By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Salwa Elzeny and Esraa Elzeny from Egypt

“Good teachers are the reason why ordinary students dream to do extraordinary things.”

Education is the main reason for a country's progress. It's the most important pillar, and that's what Korea has proved during the past 60 years, for the goodness of the community. Korea's progress began with education and gave the world a wonderful model and a unique experience in this field. Therefore, the sanctification of education in Korea is an important matter and teachers are symbols of Korean civilization.

We started to learn about this sanctification when we started learning the Korean language at the Korean Embassy in Egypt. Professor Oh, in his 50s, was always smiling and was one of the founders of the Korean language department at Alsun Ain Shams University in Cairo. He taught us how to love the Korean language, but we didn’t know that all Korean teachers were like him until we met our other teachers, Professor Lee Sun-Sok and Professor Kim Shin-Young. They were waiting for us at Incheon International Airport on our first day in Korea.

This time, we were here to learn more seriously. We had visited Korea many times, but hospitality still exists. They brought us food and water and took us to our new home.

Here in Korea, our day starts with Korean language lessons. Mr. Lee always gives us tips and fills the classroom with laughs. He teaches us in a very interesting way and we always love to listen to his words. He has told us many times that, “Now is your time, so do what you want to do. Don’t have any regrets, even if an opportunity is missed, and live your life and enjoy the opportunities. You make what you see. If your glasses are pure and clear, you will see everything pure and positive."

He is a wonderful teacher and understands all of our different ways of thinking and behaving. We are students from nine countries and from different continents, and he knows our customs. Some of us are Muslim and Mr. Lee allows us to pray in a dedicated spot on campus. There's always vegetarian food ready for our vegetarian classmates from Bhutan, and during Ramadan there are special iftar evening meals and suhoor pre-dawn meals for devout students. He cares about each and every one of us with all our day-to-day details.

After we finish Korean classes, we start classes in our majors. We are here to study web programming, taught by Mr. Kim, and we consider him as an elder brother. He is keen to make us all understand what he says and to apply it afterward. He and Mr. Lee take good care of us and always fill the place with laughs. Sometimes, we don't understand, but he doesn’t get tired at all until we understand everything properly.

We think Korean teachers are very caring and thoughtful, like Professor Lee and Professor Kim. The relationship between the teachers and students is wonderful. Thank you, to our teachers, for everything you give us or will give to us. You are wonderful. We hope to see you in Egypt in the future so that we can show you our own country, just as you have showed us Korea. We wish you all happiness and success in your future.

Thanks to all the teachers here and all around the world, and a happy Teacher's Day to you all!

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.