For many international students, the journey to KDI School begins with a dream. For Enara Khan, a Master of Development Policy student from the breathtaking Hunza Valley in Pakistan, that journey began not with a meticulously laid plan, but with a leap of faith. Today, Enara reflects on a path that she describes in a single, powerful word: “Transformative”.

The beginning was far from easy. Enara arrived in Korea feeling exhausted, nervous, and overwhelmed after her first-ever trip abroad only to find her luggage was lost at the airport. However, the cold uncertainty of those first hours melted away the moment she stepped out of the elevator at KDIS.

There, she met Sadia, a fellow student from her region. Though they were strangers then, Sadia welcomed her with immediate warmth, preparing her very first meals in Korea.

"As time passed, people around me continued to share their food, their happiness, and their everyday moments," Enara recalls. "It was these small yet meaningful acts of kindness and care that made me realize KDIS had truly become my second home".

While the community provided comfort, the classroom provided a healthy challenge. Coming from a non-technical background, Enara found herself diving into Data Science which is a requirement for her scholarship that pushed her far beyond her previous academic experiences.

Despite the "extra effort" required, she embraced the challenge with a growth mindset, noting that "real learning often begins outside our comfort zone". This academic rigor is balanced by the diverse perspectives of her peers, professionals and policymakers from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. In the halls of KDIS, every conversation is a lesson in global problem-solving.

Enara’s contribution to campus life is just as impactful as her academic pursuits. As a Representative for the Women’s Leaders Forum, she finds deep fulfillment in organizing events that foster meaningful dialogue among students. Whether it is celebrating Culture Day or participating in the Home Visiting Program, she has sought every opportunity to bridge the gap between different worlds.

"It was a beautiful experience to see everyone share a part of who they are, through traditional clothing, food, music, and stories from home," she says of the cultural celebrations. "The campus felt alive with warmth, pride, and mutual respect".

Beyond the campus activities and classroom discussions, Enara is focused on how these experiences will translate into her professional life. She credits the exposure to real-world policy discussions and the international environment with strengthening her confidence and broadening her outlook. This journey has not only provided her with technical skills but has also shaped her into a more independent and self-aware individual, ready to contribute effectively and responsibly to her future career.

Looking back on her journey, Enara sees a person who has grown more confident. To those considering KDI School, her advice is simple yet profound:

"KDIS is not only an academic institution, but also a space for personal growth... The more you engage with the community, the more meaningful and rewarding your experience will be".

As our conversation came to a close, it was clear that for Enara, the most rewarding part of this journey wasn't just the degree, but the profound sense of belonging she found thousands of miles away from home.