To whom it may concern,
My name is Damin Roh, and I am currently studying at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. I spent eight years living in Slovakia, attending local schools and becoming fluent in Slovak. Although I spent four years in the Czech Republic, I attended an international school, limiting my exposure to the Czech language. The pandemic further restricted my cultural engagement, as I spent much of my time at home.
Since coming to university, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by the similarities and differences between Slovak and Czech, particularly in the languages. This sparked my desire to fully immerse myself in the Czech language and culture. I am confident that studying the language in its native environment will help me not only achieve proficiency but also gain a deeper understanding of the Czech culture.
During my exchange program, I plan to immerse myself in everyday Czech life—through language courses, cultural exchanges, and interactions with local students and professors. I will actively seek opportunities to practice the language in real-world settings, such as volunteering, joining student organizations, and engaging in community events. I will also take part in discussions and debates to sharpen my critical thinking skills in Czech. This hands-on approach will enable me to refine my language skills, enhance my cultural understanding, and build meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Upon returning to Korea, I aim to leverage my language skills in my Media and Communication studies. As a student focusing on journalism, I plan to analyze and compare Czech and South Korean news media, exploring the different reporting styles and how language influences storytelling. My goal is to contribute to cross-cultural communication by translating news articles and other media between Czech and Korean, as well as improving global media literacy.
I believe this experience will be transformative, both academically and professionally, and I am eager to contribute to the academic community in the Czech Republic. Thank you for considering my application.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Damin
Worked as a staff member in the exchange team, directly addressing challenges faced by international students and providing support to help them adjust to school life.
Won 1st place in a speech contest, presenting on a Slovakian role model I admire
Fostered cross-cultural exchange by performing Slovak folk dance at international cultural events.
The World Folk Culture Festival is a unique event at our university that celebrates diverse cultural traditions and folk performances. It provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and promotes international diversity. This festival stands out as a special occasion, offering students and visitors a chance to engage with different cultures and appreciate their uniqueness.
Performed Slovak traditional dance (Karička) at the World Culture Festival in Ulsan, promoting cultural exchange and diversity.
Secured 2nd place in the senior division of a speech contest, presenting on my future aspirations.