Do you know about the “The Buddy-Buddy Program” offered through the office of international affairs?

 

It is a volunteer group of international governments that supports early adaptation of foreign students to college life.

 

The Buddy-Buddy program facilitates various events related to foreign students to develop students' global capabilities and form diverse international human networks. The Buddy-Buddy program, which recruits students every semester, offers a great opportunity to meet friends from various countries and become friends together.

 

We had a pleasant conversation with two teams currently in the Buddy-Buddy program.

 

<Interviewer> Hye-Min Shin

<Interviewees>

Team (A): Judith Luna, Briana T. Butler, Hae-In Lee, Jin-Yeong Choi

Team (B): Batkhulan, Burentugs

 

Team (A): Judith Luna, Briana T. Butler, Hae-In Lee, Jin-Yeong Choi

Team (B): Batkhulan, Burentugs and I

 

Q1. Please introduce yourself.

(A)

Hello. I'm Judith, an exchange student majoring in international studies from the U. S. A .

Hi. I’m Briana, an exchange student majoring in international studies from the U. S. A, too.

Hello. I'm Hae-In Lee, and I major in English education.

Hi. I'm Jin-Yeong Choi, major in French.

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(B)

Hello. I'm Batkhulan from Mongolia, I’m studying Korean in the Language Institute. I’ve been studying for about 6 months.

Hi. I'm Burentugs from Mongolia, I'm just like her.

 

Q2. How did you find out about ‘The Buddy-Buddy Program’ ?

(A)

Judith: From teachers.

Briana: Me too. I’m the same with Judith.

Hae-In: It was recommended by my friend.

Jin-Yeong: From my senior’s recommendation.

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(B)

Batkhulan: My Korean teacher talked about this program.

Burentugs: My Korean teacher said, “Anyone who wants to apply, please.”

 

Q3. Why do you join this program?

(A)

Judith: I want to meet Korean students and experience Korean culture with them.

Briana: It is the first time to join this program. I want to have lots of experiences with Korean students.

Hae-In: I don’t have a big goal in this program. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be to help me prepare for when I get a job abroad. And I like to meet a variety friends. Also, this program helps international students with their school life. So, I joined.

Jin-Yeong: I want to know about the cultures of the international students. This program will be help for understand other cultures.

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(B)

Batkhulan: I wanted to speak Korean well, and make Korean friends, so I joined this program.

Burentugs: I wanted to talk with my Korean friend in Korean and have a good time together.

 

Q4. How often do you get together?

On behalf of (A) – Hae-In:

We are trying to meet once a week on Wednesday. I think the more often we meet, the better.

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On behalf of (B) – Batkhulan:

We usually meet on time. I don't know how many times we will meet.

 

Q5. What activities have you done? Could you tell me some of things you have done?

On behalf on (A) – Hae-In:

We mainly help international friends with their assignments and talk about their everyday lives. Thanks to the help of Jin-young, we met another buddy team who are Japanese. It is the most memorable experience for us since we are talking about culture and school life together.

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(B)

Batkhulan: We usually talk in Korean. I remember my birthday when my Buddy friend Hye-Min gave me a present. I was able to say thank you for the gift.

Burentugs: We usually talk a lot. And it is the best experience with four of our team members eating together. It was so good and fun.

 

Buddy-Buddy Experience Korean Culture's Day in Team (A)

 

Q6. If this program opens next time, do you want to join again? Why?

(A)

Judith: I like this program, but I can’t do it again because I have to go back to the USA.

Briana: I think this is a useful program for students.

Hae-In: If I’m not busy, I want to try.

Jin-Yeong: Of course. I want to.

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(B)

Batkhulan: If I have time, I want to participate in the program again.

Burentugs: I want to do it again.

 

Q7. Please recommend some tips for joining this program

(A)

Judith: Try to be open minded and don’t be shy.

Briana: Open minded!

Hae-In: Even if you are forced to do so, make sure that you and your team meet regularly.

Jin-Yeong: Make your own reasons. I hope you will freely accept other cultures

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(B)

Batkhulan: It is so nice to be close to my Korean friend. Glad to meet you, Hye-Min.

Burentugs: You can learn Korean by talking with your friends. Don't worry.

 

Buddy-Buddy Experience Korean Culture's Day in Team (B)

 

Q8. What would you like to say to DU students?

(A)

Judith: Come on. Don’t worry.

Briana: Go For It!

Hae-In: Just like making Korean friends, I think it's a good chance to make international friends. Apply if you have a passion to work hard. And I hope the school will create an opportunity to interact with other buddies.

Jin-Yeong: I applied for an English pass, but I recommend it because I was worried about my confidence and ability when I spoke English. But I enjoyed it together. Please try the buddy program.

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(B)

Batkhulan: Through the program, international students and Korean students can get together and talk. Especially, I think it's best to be able to make friends.

Burentugs: You don't need to know Korean well. Join the program.

 

L.L.F reporter Hye-Min Shin

신혜민  helhem_@naver.com