My Second Home
 
By Rigoberto Banta Jr., Student Editor
 
Nop Sophea Donang, known to most of his friends a Donang, is a Cambodian alumnus of Chonnam National University (CNU) under the Korean Government Scholarship Program. He entered Korea in 2007 and graduated with flying colors from the College of Business Administration in February this year. He is currently employed at LG Electronics, Seoul, having been recruited right after graduation.
Without prior knowledge of Korea and only an invitation from his scholarship institution back home, Korea was such huge mystery for Donang. The language barrier was the hardest thing for him. Speaking, learning and getting used to the language were something that he needed to overcome. His two best Korean friends helped him all the way, together with his Cambodian peers, and encouraged him to strive to achieve to his goal.
“I do not have a role model,” Donang says, “it’s a bit shameful to say but I look up to myself.” Donang’s self-confidence proved to be a tool for him to survive the everyday toils of being an international student in CNU. He aspires to be a successful businessman and CEO one day. Due to his perseverance Donang stood out amongst his peers, not only academically, but in extracurricular activities as well. He established his own dance club and gained the name ‘Cool Donang’ amongst the people who knew him at CNU. This provided him the confidence that he needed for his school life in CNU. He was also the secretary-general of the Cambodian Student Association of CNU when he was still studying. Even in his young age his passion and determination to succeed was felt.
“CNU is like a second home for me,” Donang said while explaining his gratitude towards his alma mater. He suggests that every foreign student who goes through the gates of CNU should learn the language and culture prior to entering university as it will be a big help in adjusting to life in Korea and at CNU.
저작권자 © Chonnam Tribune 무단전재 및 재배포 금지