INTERVIEW MOBILITY PROGRAMME (city of Gwangju and chonnam national uni)

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is is siti Syazreen bt mohd Mahdzim. Born and raised in KL. I am 20 years old and I
am 2nd year student of media communication under fssk. Before I go to UKM I was once a
matriculation student in Kedah. I took accounting for a year and then I decided to go to a
different path by taking communication courses. On top of that I am also a travel enthusiast
but sadly I didn’t get to go to so much places for some kind of reason. I like to explore new
things and I will always try to stay commited doing something.
A bit about my family, I am the youngest one, I have 4 sisters and 3 amazing yet adorable
nieces and nephew and both of my parents are retirees.

2. WHY DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THIS PROGRAMME

First of all, I just want to be honest about myself. I used to be the type of person who
actually afraid about going out from my comfort zone. I always want to feel safe all the time.
I need to be around people who I know only. And I used to have that fear of trying
something new. But then recently during this pandemic and all I am literally stucked at home
and I did a lot of self reflection. One of it is about my fear. I think this is the time for me to
turn over a new leaf. This programme is literally once in a lifetime chance. Its either Im going
to let it slip away or I want to best of it. I feel like you know what, we are currently living in
an increasingly globalized world so what am I waiting for. Grab this chance and just go
enhance my global network, learn new cultures, new environment, new friends and the
most important thing is new experience.
I believe that Korea has so much to offer and 3 months there is adequate for me to become
a globalized student.

And I believe that studying abroad or joining mobility programme can help to launch my
career and make myself even more convincing in the job market and gives me the
opportunity to show my future employers that I have the resourcefulness and drive needed
to adapt to a different environment.

And while learning about the Korean culture there, I also want to promote the wonders of
Malaysia and UKM. I want people abroad to get to have an insight of Malaysia and our
country can offer.

If I were chosen to be in this programme, the first thing that come across my mind is I want
to influence my friends and and families in Malaysia to step out from their comfort zone and
be be a globalized indivual. Go explore the world, learn about other peoples culture, live
fearlessly and trust ourselves. On top of that, Be in mobility programme can give the chance
to us to learn about new perspectives and develop cross-cultural awareness as I get to meet
people with different upbringings, helping me to widen my horizons. And I stongly believe
that the best way to experience another culture is to immerse myself In it. And the ideal way
to do that is by living in another country.
 MOON JAE IN (PRESIDENT KOREA)

WHAT DO U KNOW ABOUT KOREA?

Korea is located in Asia and during the World War II (a.k.a Korean War), it was divided into
two parts: North Korea and South Korea. North Korea is a communist country while South
Korea is a democratic country. South Korea is one of the most developed and highly
modernized countries in Asia. Its capital Seoul is one of the most visited tourist destinations
in Asia. South Korea itself is a beautiful country and it has a lot of wonderful things to offer.
I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of their culture AND THE FOOD.

I think Korean and Malaysian meal shares the same concept where we actually eat rice.

SOCIAL CUSTOMS IN SOUTH KOREA

Gift Giving Etiquette

 Koreans are generous people and enjoy giving gifts
 Accept the gift with both hands – but never open the gift immediately, wait until the giver is
absent
 Return the favour and offer something of a similar value. Koreans enjoy Western gifts and
items so be prepared before leaving home
 If giving gifts be sure to wrap and present them in an attractive way. Avoid using dark
wrapping paper, especially red, instead choose bright yellow/green
 If invited to a Korean home always take the hostess a gift; chocolates, sweets, cakes or
flowers but preferably not alcohol
 Gifts are often given at the first business meeting and the host should present his first. To
reciprocate, give good quality alcohol such as scotch, or desk accessories
 Do not give overly expensive gifts as Koreans feel indebted to give as they receive
 Avoid gifts such as knives, scissors, sets of four, and red writing (these are seen as ‘cutting
ties’ and signifying death respectively)