. The level of automation in KDI School is incredible!"

Despite initial challenges, such as cultural differences and language barriers, she found comfort in the South Asian Forum. The forum helped her adapt by guiding her in everything from academics to where to find familiar groceries.

For Harshanisha, one of the biggest takeaways from her experience so far is the importance of connection. She believes that simple interactions can make a huge impact, "A little more conversation and engagement could go a long way in making newcomers feel more connected."

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Time at KDI School

Starting a new chapter at KDI School is an exciting yet challenging experience. Beyond academics, it is an opportunity to build lifelong connections, embrace different cultures, and grow both personally and professionally. The Regional Forums play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where students can find guidance, friendship, and a sense of belonging. At KDI School, you are never alone. The connections you build here will last a lifetime. So, whether it’s through a Regional Forum, a student club, or a simple conversation, make the most of your time at KDI School. Your journey here is just beginning, make it an unforgettable one!