The Gazette interviewed Rustam Boboev, who is studying in the Korean Language and Culture Program at the Center for International Education. Let’s hear his story about life in Keimyung University.

1. Would you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Rustam, and I’m from Tajikistan. Tajikistan is located in Central Asia. I’m 24 years old. I came to Korea in October of 2008. I belong to the Center for International Education, where I’m learning Korean. Now I’m living in the beautiful Keimyung dormitory.

2. How did you come to Keimyung University? Did you have any special reasons?
I used to study in the Korean Department of the Foreign Languages College of Tajik State Institute of Languages, where my major was Korean, so I wanted to visit the native country of my chosen language. That’s why the idea of visiting Korea and especially Keimyung appeared. During the summer of 2008, the Center for Learning Korean Language and Culture opened, and Keimyung University was part of it. The president and some professors of Keimyung attended the opening ceremony. I was deeply interested in the program, and I was lucky enough to get involved. The program basically supports students financially, and students can apply for a year of study at Keimyung to improve their language skills, visit sightseeing places, and learn more about Korean culture. I am very happy that with the help of Keimyung, our university opened such programs and more opportunities for students going abroad. With the assistance of some of our professors like Shin Nak-kyun and Choi Mi-hi, who we are proud of, I was enrolled in the Korean Language and Culture Program of Keimyung University, where I’m continuing my Korean studies.

3. Would you introduce your hometown and tell us the differences between your university in Tajikistan and Keimyung University?
My hometown is beautiful Dushanbe. A student’s life in Dushanbe is very simple and ordinary, and since I came to Korea, specifically Keimyung University, my life has been totally changed. Keimyung has a very big and beautiful campus which is ranked among the top 10 campuses around Korea. The teaching staff here in Keimyung are professionals, and they help me a lot in improving my Korean language.

4. What do you want to achieve during your stay in Korea?
Well, first of all, I want to improve my Korean, and after completing my language course, I want to apply for a master’s degree and continue my education in the Business Department here at Keimyung. After graduating from KMU, I will do my part to improve the relationship between our two countries.

5. Finally, would you say something to KMU students?
I am happy that I am one of the students in KMU, and I wish all Keimyung students all the best and success in their education, studies, and their future life. KMU is one of the best universities in Korea, and we can make it proud of us. Thank you all.