For MPM Spring 2025 student Abdulhameed Olatunji Bankole, every day at KDI School is filled with excitement, learning, fun, and unforgettable experiences. But among all the special moments he has shared with us, the one that stands out the most is the day he learned his first Korean word.

This special moment took place in the Korean Language and Culture class. From the very start, Abdulhameed was captivated by the lecturer’s teaching style. "Her strong understanding and teaching prowess blew me away. She teaches so well," he recalled. Watching her seamlessly switch between English and Korean fascinated him and fueled his eagerness to learn more. 

Beyond the teaching itself, the classroom environment made the experience even more special. Sitting among fellow students, all equally excited to learn, created a shared sense of enthusiasm. "Being in the midst of fellow learners of the language was self-fulfilling," he shared. He listened closely as the lecturer carefully pronounced each Korean word, ensuring everyone grasped the correct pronunciation. "I loved it," he added.

But the class wasn’t just about language, it was an introduction to Korean culture as well. Abdulhameed learned about Korean food etiquette, including how the placement of dishes in a traditional meal carries meaning. "I learned how placing the main meal in the traditional Korean dish incorrectly (say from right to left) could mean something negative," he said. Fascinated by these cultural insights, he eagerly documented the experience, snapping photos and recording videos to share with his family back in Nigeria.

The Highlight of the Day

Then came the moment that would make the day unforgettable. The lecturer suddenly called on him to pronounce a Korean word in front of the class. Without hesitation, he confidently said, “Joayo” (좋아요), which means "Sounds good." To his delight, the lecturer praised his pronunciation. That small moment of encouragement left a lasting impact. "Given the lecturer's commendation on my pronunciation of the word, I went on for about two weeks saying ‘Joayo’ at every given instance," he admitted with a laugh.

This experience is just one example of how KDI School provides its students with more than just academic knowledge. The Korean Language and Culture class offers international students a gateway to understanding the country they now call home. By learning the language and customs, students not only gain new linguistic skills but also build deeper connections and understanding of Korean culture.

For Abdulhameed, that simple word "Joayo" became more than just vocabulary. It became a symbol of joy, confidence, and a core memory at KDI School. "The memories of that day will forever linger in my heart, and I will keep telling the story because, truly, 좋아요."