KDI School has a way of bringing together the most unexpected people. That’s exactly what happened when Jonas from the Philippines met Amo from Botswana. They first met during the fall semester, when the leaves were just starting to turn golden. What began as two classmates with shared interests quickly grew into an effortless, genuine, and joyful friendship.

“Three things marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Amo and me,” Jonas shared. “A shared admiration for Professor Kim Soonhee, an almost annoying enthusiasm for learning Korean (and just about everything else), and a deep gratitude for the unique experience of living in South Korea.”

Jonas says there wasn’t one big moment that sealed their bond; it happened naturally. “It happened every time we simultaneously raised our hands to share our thoughts in class, stressed over learning how to count, talk about prices, and tell time in Hangeul, or took a short walk to clear our heads and destress.” These small, everyday moments built a trust and warmth that transcended differences in their backgrounds and personalities.

Jonas shares that one of the things he admires most about Amo is her genuine kindness. “She is the friendliest person in KDI School. She greets everybody with the biggest smile and a genuine ‘how are you?’ I’m in awe every time I see her have these sincere encounters with her friends. I think her kindness towards others is her greatest trait. It’s one that I deeply admire and hope to emulate.”

Their friendship even comes with its own little tradition. After every semester, the two take photos beside the row of trees near Building 102. Coming from countries without four distinct seasons, they find joy in watching the trees transform. Each picture marking not just the change in nature, but also the passage of time they’ve shared in Korea.

Of course, life as international students isn’t always easy, but their friendship has been a steady source of support through the challenges. Jonas recalls the dreaded day they finally enrolled in Quantitative Methods, both having postponed it until their second semester. “We both struggled to keep up with the material and how easily and quickly our classmates were progressing. But we pushed through by constantly checking in on each other, exchanging encouragements, and doing our best.” 

Now, as graduation approaches, the reality of distance is setting in. “Botswana and the Philippines could not be farther apart. While it pains me to say goodbye to Amo, I’m confident that we’ll stay in touch through WhatsApp and Instagram. I’m excited to hear about all the wonderful things she’ll be able to achieve after leaving KDI School.”

At KDI School, friendships like Amo and Jonas’s are part of what makes the experience so special. People arrive from all corners of the globe, facing the challenges of being far from home and adapting to a new culture. Along the way, they find support in each other like a second family. Through the ups and downs of international student life, friendships like this become a source of strength, comfort, and unforgettable memories.

This friendship is a reminder that the best parts of grad school are not always found in the classroom. Sometimes, they are in the person sitting next to you holding two scoops of ice cream, laughing at your terrible Korean, and suggesting a karaoke session right after. And that’s something worth celebrating.