I am surprised whenever I walk around the campus. That is the case when everyone, excluding me, is speaking another language or the person I asked in Korean turned out to be an international student who could not speak in Korean, although I thought that such person was Korean. I think many Kookminians also have a similar experience. For the past several years, many exchange students have been studying with us. Among those international students, the exchange students from China account for the highest number in the international students.

What made the Chinese exchange students come to Korea and what are their thoughts? Also, what do Chinese students think of studying in Korea? Having such questions in mind, I interviewed Xin Huaxianzi (23) who is studying business administration and Zhang Hui Fang (24) from ceramic arts.

1. What is the reason behind your decision to study in Korea and why did you choose Kookmin University?
   
   Xin Huaxianzi : I came to Korea to learn Korean. In China, a person who can speak a second language apart from English is highly preferred. I was seriously concerned as to where should I go, and so I decided to study in Kookmin University as my father's friend introduced me here. At first, I thought Kookmin University was the top university in Korea because of its name since the word 'Kookmin (People)' is used as favorable term while the use of the word 'Korea' is just understood as Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, and Kyunghee University. Despite all the misconceptions, I think Kookmin University is nice based on my experience in this campus.
   
   Zhang Hui Fang : In general, most students are the ones who could have a chance to study, so to speak exchange students. For me, I happened to arrive to Korea as an exchange student and at that time I learned about the Korean language. I did not want to forget Korean so I entered the graduate school in Kookmin University again. Before coming to Kookmin University, I went to a school of traditional culture in Buyeo and my senior from that school introduced me to Kookmin University. So I took the test and successfully entered the graduate school.
   
   
2. How would you compare the campus life in China and Korea?
   
   Xin Huaxianzi : In China, the junior-senior relationship is not that strict as compared to the practice in Korea. We just call each others' names and do not care about manner when drinking. Also, the living expense in China is slightly cheaper and the rest seems to be the same. Zhang Hui Fang : In China, schools close at 11p.m. Since most schools have dormitories, the students wake up at 6:30a.m. and they do the morning exercise together. Most notably, the test of physical education is very important when it comes to the campus life since it is connected to our health. Apart from the campus life, people go home directly after work and extra money is paid for additional work. But I think Korea is not like that. Also in China, the importance of license and foreign language is stressed but the importance of such things is stressed even more in Korea.
   
   
3. What are the things that make your life difficult and happy while studying in Kookmin University?
   
   Xin Huaxianzi : I am so glad to have a friend like Hui Fang, who is sitting next to me, and I appreciate everyone including Global Buddy friends, club members, and the professors who helped me manage my life in Kookmin University. I had a hard time as I was not able to speak the Korean language when I first came to Korea. I did not understand the lecture and assignments given by the professors. During that time, I cried a lot. Also, I was scolded many times since I could not understand the junior-senior relationship. We just pour drinks in China, but I was really scolded by my senior when I poured a drink with one hand. Fortunately, I can speak Korean fairly well so I was able to effectively manage my lectures. However, I tend to avoid a drinking gathering.
   
   Zhang Hui Fang : I feel sorry for causing a lot of troubles to many people since I could not understand the lectures. At first, I asked once or twice but later, I asked excessively, causing my classmate to feel mad. I felt really sorry at that time. There was a time when I had to translate a report written in Chinese into Korean, but I was unable to submit my report since there is no program that can produce a perfect translation. I think there were so many hardships in my campus life. But there were also happy moments. One of them was the time when I witnessed the presidential election and the torch-relay in the Olympics. Also, I was happy to spend a week in Jeju Island. As a person who loves to travel, I felt very happy whenever I travel around Korea.
   
   
4. What is your resolution for the further study in Kookmin University?
   
   Xin Huaxianzi : I think my Korean is still not good enough. So I will diligently study Korean and then the English language later. Given the opportunity, I also want to study in the graduate school of Kookmin University. My dream is to work in a trading company related to Korea and China.
   
   Zhang Hui Fang : I am going back to China next February so I want to travel a lot if I have the time. I love traveling after working hard. Also, I want to achieve a good score in KPT. Ah! I have to present my dissertation and hope that it will turn out to be excellent.