Nine students from George Washington University (GWU), United States- one of the partners of KDIS in the Public Diplomacy Project , -and Spelman College (Atlanta, United States) visited KDI School on 28th June in a networking event hosted by the International Cooperation Division at KDI School.

The visiting students were in South Korea as participants of the GW Institute for Korean Studies (GWIKS)'s Summer Study Abroad Program. This  is an ongoing two-week exploration of Korean identities, culture, division, and reunification.

Joined by KDIS students, the event took place in Lincoln Hall. The event progressed with presentations from three KDIS students who shared their experiences studying in Korea. Covering aspects from their academic experience at KDIS to the Korean cultural experiences, the presentations offered an insightful glimpse into the life of an international student at KDIS.

Milagros Del Pilar (MDP, 2022), one of the presenters at the event, helped set the stage for the ensuing discussions by sharing her experience in Korea as a GKS scholar.

“Living in Korea as a GKS scholarship student hasn’t only been about studying but also about getting involved in Korean culture,” she shared. “There is a balance between academics and extra activities at KDIS which has enabled me to join different clubs and take leadership roles,” she added.  

The event facilitated an intimate and open conversation among the students, and they were divided into small groups consisting of a mix of KDIS and GWU students. This format enabled both KDI School and visiting students to engage deeply, ask questions, and share experiences on a more personal level with lively interactions fostering connections and broadening cultural understanding among all participants. One of the visiting students shared their thoughts on their time in Korea:

“We had some institutional visits, went to some nice cafes, and also visited DMZ. The DMZ was a memorable experience. I was kinda nervous at first but it turned out better than I expected - an exciting learning experience!”

The visiting students, representing diverse academic backgrounds including International Studies, Political Science, Economics, and Asian Studies, brought a rich tapestry of perspectives to the conversations. Their keen interest in Korean culture and society was evident throughout the discussions, showcasing a mutual enthusiasm for cross-cultural dialogue and learning.

“It was truly fantastic meeting them! I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this event and am delighted to see how much they are enjoying their time in Korea. It's incredible to hear that some of them are even planning to return next year as study abroad students," remarked a KDIS participant, reflecting on her interaction with the visiting students.

As the event concluded, participants continued their conversations over light refreshments, solidifying the connections made throughout the afternoon. The event was fruitful in deepening understanding between KDI School and its international partners and also underscored the importance of fostering global citizenship and intercultural competence among students.

Looking ahead, the International Cooperation Division at KDI School remains committed to expanding its global outreach and creating opportunities, such as this event, for meaningful cultural exchanges and academic collaboration.