Kookmin University that reaches higher and wider to the world!
Kookmin University attracts the students from all over the world!

Among the people in 190 countries in the world, who visit Kookmin University? We have met other Kookminians (People of Kookmin University) from Japan, China, and America starting with a question 'what do they feel and think after coming to Kookmin University and Korea that has a different culture and language from their own countries?' Having met the students from all over the world, the existence of various cultures and people was truly realized by meeting the students with different backgrounds while conceptualizing the idea to take a step towards the wider world.

Kookminian! Hoping you to reach higher and wider along with the cosmopolitans, the special report on will be concluded with the interview of the students from Russia that is the biggest nation with limitless development potential (Artem , Alina < Hereinafter called Al>, and Mika < Hereinafter called Mi> from School of International & Area Studies.

1. How is Korea understood in Russia?
   
   Al, Mi: Russians think that the life standard in Korea is very high. Recently, Russia and Korea became very close in terms of business relationship. Maybe that is the reason why we can often see Korean businesses in Russian streets. There are Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, and Lotte Department Store. Also, there has been many exchange students in Russia as well.
   
   Do Russians think that Korean students are polite? Yes, they think the Korean students are polite. It is because of the cultural difference, but I think they have such a good image as Koreans respect the elders by using polite expressions or speaking in a respectful manner when addressing the elders.
   
   Ar: I personally knew about Korea through the h istory class in my middle school and I do know that there was a war between South and North Korea in the 1950s. Also, I have a friend who is Goryeo-in (Korean-Russian) so I was able to hear a lot about Korea from him, even eating a dog, using chopsticks and a spoon for a meal, and showing respect to our parents by using the polite form when speaking. I was very impressed when I heard how Koreans show respect to their parents.
   
   
2. How would you compare the campus life in Russia and Korea?
   
   Al, Mi: The university where we studied in Russia is Novosibirsk State Technical University and we majored in East Asian Studies. In general, the universities in Korea are well built in the modern style compared to those in Russia as Korean universities are equipped with a lot of high-tech facilities. The campus is also well harmonized with nature. Also in case of students, the campus life and personality are similar. However, I think that the Russian students like to play more compared to the Korean students.
   
   
3. How did you learn about Kookmin University while searching for universities in Korea and what is the reason for your application here?
   
   Ar: Actually, I graduated from a high school in Korea so when I applied a university, I chose Seoul National University, Seoul National University of Technology, and Kookmin University. I went to all three universities, even though it would be hard for me to study if I went to Seoul National University. Frankly, I had a hard time studying during my high school days in Korea so I wanted to have some spare time for my advanced study in the university. I eventually chose Kookmin University because Seoul National University of Technology seemed to focus too much on the department of engineering.
   
   Al, Mi: There were only Daegu University and Kookmin University that had a sisterhood relationship for the exchange student program. So I seriously thought about where to study and finally chose Kookmin University that is located in Seoul, the capital of Korea.
   
   
4. What is your first impression when you first visited Kookmin University?
   
   I don't know the reason, but I loved it the first time I came here. Many Korean students and professors were very kind, and I loved the campus and dorm. And although I learned about it sometime later, I also came to love Soju as well.
   
   
5. Tell us about something fun or difficult in your campus life.
   
   Ar: The study is difficult since I am a foreign student. Sometimes, I don't understand the lecture and have a hard time coping whenever I have to submit a report or prepare a presentation. There was even a time when I couldn't understand the questions in the exam. Especially when there are Chinese characters, I have no idea what the question says.
   
   Nevertheless, I think that there are more good things than bad things. My favorite thing is there are always some people who can help me whenever I'm in trouble. I ask my friends if I cannot understand the lecture. I am so thankful for their kindness. Also, the professors! I really love them. They give fun lectures as well as interesting assignments.
   
   Al, Mi: It's been almost 2 weeks since I came to Korea, so I am still nervous in everything I do. I still find everything here as new. One interesting experience is the photoshoot that I had for the promotion of the school and it was my first experience since coming to Korea. I hope to have more interesting and exciting experiences from now on as well. I haven't had any difficult moment until now.
   
   
6. What would you like to achieve in Kookmin University?
   
   Ar: I am currently learning about international relations, but I also want to learn economics, business administration, psychology, and law. That's why I often worry about the way on how to learn all those areas. Also, I will diligently study the Korean language to become a person who can connect Russia and Korea.
   
   Al, Mi: I don't know how I am going to manage my life in Korea since I just came here, but I want to have a good relationship with the Korean students. I am expecting to have some exciting and interesting experiences in my life here in Korea. Of course, I will study hard as I am in Kookmin University.
   
   

Are you afraid of a foreigner from deep inside of your mind? Do you feel uncomfortable when a foreigner speaks to you? Let's take a step towards them. It's easy because they are also willing to have a friend and learn about the Korean culture. I am sure you can make many foreign friends in the campus without going abroad. I expect you to be one with the global network and to pay attention to the international students studying in the campus of Kookmin University.