국제교류처

KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea?

My biggest challenge was adjusting to the language barrier and fast-paced communication. Daily tasks like visiting offices or understanding announcements were difficult at first. However, I learned to adapt by studying Korean and asking for help from friends and professors. Over time, these experiences helped me become more independent and confident.

Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life?

KNU is very special to me because it was where I truly grew as a student and researcher. It gave me the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors and meet students from different countries. My experiences there built my confidence to pursue research and teaching. KNU will always be a place that reminds me of growth, resilience, and friendship.

Q3.   What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully?

This year, I hope to continue working on research projects and publishing more papers with my professors from KNU, SNU and from other universities. I also want to gain more teaching experiences on how to improve science approaches. Another goal is to strengthen my academic network and collaborate internationally. These will help me prepare for my future PhD journey.

Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? 

Be open-minded and ready to step out of your comfort zone. Studying in Korea is not just about academics but also about learning new ways of thinking and living. It’s important to embrace cultural differences and build good relationships with people around you. These experiences will make your journey more meaningful and memorable.

Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea?

While staying in Korea, I developed the habit of journaling and spending quiet time in cafes to reflect and plan my work. I also enjoy visiting new places and trying local foods, which helps me understand Korean culture better. These small routines have helped me balance my academic life and personal well-being. They also allow me to stay motivated and grateful for my experiences here. Also, I was able to showcase my hobby in dancing through performing with other international students in some events.

Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Philippines? 

Yes, one meaningful experience was seeing how much Koreans value teamwork and punctuality in both school and daily life. It’s quite different from what I was used to in the Philippines, where communication tends to be more relaxed. Learning this helped me become more organized and respectful of others’ time. It also made me reflect on the strengths of both cultures.