Bobby D. Gerardo, Ph. D. Student
School
of Electronic and Information Engineering
Kunsan National University
Our first visit in Kunsan National University campus was in March 2001 when Prof. Jae Jeong Hwang and Prof. Jae Wan Lee invited three Filipinos to visit the school. Both Professors were our instructors in the Training on “Advanced Technology on Computer Science for ASEAN Countries” held on March 27-May 15, 2001 at the Kunsan Vocational Training Institute which was sponsored by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Korea Chamber of Commerce. It was unplanned visits because we were unexpectedly invited to go to KSNU after one of the sessions of the training. We visited offices at the College of Engineering and returned to our quarters, and have had no time to roam around the campus. With my short stay in Kunsan, I learned so many things especially the Korean society and its people with blissful memoir of its amazing culture.
My second visit to the KSNU was in September 15, 2003 in which I would probably stay longer at this time, around three years to complete my degree and will return to my school in Philippines to teach again. This was possible due to the International collaboration which was agreed upon by the KSNU and my school, West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City, Philippines, through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Presidents of the schools. The understanding between the two universities was conceptualized when a group from KSNU composed of 11students and accompanied by Professor Jae Wan Lee visited WVSU in the second week of January 2003 to study English lessons at the WVSU Language Center. Through the initiative of Prof. Jae Wan Lee and Mr. Kyu Tae Rhie, KSNU Coordinator for International Program, the MOU was put in placed in July 31, 2003. The MOU will give opportunities for Faculty and students exchanges and as well as collaboration in research and training.
Kunsan National University, Main Gate
I am grateful to the faculty of the College of Engineering for an amiable welcome when I joined the School of Electronic and Information Engineering for my Ph. D. degree last September 15, 2003. My supervisor at the Distributed System laboratory, Professor Jae Wan Lee is undoubtedly ready to lend a hand anytime if I encountered problems while staying in Korea. My Professors and the supportive department Chairman, the School of Electronic and Information Dean, and the Dean of Engineering made my stay at the college as comfortable and meaningful as they could. Occasionally, I am joining some of the professors to take meals so that I would learn about them and their area of interests.
Administration Building
The university is terrific! The edifices and equipment for instructional purposes are relatively acclimatized to hone learning process of the students. The campus glimmered by the ornamental and colorful tress that flourish during autumn are pleasing to the eyes which provide better academic atmosphere. Sometimes I am taking a walk while sipping with my cup of coffee to leer around especially from my college to the student center.
Inside the campus
Excellence and innovation in teachings of the highly competent professors adheres to the university missions that sharpen students to be globally competitive physically, socially and intellectually. The presence of contemporary IT equipment and productivity software for the university community makes the school globally reachable and offer efficient services to the students.
Gaining friends had become part of my habit in the school. I would most likely akin to learn more friends. I have met several buddies in academic, religious and sports endeavors. My closed allies in the laboratory like Mingi, Subong, Jaeseon, and Sung Chul have become my good friends; they invited me to participate in playing soccer every Friday and in other prolific activities. Our week could not be wholesome if we skip our favorite sports. Koreans enjoy much the games and so I am that patronize also the same sports.
Pibimpap, popular Chonbuk rice with vegtables food
Among Korean foods, I like Bibimpap and Pulgogi sangchussam but I like most the former, no wonder, it is the province favorite food also. I could still remember the funny experienced I had in my first visit in 2001. Astonishing, the typical Korean table was served with lots of colorful and decorative side dishes, I thought that all would ensemble my appetite but only one dish suited my taste –it was the Pajon. All throughout, I finished the course with that single dish. It is not hard to adjust to Korean foods. Recently, I learned to eat Kimchi and other native and spicy foods.
The young generations have preserved the old tradition of being respectful and hospitable. The sensible traits demonstrated by juveniles are apparent everywhere despite the influence of the western culture which I perceived them to express good values inherited from the old generations. I wish I could stay beyond the allowable period of my sojourn and appreciate the splendor of Korea and it stunning culture.