A Study Abroad Fair that provided information about study-abroad programs and an opportunity to enjoy international cuisine was held at the Siwol Square in Pusan National University (PNU). Many students enjoyed a variety of activities.

On November 22nd, PNU International held the Study Abroad Fair and briefing session “PNU International Week” at the Siwol Square Open Space and the PNU main administration building. Information sharing between students was limited because the opportunities for overseas assignments decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the fair was held to promote overseas studies. In particular, the participation of students in the program stood out. The fair had set up booths with nine countries: Netherlands, Germany, the US, Singapore, the UK, Italy, Japan, France, and China. Students decorated each booth as operators, adding a special touch to the event. 

Booth operators comprised scholarship students, returnees from overseas programs, and students planning to go overseas. PNU International formed teams for the countries made up of students who applied in advance. Jung Soo-Jin (Dept. of International Trade, 20), who managed the UK booth, said, “Our team consists of exchange students, returnees, and those planning to go overseas and an exchange student from the UK. We had a conversation with students who are interested in the exchange program in the UK. We created games with famous British culture content, increasing engagement.”

The event also featured popular food booths, a “Food & Culture Festival.” The food booths were operated by students who had applied with a team. The booths were formed to introduce diverse countries, foods, and cultures like Malaysia, Chile, and Korea. Nuru Sara (School of Global  Studies, 21), the operator of the Malaysian food booth, said, “I prepared traditional cakes resembling Malaysian patterns and a Malaysian red pepper paste, Roti Canai and Sambal.” She added, “The response was so enthusiastic that I worked without a break from the event’s start at noon. Even though it’s a bit tiring, it’s a great opportunity to promote my country. I want to attend this event again since Malaysian culture is not well known in Korea.”

The interest in studying overseas reached every booth. Both booth operators and participating students expressed positive reactions. Kim So-Yeon (Dept. of Media & Communication, 21), who operated the booth about the US as a student planning overseas studies, said, “At first, I had many concerns. Fortunately, many students visited our booth, participated in quizzes, and asked questions, which was an enjoyable experience for me. I received questions about how to prepare for an exchange student program, what grades are required, and more. If given the opportunity, I would like to participate again next time.”

Students who attended the fair also had positive feedback. Choi Go-Eun (Dept. of Political Science and Diplomacy, 22) said, “I’ve been interested in overseas study, and I heard there would be delicious food, so I decided to participate.” Accompanying Choi, Ji Seung-Hyun (Dept. of French Language Education, 20) added, “The diversity of countries allowed me to gather a variety of information, and  local friends in the booth made the experience even more meaningful.” 

Reporter Yoon Ji-Won

Translated by Ha Chae-Won