The Chonnam Tribune has published this page to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed new international students about starting fresh to study abroad and what they look forward to during their university lives. We could listen to voices of students from various nations and majoring in diverse fields. -Ed.

Q: Why did you choose to study mechanical engineering as your major?
A: My dad works as a mechanic at the airport, so I was familiar with this field since I was young. I was thinking to major either in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, however, electrical engineering seemed too profound, so mechanical engineering was my choice. I am especially looking forward to learning about engineering related to aircraft and energy.

Q: What do you want to tell the students preparing to study abroad?
A: It is important to be open-minded about new cultures. When we have conversations with students from different cultures, they all have different religions and thoughts, so understanding the difference is essential. And as a small tip, prepare all the necessary documents you need before coming abroad so that you do not have to go back to your home country to bring missing documents.

Q: What are you looking forward this year in 2024?
A: I was too focused on learning Korean language last year that I did not visit many places around Korea. But I saw many of my friends touring Korea and it seemed so nice. Therefore, this year I am planning to tour Korea. I really want to visit Jeju Island and take a look at all those dolhareubangs, or traditional stone grandfathers.

By Han Seung-hwan, Editor