The Gazette interviewed Richard Basilisco, a Keimyung foreign student from the Philippines and asked him about life at Keimyung and in Korea. Richard is taking a master's degree course (Global Master of Business Administration - GMBA) at Keimyung.

1. Could you introduce yourself?
Mabuhay (hello in the Philippines)! My name is Richard Basilisco from Cebu City, Philippines. I'm a Keimyung student and I first came to Korea in September, 2003. I finished my major study in Korean Studies. Now, I'm in a master's degree program: Global Master of Business Administration (GMBA).

2. Why did you choose to study Korea, and why in KMU?
When I was in high school, I was always interested in Korean history, aside from Philippine history. I got information about Korea through history books, Korean dramas, or Korean friends as many other Philippines did. Through those processes, I felt a strong motivation to know more about Korea. Coincidentally, when one of my Korean friends showed me a letter of invitation from Keimyung University's Department of Korean Studies-which was a new department and was collecting foreign students who were to study Korean culture, history, tradition, and language-I really wanted to take the opportunity. After that, I sent my written application and all my other credentials to Keimyung University. In response to my application, they accepted me and granted me four years' study in Keimyung. The first impression I got from Keimyung was the huge scale of the campus and the campus was so beautiful. Even up to now, I'm enchanted with the beautiful campus and its superb construction design, and I really enjoy taking a walk here.

3. Are you doing any extracurricular activities in Keimyung or in Korea? If so, what kind of activities are they, and why do you do them?
Yes, I did some extracurricular activities and up to now I'm still doing them. I joined a volunteer group and went to an orphanage and cared for the children there. And for more than a year now I have worked as one of the Cultural Exchange Volunteer teachers for the Cross Cultural Awareness Program of UNESCO in Korea. My main workis to visit different schools from elementary schools, middle schools and to high schools in Daegu. I go there and teach students all about the Philippines. I really like the program and my job; I am truly fond of sharing the culture of my country with young Korean students. My enthusiasm finally led me to become an assistant coordinator of Keimyung University Cross Cultural Awareness Program in the office of International Affairs.

4. Finally, would you like to say something to Keimyung students?
I have always admired the dedication of Keimyung students to their studies, especially when I saw the library full with many students. From my point of view, Korean students are too serious about their study. It's just so sad to know such a number of students end their campus life because of the heavy burden of their study. However, I saw a lot of Keimyung students engage themselves in many different international events academically or professionally. Many times I have been asked why I came to Korea. At those times, I have always answered whenever I got chances I remember that life is full of ceaseless chances. In this reason, I want to tell Keimyung students that Keimyung has a lot of excellent international programs which can give you may chances, enabling you to experience new things. I hope you won't be afraid of changing your final dream and take as many chances as you can.