The bachelor's student of the Computer Science Program at UFOP, Iago Izidório Lacerda, was selected to receive the KDU Global Scholarship, a financial aid that allows students to attend a semester at 경동대학교 Kyungdong University, in South Korea.
The institution has, since 2019, maintained its position as the Korean university with the highest employability rate at the national level. The scholarship made available will completely cover academic fees, in addition to accommodation in a college dormitory, all costs related to cultural activities, language courses, and travel within the country for the entire duration of the "KDU Global Immersion Program 2024" (KGIP 2024), which takes place from July 15 to December 13, 2024.
During the first month of the program, there will be an intensive cultural exchange and global networking, which includes activities focused on Korean culture, globalization, and language studies. In the other five months, the student will participate in a regular academic semester and may enroll in a class of the institution's undergraduate programs.
Iago, who has been studying Korean for a few years, sees the immersion program as a possibility to grow not only professionally and academically, but also to increase his cultural background and expand his English and Korean language skills. "During the covid 19 pandemic, I found in the Korean language a possibility of dissociation from the brutal reality we were experiencing. Every day seemed the same, and at the same time, it was covered by the uncertainty of tomorrow. I started studying the language by chance and, shortly after, it had already become what we describe in Korean as 소확행 (a small but concrete step towards happiness)", he comments.
According to the student, participation in this academic mobility program is a dream come true. "I never imagined this would happen so soon. My family and I are stunned by the news, but completely happy. A mixture of celebration for a longing that finally comes true and gratitude for everyone who helped me believe it would be possible. I'm learning to dream again and I'm happy about that," he said.
This year's program is expected to receive students from approximately 40 countries. To learn more, visit the Korean university website and the program website.
