I am pleased to meet all of you. For the readers of SNU People, please introduce yourself, including your affiliation.

Mary I am from the Philippines, and I am currently pursuing my PhD. Having obtained my master's degree in preventive dentistry and public oral health, I am currently studying prosthodontics at SNU.

Jennifer I am Jennifer Kalanga from the Philippines. I am currently pursuing my PhD in mechanical engineering and working at Innovative. I am spending my second semester at the Innovative Design and Integrated Manufacturing (IDIM) Lab.

Tran I am from Vietnam, and I am currently working on my PhD in international law at the Law School.

Rakesh I am from Andhra Pradesh, India. I received bachelor's and master's degrees in history from Rayalaseema University and the Central University of Tamil Nadu, respectively. I previously worked as a field archaeologist for the Cuddapah Palaeoanthropology Project (CUPP) in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Germany.

How did you learn about the SPF? Please tell us about why you decided to participate as well as your background.

Mary I learned about the SPF program during my master's program. I became interested in the prestige, financial support, broad access to academic and research resources, and diverse interdisciplinary opportunities, and I decided to participate in this program to expand my academic horizons according to my research goals and contribute to local communities.

Jennifer I encountered the SPF program while browsing the PhD scholarship section on the SNU website. Among the various scholarship opportunities offered by SNU, the focus of this benefit on the development of faculty and staff from developing countries perfectly suited my goal. The comprehensive support scheme, including scholarship and health insurance benefits, was particularly appealing.

Tran I learned about the SPF program thanks to a partnership between SNU and my alma mater, Foreign Trade University (FTU), Vietnam. The way I see it, this is a great opportunity to apply what I learn about South Korea to Vietnam because South Korea overcame the impacts of war and rose to the ranks of advanced countries and transformed from an agricultural country to an industrialized one.

Rakesh I discovered the SPF program while searching for an archaeological research platform utilizing high-end science and technology techniques. I decided to participate in this program considering SNU's reputation for promoting cutting-edge research as well as my research and career advancement goals.

We know that all of you have been SPF scholarship students for six months to one year. Please tell us what has impressed you the most and what has been the most memorable during your life here in South Korea.

Tran I did not spend my entire time studying (laughs). I was able to seize the opportunities to explore Korea's history and rich cultural values through interactions with various people. Through various activities at SNU, such as coffee breaks, festivals, and club days, I made friends who support each other in my daily life abroad.

Mary I like eating various Korean dishes, such as bulgogi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue, with my friends. Moreover, I have visited historical sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. The beautiful view from Namsan Seoul Tower was my most remarkable memory.

Jennifer One of the best things about South Korea is its transportation system. I can conveniently travel around thanks to its accurate and efficient subway system. I also love the food here. In particular, I prefer gamjatang and bulgogi. I am enjoying my life due to my Korean friends who warmly greet me each time I meet them.

It is tough to conduct research in a foreign country. In particular, the language difference is burdensome.
What was the biggest challenge? Also, I am curious about how you overcame the various difficulties.

Jennifer One of the biggest hurdles was the language barrier. Despite my prior learning of the Korean language, it was challenging to comprehend seminars and meetings and communicate with colleagues. However, I am gradually overcoming my difficulties through language courses offered by SNU. I am striving to communicate and converse more even if my grammar is imperfect.

Tran Language has been the biggest challenge for me as well. Fortunately, the SPF program additionally provides financial support to allow me to take Korean classes, and I am eager to take the Test of Proficiency in Korean after studying hard. This effort will allow me to assist other foreigners in my situation.

The SPF enables you to move forward as an educator or researcher.
Please tell us what SNU, which offered this opportunity, means to you.

Jennifer Studying at SNU was my dream. Thus, I am always grateful for the supportive environment and opportunities for growth offered by SNU. In particular, because SNU's excellent research facilities, including Professor Sung-Hoon Ahn's research laboratory, are in line with my goal of developing technologies to improve human life, I am willing to work harder.

Tran The SPF program is an exceptional opportunity to obtain a PhD from the first national university in South Korea. When I return to Vietnam, I intend to contribute to the sustainable development of my country and encourage young Vietnamese students to pursue their aspirations of studying abroad. Furthermore, during the SPF program, I hope that I will be able to find an effective way for Vietnam to address the globalization problems it is currently facing. In the future, I am eager to engage in works to strengthen Vietnam's position in international cooperation.

Rakesh SNU has opened the door to various opportunities. This place has provided the tools, guidance, and environment for me to nurture my ambitions and thrive as a researcher. Ultimately, my goal is to become an educator who can contribute to both South Korea and India.

Mary SNU is a place where academic excellence, innovation, and cultural richness exist in harmony. Furthermore, I am striving to move forward because SNU's global reputation opens opportunities for collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and exposure to diverse viewpoints through fellowships.

Lastly, what type of research do you plan to conduct in the near future, and what specific outcomes do you intend to achieve?

Rakesh My objective is to establish a new perspective on the economic and cultural dynamics of ancient civilizations. By documenting and analyzing prehistoric pottery artifacts among megalithic artifacts held in museums across the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States of India, I seek to gain insights into the ancient culture, technologies, and lifestyle of the people who created them. I plan to continue this research next semester at SNU.

Mary In the Philippines, prosthetic treatment can have a significant impact on the quality of life and oral health of patients. In particular, research on prosthetic treatment for the elderly is crucial. I intend to collaborate with local universities, dental associations, and public health organizations to advance this research agenda, further seeking funding opportunities from governments, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations in the future. I am eager to contribute to enhancing prosthetic treatment and oral health in the Philippines.

Jennifer After completing my PhD at SNU, I plan to return to my alma mater and resume teaching courses. Moreover, I intend to develop a solid curriculum for the doctoral program based on the knowledge and experiences I gained at SNU. I am eager to expand research regarding smart materials and composites and further advance research that leverages the strengths of both institutions by establishing a collaborative research program between the University of the Philippines and SNU.

Tran I have acquired expertise in international trade through this doctoral program that will enable me to contribute greatly to the development of Vietnam in the future. I intend to use the outcome of my dissertation to advise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) governments, particularly regarding cultural heritage protection during the Free Trade Agreement negotiations in Vietnam. Furthermore, I am eager to offer consulting services to the Vietnamese government regarding sustainable development strategies and bolster the relationship between FTU and SNU.