Ayushi Pangal

Exchange @ Kaist University, South Korea | 4th Year Student @ Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Sciences, IIT Bombay

I always wanted to explore the Korean culture; hence Kaist became the perfect opportunity for me. With more than 150 exchange students from different parts of the world, I interacted with people from different backgrounds and cultures and also made friends for life! Everyone had a different story, different aspirations and different desires. Balancing the competent academics, I managed to travel across the beautiful country, with the ever changing city vibe, calm islands and their warmly welcoming, kind and harmonious culture, made me feel at home in Korea just by myself. Through the solo escapades, hikings, temple stays and biking trips, I could see myself being more enthusiastic and trying new things and even appreciating the things I already have. Life's a full circle and I'm back to institute again, but I'm definitely not the same person anymore and the experiences gained will be etched in my heart forever. Gamsahamnida korea!