By Honorary Reporter Seema Thomas from India
Photos = Abdul Sameed Abdulwahab

"When I first heard BTS' 'Blood Sweat and Tears' as an undergraduate, I never dreamed of studying in Korea, but here I am, sitting at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) right now." 

So said Abdul Sameed Abdulwahab, an Indian student at the school, in a Zoom interview conducted on March 19. A native of Kerala, he worked as a system engineer after graduation from college. While working, he planned to pursue graduate school at a university in Asia, and Hallyu made him favor Korea. He also began to study the Korean language on his own and achieved Level 1 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean.

He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation after applying twice for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). After his application to Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul was rejected in 2019 due to lack of experience, he prepared better the next year. KAIST, Korea's top university for science and technology, has a low acceptance rate, so after he was accepted there with the GKS and two other scholarships, he easily chose where to pursue graduate study.

Abdul Sameed Abdulwahab at Kemyung university, Daegu in Feburary 2022. This place was the shooting location for the drama "Boys over Flowers".

He moved to Korea in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Since the country was in lockdown, obtaining a visa and getting an air ticket were extremely difficult," he said. "Arriving in Incheon, I went to Busan to attend Korean-language school at Dongseo University. I was quarantined for two weeks at the university's dormitory." He learned Korean online for a year.

Life at KAIST is not easy, he said, adding, "Science dominates KAIST as it's a research-oriented school. You must learn a lot and must be proficient in math. My graduate program in business administration requires 54 credits to graduate."

Abdul Sameed Abdulwahad  at the Jamsil Stadium, Seoul. He went to "BTS permission to dance Seoul concert" on March 13.

One of the biggest changes he has undergone since moving to Korea is development of an outgoing personality. "I became more friendly, didn't hesitate to speak and eventually became the international student representative," Sameed said. "This volunteer role requires making announcements for international students so that everyone is aware of events on campus. Furthermore, I am a member of the university's official student council."

The Indian also offered advice to those considering studying in Korea. "It may seem appealing to study in the country of your (K-pop) idols, but once in Korea, you must devote a great deal of time to studying. Moreover, you'll be responsible for every aspect of your life including finances." 

He added that he feels comfortable in Korea, saying, "I've never felt like I'm in another country For me, Korea is simply home away from home."

enny0611@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.