KOREATECH is a school which constantly desires to spread its connections across the globe. Each year more and more international students from countries all over the world are drawn to KOREATECH for different reasons but under the similar goal which is to expand their knowledge and experience both academically and culturally.
In this month’s newsletter we asked two new foreign graduate students, Krzysztof Pawelec (Chris) and Rafal Paprocki, to share their unique experiences in Korea and at KOREATECH. Both of their testimonies are evidence that not just the country of Korea but KOREATECH University is the best environment to achieve their goals and continue the exciting chapter of their lives.

Hello,
My name is Chris and I am happy to share my story with you. Three years ago I worked as a software developer in my hometown, Warsaw, Poland. I tried to do new things to fight against routine in my life. That is why I decided to start learning Korean language in one of the language schools in Warsaw. Korean language was fascinating, and I wanted to know it better and better. That was when I learned about the possibility of going to Korea for a scholarship, and my dream of studying in Korea was born. When applying for a scholarship I looked for an interesting major that would work well with my educational background, computer science, and would develop my current interests of wanting to become a manager. KOREATECH was just the right school for me. Not only could I pursue a Techno MBA that would address my academic needs, but it is also located in a peaceful region, that would inspire me and help me focus on my studies.

At this point I would like to state it clearly: I have never been so happy in my life! My stay in Korea is full of challenges, and I am constantly pushed to give more effort. However, the reward and the satisfaction are immense. I admire Korean culture. I have learned a lot from many Korean friends, and I love Korean women, the “flowers of Asia”. While staying abroad, I learned a great deal about myself and about my own country. Every day feels new, it is a routine killer. Come to Korea, if you want to get inspired, and come to KOREATECH if you want to put that inspiration into good use. Good luck!
Krzysztof Pawelec

My name is Rafał Paprocki, you can call me Rafał(라팔). I came from Poland to South Korea for a PhD course in computer science and I wanted to tell you few words about my first impressions. Let’s start from the very beginning.

When I arrived to Seoul I was supposed to be picked up by Keimyung University's staff. Just imagine that - you're first time in some country, you cannot speak language, your English is rusted and English of natives has some particular accent, which needs time to get used to. No mobile phone to contact stuff, no internet, no connection with anyone you know. How would you feel? So yeah, I felt helpless like a kid and wondered if I'll ever see Poland again. Luckily I noticed a KU sign, and I had found group of newcomers who were already waiting with our guide and I started to meet the first people here.

First I was living in Daegu and I had attempted to learn Korean. All I knew about the language was only that the characters are different than the Latin alphabet and during the first few days I realized how huge the amount work that had to be done before I would even start my PhD. Every day, with some small exceptions, my friends and I had to attend 7 hours of classes. Some of us were working really hard, and focused on understanding Korean culture, some even harder, by doing endless homework all night until early the morning hours. It's enough to say that it gave me my first experiences with the Korean teaching approach, which I find to be valuable and interesting.

My whole stay in Daegu, since the very beginning until the end was very intense and full of experiences. The first days, there are especially a few instances which settled down in my memory. During my first evening in Daegu, my buddy, 박기범, invited me to dinner. That was the first time when I cried because the soup was so spicy! Before I came I thought I was used to spicy dishes, now I know that my spicy tolerance for Korean food is "almost mild".

On the third day my roommate Daeyoung was so nice that he helped me to find the closest climbing center. I started climbing 6 months before I came to Korea and I still do it now, mainly thanks to Seongseo deungban center (성서 등반 센터)'s crew. I joined the club and found them many friendly faces, which in the end of my adventure with Daegu, became like my second family. If you'll ever visit Daegu I recommend you to visit the climbing center and enjoy a healthy sport in brilliant companionship (http://cafe.daum.net/ssc7578).
What I noticed during my first stroll was how safe citizens feel in their hometown. I've seen parked cars with opened doors, scooters with keys in ignitions. Another characteristic picture are older people enjoying their time in park, just drinking a bit, dancing, playing chess; just enjoying their life and free time.
When I finished my Korean course in February this year, I had to move to Cheonan to my designated university, KOREATECH. I packed all my stuff into boxes, sent them by post, refueled my motorcycle and I went on a 220km tour. I bought my motorcycle right after I came to Korea, just for traveling. Good quality roads with beautiful sceneries didn't disappoint me this time either. The trip was full of adventures and amazing views. Sadly I cannot use highways, but I love how routes twist on slopes of hills between mountains, so I can't grumble.

I got placed in the International House dormitory and that's one of best things ever. Not only have I met amazing people from a variety of countries, but I can also work with Koreans thanks to special programs prepared by our managers, Jean and Kate. Living here is not only staying in a room, it means plenty of activities, like thematic English classes program called EAP (obligatory for all Korean residents at least once per week!). Every week we have roll call and meet together with wing mates. We have to fulfill some task and create a movie, which is rated later and best work wins a pizza! Once in a while we have field trips, parties, barbeques and much, much more. It's hard to describe how great work everyone does thanks to possibilities given by the managers. It's something I recommend every KOREATECH student to try on their own.

Two and a half months have passed since I moved into IH. That was a really intense time full of not only studying, projects and experiments but also meeting fantastic people, participating in the paragliding club and rock climbing. I'm lucky enough to enjoy my PhD here, which means 3 years more of this great adventure. Thank you, Korea, and I invite you to visit Poland!
Rafał Paprocki