1. Please introduce yourself.

My name is Farah Jaradat. I am 23 years old. I am a Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) scholar. I came from Jordan to study for my master’s degree in August last year. I am currently taking an intensive Korean language course in Keimyung University that started last September.

2. What made you come to Korea?

I came to Korea to study. I have many reasons why I chose Korea. I have always had a fascination with East Asian culture, and I wanted to personally investigate the countries in this region. I have found that Korea is the most welcoming country to live in, as well as the most attractive to me. I have surprisingly found quite a lot of similarities to my Arabian culture, especially in its view on sex, physical affection in public places, and overly revealing clothes. Academically speaking, I liked the master’s programs they offer here, especially since they use English to communicate.

3. What is your major? Can you tell me about it?

I will be studying the Global MBA in Yonsei University for my master’s degree starting next September. I chose that program because of its global diversity. I will have a chance to meet and study with people from around the globe, as well as focus on business environments from many countries. I have always admired the rapid growth of large Korean companies. I think the foundation of every conglomerate in Korea is strong will and hard work, and employees work hard for the growth of their company. I found that very admirable.

4. What is the biggest difference between Jordan and Korea?

There are many differences, but I think the biggest one is the dating area. I think Korean society is very focused on having a boyfriend/girlfriend. I was never asked why I do not have a boyfriend anywhere else outside Korea. I remember upon first arriving, I noticed how the first things I am always asked are “What’s your name?” “How old are you?” and “Do you have a boyfriend?”
There is also the food. At first, everything tasted too sweet for my Arabian taste. We put a lot of salt and spices on our food, but it got better as I got used to it. In addition, there is the pork problem. I am a Muslim and I cannot eat pork, but even that could be solved by finding other dishes from the delicious Korean cuisine and the variety of chicken and beef dishes.

5. Where is a place you recommend visiting in Korea? Why?

Geoje Island. It is a very beautiful place for relaxing and having fun while exploring the seaside. I am also quite fond of Andong. There is something about its historical air that brings about a wind of nostalgia. I am personally attracted to its relaxed atmosphere. I still did not have a chance to go around Korea as much as I would like to, though.

6. What made you come to Keimyung University?

I was assigned here by my scholarship to study the compulsory one-year Korean course in the language center of Keimyung. I did not know that Daegu would be so beautiful before I came here. Since Keimyung is the first place I came to in Korea, it will always cause a special nostalgia in me.

7. What is your dream and plan?

I want to be able to help as many people as I can achieve their dreams, and I want to do it on a big scale. Unfortunately, we live in a world where power is the most important, so in order to go as far as I want to in making the world a better place, I have to work hard and become a good leader. I plan to do that by starting in business, and then seeing where I can go from there.