Our school has been setting up a sisterhood relationship with 151 schools from twenty-seven different countries worldwide, and doing various interchange programs such as international students, double degree, and visiting students. It’s quite a big scale program that Kookmin University is planning in order to train its students as a global citizens in the 21st century. Thirty-four schools out of the 151 schools are from the U.S. and others are from China, Japan, Russia, UK and various other countries. There are many international students in Kookmin University at this time, and we met some blonde girls from Russia. Let’s go talk to them!

Q. You are pretty good at speaking Korean; how did you choose Korean as your major?
S) My father recommended me to learn Korean. He pointed out East Asia to me, especially Korea because it has a good future. So he figured it would be helpful to know the language for many areas. That’s why I learn Korean. I’m satisfied with learning Korean even though it’s very difficult for me.
D) After graduating, I want to get a diplomatic job that will connect Korea and Russia, so I will have to study hard in order to do that.
Q. What did you think when you first came to Kookmin University?
I) The campus was beautiful. The location of the school, which was surrounded by mountains was a bit awkward, though there were many flowers and trees. Those made me so happy, especially when the cherry blossoms bloomed; it was beautiful!!
L) I also think the campus is beautiful. I’m familiar with Bugak Hall, which resembles some buildings in Russia.
Q. How is your school life?
S) It is great. Especially, the professors take good care of us and many of our friends also support us so I really appreciate it.
D) She is right. Korean people were kinder than I had expected. Even though we are foreigners, they explained many things in detail and helped us.
Q. We don’t think that the school life here would be easy for you. What’s the hardest thing in your school life?
L) Classes are pretty hard, but especially preparing for presentations is the most difficult. It’s not easy to do presentations in Korean in front of many people.
I) I also did a presentation a few days ago. It was very hard to prepare for it. I did well though because one of my Korean friends helped me.

Q How are your Korean friends?
D) As I told you before, they are really kind. However, they are curious about another’s private life unlike us. Actually, we got embarrassed getting asked questions about age and dating when we first meet.
S) I think Korean friends are so funny. I especially like many of the games they play when they are drinking. We don't play games while we are drinking in Russia, but doing this is very interesting for me.
Q. Did you go to many good places in Seoul with your friends?
S) I went to a festival of cherry blooms at Yeouido. It was really crowded but I was very happy to see those beautiful flowers. Another place I also went to is Coex. They had everything there, which was impressive.
I) What is the most memorable place in Korea? Gyeongbok-gung, although it is just a building, is especially representative of the beauty of Korea. When I just sit down and see the palaces, I feel very comfortable and think that I am really in Korea.
Q. Is eating Korean food okay?
L) I really like Korea food. I usually eat at school. It’s so delicious. I was worried about my diet when I first came to Korea, but it is okay. I’m actually 100 percent satisfied with Korean food.
I) So am I. It’s already been two months since I came here. Time flies. I would like to spend the rest of the time here happily.

Q. What does Kookmin University mean to you?
I) I would like to say that Kookmin University gives a great chance for you to have good experience and memories for life. I also want to keep in touch with the people I met here.
L) I am happy with Kookmin University. I’m so happy right now. I felt so many things by knowing professors and getting along with friends. I will always have good feelings about things I did here.
Q. Could you give us a final word?
D) I’m really thankful to my friends at Kookmin. What I would like to request is to respect other cultures. Sometimes, I get embarrassed about it, although not feeling bad. We understand this happening because it happens from a cultural difference. However, we want them to respect us as much as we do to them.
S) I really appreciate all of my friends because I wouldn't have adapted to living here without receiving help from them. I wish I could stay here for a longer period of time. I will come back here again later though.