Name: Jernej Plut
Nationality: Slovenian
Age: 22
School: Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana
Major: Marketing

1. Please introduce your hometown in Slovenia.

Even though Slovenia is a small country it’s hard to properly introduce it in just a couple of sentences. Slovenia is a land of diversities and even a short trip of just an hour within it can make you believe that you have entered a completely new country. Cities by the coast can make you feel like you are in Italy and up north you can find small villages that resemble Alpine villages in Germany. However, for me the nicest part is the capital with its upcoming Christmas market this month when everything is decorated and the smell of hot wine spreads through downtown.

2. How did you come to Korea, and why did you choose Keimyung University?

I came to Korea through SAIPEKS exchange. It is a program that enables Korean and European students to have a university exchange and also to have an internship in a foreign country. I thought it was a great experience that I couldn’t miss. But the most important factor for my decision was the friends from Korea that I met in Slovenia. They were the biggest influence and the reason why I decided to come here. The description of Korea was so vivid that I decided to come and see it myself. Also the decision to come to Keimyung was mainly based on what I’ve heard about your university, that it’s the best.

3. What culture shock did you experience in Korea?

Well I tried to prepare myself for the impact with Korean culture. Therefore, I read some books and saw some movies about Korea, but when I came here the first impression was completely different from what I expected, mostly because Korea is a changing society that has adopted many Western values. I think Korea is a beautiful country with very friendly people. Therefore, any differences that exist are not hard to live and adjust to.


4. Do you have any plans for the coming winter vacation?

I will spend a part of my vacation working at my internship that I acquired through the SAIPEKS program here in Korea, but before I return home I’ll travel around South East Asia with a friend. I want to see another aspect of Asia and take advantage of the free time that I have before the semester at my home university starts. Our current plans are to visit Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand in 6 weeks. I think it will be a great end of my overall experience abroad.