Every year, KDI School organizes two home visiting programs for international students. Faculty, staff members, and Korean students invite international students to spend time with their families and experience 2 days of Korean life. This past spring break, 23 international students participated in the program and enjoyed the experience of being a part of a Korean family. The Home Visiting Program is held during the spring and summer breaks, which are in May and August. Like other programs and activities for international students, this program aims to provide students with access to Korean history, culture and development. What sets it apart is that the Home Visiting Program grants international students the unique opportunity to become closer to Korean people, their family traditions, and cultures. We know Korea has many kinds of beauty, such as the beauty of its traditional clothes, foods, architecture, and beautiful natural scenery. During the 2 days, hospitable Korean families helped international friends discover this beauty. The program is highly popular every year, and this year was no exception. For May’s Home Visiting Program, international students applied with much enthusiasm. Once the matching was complete, 11 hosts invited 23 students to their homes. After coming back from visiting their host families, some students wrote thank you letters expressing their appreciation. Now let’s take a look at how the international students felt as they experienced the “beauty of Korea.”

Albert Soderberg (MPP, Fiji) and Jagath Dharmapala Dias Athaudage (MPP, Sri Lanka) went to Justin Kim’s (MBA, Korea) parents’ house. “We left KDI School at around 10am since Justin wanted us to go and visit the Seoul Festival. We spent the day at the Festival visiting stalls and watching cultural entertainment. The following day on Monday, Justin took us on a hike into the mountains to have a breath of fresh mountain air. We returned to a big lunch after which we took our leave of our lovely hosts. Justin then took us to view porcelain making and it was another surprise to be able to see first-hand how Korean china historically was made. We are both very grateful to Justin and his family and KDI School for enabling us to enjoy the home visiting program in a very gracious and lovely Korean home. I really appreciate their customs and cooperation.”

Mohanmed Farzan and Sanjeewa Bandukeerthi (MPP, Sri Lanka) were invited by Byung-joo Moon (MPP, Korea). “They live in an apartment with a beautiful surrounding environment. The hospitality of Mr. Moon and his wife reflected the rich Korean culture. They served us delicious Korean food and sweets. ...one of the memorable things was cycling along the Han River for about 4-5 Km on a wonderful evening, breathing fresh air. We really appreciate Mr. Moon for arranging bicycles for us. The dinner menu was delicious traditional noodles. Following dinner,Mr. Moon’s wife demonstrated to us how to make kimbab. It was a great experience as we learned how to make kimbab for ourselves. We are very much thankful to them for their kind hospitality...Thanks a lot to KDI School for arranging such a wonderful opportunity for us....”

Chen Tao (MPP,China) also enjoyed the home visit experience. “We took a trip to a mountain near the host’s apartment, had a wonderful Korean dinner with the hosts and joined a party with Mr. Han and his friends. He introduced us to many interesting places and helped me to take photos. Mr. Han was very nice to me. He and his wife considered me as their Chinese son. I spent an unforgettable day with them. Thank you to KDI School for giving me such a great opportunity.“

Daniel Lucas Machunda (MPP, Tanzania) and Orkhon Rentsendorj (MPP, Mongolia) had the chance to visit Professor Woohyun Won and Kyewoo Lee’s homes. “I went hiking, had a wonderful lunch and a pleasant chat with Professor Lee. I’d like to thank Professor Lee for his hospitality,” said Orkhon. Daniel describes that “Professor Won’s apartment was very nice and we had the opportunity to share a wonderful experience with our hosts. We really enjoyed it, though it was a short period of time.Home visiting is a good experience as it aims to consolidate positive relationships between foreign students and the Korean community.”

Although international students had different schedules, activities, and tasted different foods, it is safe to say that they shared a common experience: exposure to the glamour of traditional Korean culture, hospitality, and an unforgettable memory.

By Zhonglei LIU (2009 MBA, China)