국제교류처

KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1.Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hello! I’m Gerica Joie Castro from the Philippines. I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Geology at Kangwon National University, majoring in Earth and Material Science. My research mainly focuses on manganese oxide minerals and their geological significance.

2.Why did you choose to study at Kangwon National University?

I chose Kangwon National University because of its balance between accessibility and environment. Its location near Seoul makes travel convenient, while its nature-centered surroundings create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for both studying and personal growth.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced while living in Korea, and how did you overcome it?

The language barrier was initially the biggest challenge for me. Although I am still not perfectly fluent in Korean, I continue to do my best and remind myself that learning a language is a gradual process. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable communicating and adapting to daily life here.

4. What has been the most memorable experience during your student life at KNU?

One of the most memorable experiences during my time at KNU has been the opportunity to participate in and present at both local and international research conferences. These experiences have helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a researcher.

5. You mentioned participating in international conferences. Why was that experience especially memorable for you?

Presenting my research and discussing my findings with other researchers from different backgrounds was a very enriching experience for me. It allowed me to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and further develop my confidence as a researcher.

6. What is your favorite place or activity in Chuncheon/KNU? (1–2 answers!)

One of my favorite places in Chuncheon is Gongjicheon, which is about 15 minutes away from Kangwon National University. It’s a beautiful stream where you can enjoy nature while walking along the path. I especially love seeing the different birds, plants, and trees, as well as hearing the sound of flowing water, rustling leaves, and birds singing.

Within KNU, I have two favorite places. The first is Yeonjeokji, the university pond, which changes beautifully with each season. The second is the forest walking trail (둘레길) inside the campus, which I find incredibly peaceful, refreshing, and calming.

7. Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey at Kangwon National University?

Looking back, the most rewarding part of my journey at Kangwon National University has been my personal growth. My experiences here have helped me grow not only academically as a student and researcher, but also personally through the challenges and opportunities I encountered along the way.

8. What are your goals after graduation?

After graduation, my goal is to return to the Philippines and give back to my home country by sharing the knowledge and experiences I gained during my studies in South Korea. I hope to use my expertise to support research, education, and scientific development in my field.

9. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying in Korea?

If studying here truly feels right for you, I encourage you to take the opportunity. It is a rewarding experience that allows you to discover more about the world and grow as a person navigating life in a new environment. If you do decide to come, I highly recommend learning even a bit of the Korean language beforehand, as it will help you immensely in both your studies and daily life.

10. Is there any final message you would like to share with future international students?

Studying abroad can feel intimidating at first, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Be open to learning, meeting new people, and experiencing a different culture. There may be challenges along the way, but those experiences will help you grow and become more confident and independent.