2016.01.12

Time of Discovery at KDI School in the New Government City

Yusuke Kimura, Development Policy Program

     As a CAMPUS Asia exchange student, I stayed and studied at the KDI School for its fall term. It was my first time studying abroad for a long period. My life both at the dormitory and the school was filled with many experiences; it was sometimes tough being frustrated without Japanese language or fellow friends, and sometimes wonderful and interesting.

Korean Language Class

     I took three courses: “Urban Transportation Policy”, which consisted of lectures and discussions regarding overall railway and road transportation policies in the U.S. and Korea, “Government Public Relations”, where students discussed how the governments collected information in designing policies to meet citizens’ expectations and how the governments implemented policies, and “Korean Language and Culture 1”, from which students learned basic Korean language as well as Korea’s history and culture.  These lectures were delivered with students’ active involvement and input so that they could share “Commonsense” and “Style” that students with different backgrounds–from Asian and Latin-American countries–had. It was a very good opportunity for me to see anew about Japan.  Although the KDI School is a Korean university, the population of Korean students was smaller than that of international students. Discussions were conducted based on the materials and data provided by international organizations such as the UN, the OECD, etc.  I learned to analyze Japan and its related issues in the context of the globalizing society.

Policy Dicussions over Highway Service Plazas

     In extracurricular activities, I tried comparing Korea and Japan through the lens of their transportation infrastructures.  I often travelled through the expressway between Seoul and Sejong City, where KDI School is located, and found a lane exclusive for express busses, while we have no such a special lane in the Japanese expressways.  I was impressed by the comforts and convenience thanks to the special lane that enabled punctual and smooth traffic.  In addition, I learned much about the Korean expressways system and its service plaza, with the help by the Korea Transport Institute.  I frequently used the express railway KTX and the local busses travelling across Sejong City to learn their operations and contributions.

     In this 3-month time, which was short but intensive, I acquired a global viewpoint at the KDIS courses, while coming into contact with diverse social backgrounds that my fellow students had, such as customs, foods, and so on in the dormitory.  Being engaged in the field of transportation system development and management at home, it was an especially precious opportunity to be able to stay in Sejong City, which is in the middle of developing and growing.  I think I made the most of each and every opportunity.