Society
Moldovan student in South Korea: “The 21st century belongs to Asia and I see my future here” // INTERVIEW
Reading Time: 7 minutesMore and more students from Moldova are going abroad every year to pursue a degree from a foreign university. They are aware of the challenges they have to deal with, such as studying a new language, adjusting to a different system, meeting new people– in other words starting a challenge in their life. Inga Olari is a 26-year-old student originating from Chisinau, Moldova. She has won a scholarship from the Korean Government to get an integrated six-year long Master and PhD program at a university in Seoul.
More and more students from Moldova are going abroad every year to pursue a degree from a foreign university. They are aware of the challenges they have to deal with, such as studying a new language, adjusting to a different system, meeting new people– in other words starting a challenge in their life.
Inga Olari is a 26-year-old student originating from Chisinau, Moldova. She has won a scholarship from the Korean Government to get an integrated six-year long Master and PhD program at a university in Seoul.
In an interview with MOLDOVA.ORG, Inga explains her reasons for choosing an Asian university, the Korean lifestyle, as well as why is South Korea important to her.
MOLDOVA.ORG: How long have you been living in South Korea?
INGA OLARI: I have lived in South Korea for almost three years and during this period I participated in a student exchange program which was held at a small university located in a suburb of Seoul. The student exchange program at that university was held at the department of English Language and Literature, where I studied for six months in order to improve my English Language skills, to learn about Korean culture, and to also expand my personal horizons.
After completing these studies, I applied for a graduate scholarship program sponsored by the Korean Government, and as a result of my knowledge, cultural experience and academic success that I obtained from my study process, I was awarded a Korean Government scholarship. The scholarship, which I received, enables me to pursue an integrated master and doctoral degree program for six years at one of South Korea’s top tiered universities.
MOLDOVA.ORG: What are you majoring in?
INGA OLARI: In the Republic of Moldova I studied law at Free International University of Moldova. In the Republic of Korea I continue studying law where I specialize in the international arbitration law with special interests that centers on the scope of jurisdiction of the international arbitration board such as ICSID under the Korea – USA FTA, and which also facilitates in resolving international commercial disputes – a subject of international litigation that is another interest of mine.
MOLDOVA.ORG: Why did you decide to spend your student life in this country?
INGA OLARI: Frankly speaking, from the beginning of my freshman year to the end of my junior year of my bachelor’s degree I aimed to do my postgraduate studies in Europe but one day this all changed when I was accepted to university where I had undertaken my student exchange program.
From my point of view, the main reasons that I have decided to spend my student life in the Far East are related to Korean university education that combines tradition and modern technology. In addition, Korea’s thriving economy makes South Korea one of the most exciting places to study in East Asia.
As I have mentioned previously, I am doing my integrated master and doctoral degree at one of South Korea’s prestigious universities where the law courses are taught by distinguished professors who graduated from highly ranked universities throughout the world, and who have received awards for teaching excellence. Furthermore, the university and its knowledgeable faculty provide modern teaching approaches, methods, and techniques enabling its students to be in the vanguard of higher education.
MOLDOVA.ORG: What were the biggest challenges you had to deal with in Korea?
INGA OLARI: While I studied at the department of law at Free International University of Moldova, I used to interact with foreign law experts, overseas judges, magistrates and prosecutors for whom I organized roundtable meetings, and public lectures in order to raise law-student interest in international rule of law cooperation and discuss problems of international legal cooperation and mutual legal assistance between Republic of Moldova and countries abroad.
Due to my international experience of interacting with foreigners, I was determined to continue my postgraduate studies overseas, strengthen my personality and develop personal flexibility and acceptance of a different culture and people. Therefore, I knew that moving to a new country such as South Korea would offer me not only the experience of acquiring knowledge of another culture but also enable me to experience cultural shock and the adjustment of making personal transitions while pursuing my studies.
Continuing with your question, I would say that the biggest challenge I have had to deal with was the assimilation of Korean Language from beginner to advanced levels as well as passing the Test of Proficiency in Korean Language (TOPIK) level 3 during one and a half years. In order to accomplish this goal, I had to study diligently to pass TOPIK level 3 and enter graduate school. Nevertheless, this is not the end, but the beginning of my “linguistics achievement” because I shall have to put a lot of effort into passing TOPIK level 5.
MOLDOVA.ORG: What are the features that make Moldova and Korea so different? What aspects impressed you the most and why?
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INGA OLARI: If I try to make a comparative view between the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Korea in the context of economic system of both countries, then the latter one is identified as one of the G-20 major economies with a high per capita income and a well developed market potential. Also, the Republic of Korea is one of the Asian Tigers along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, the other three members of the Asian Tigers.
However, the Republic of Moldova is a former Soviet Union country, which is based on market economy, facing difficulties in such economic areas as agriculture, industry, energy, and fuels supply etc. With Korea’s rapid industrialization since the 1960’s, the relationship between its infrastructure and its economy has always been an important issue, and speaking sincerely, this country has a well-developed information infrastructure, an outstanding urban public transportation system, pollution control, and high-speed rail etc. which makes life for the majority of Koreans, very comfortable and easy.
Another aspect that has impressed me is that the Korean Government continues to increase investment in education for its citizens as well as international students. Appropriate examples are the existence of numerous scholarship programs and funds destined to promote international exchange in education, as well as reciprocal friendship between the Republic of Korea and overseas countries.
MOLDOVA.ORG: Referring to the educational system, what are the distinct streaks of the Asian and European systems?
INGA OLARI: I cannot give an explanation about the difference between Asian and European educational systems, because I have never studied in any Western European countries. However, I could try to define, what the Asian educational system consists of. A traditional Korean proverb states, “Don’t even try to run down your professors’ shadow.” which from my point of view reflects on the existence of an attitude of high respect towards professors in Korea, no matter if it is a school or a university.
So, every time you meet a professor you will have to bow down to him/her indicating a social gesture of gratitude and respect. Usually, Korean professors are very strict putting forward high requirements towards either Korean or international students, but are very kind to those who are intelligent, diligent, and modest.
Generally speaking, the laws of South Korea represent a combination of some elements of European civil law systems, Anglo-American legal systems, and classical Chinese philosophical precepts. All of this means that the study of jurisprudence in Korean schools of law is based on close interaction between theory and practice, which implies possessing good analytical and logical skills. Another difference is that in Korean law schools, there is emphasis placed on subjects, which represent interest and perspectives for the evolution of law.
MOLDOVA.ORG: What should Moldovans learn from the South Koreans?
INGA OLARI: It is apparent these days that Korea is an industrial nation standing tall on the world stage. Its semiconductor, automobile, shipbuilding, steel making, and IT industries are on the leading edge in global markets. It wasn’t like that when in the 1950s Korea ranked among the poorest countries. Compared to today, Korea’s economy is the 15th largest in the world, and the nation is destined to become an active player on the global economic stage following the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2010. This was made possible through the USA financial support and assiduous efforts made by the Korean Government which encouraged Koreans to study and acquire professional experience overseas.
Through this patriotic gesture Koreans provided an example of patriotism, ambition, and sedulous work to third world countries, as well as to countries with transition economies such as Moldova. Therefore, I do wish that Moldova could implement all the political, social–economic, and cultural principles, which have brought positive effects to the Korean economy in order to develop its eminent economic domains.
MOLDOVA.ORG: How would you describe a regular day of a Korean citizen? How much workload do they have to do at work or university?
INGA OLARI: As you are already are aware, there is an outstanding work ethic in Asian nations including that of Korea. I cannot describe a Korean person’s schedule at his/her office or school, but there’s one thing I know for sure, that a regular working /studying day of a Korean begins at 7-8 AM and ends at 10-11 PM. So, the rush hour traffic jam in Seoul usually starts either in the early morning or in the late evening, when most people either go or return from work.
In the evening, Seoul is also very busy, because there are a lot of opened stores, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs etc. with a large working staff. Koreans are well known as being diligent and ambitious, so they can always be seen doing something useful for their lives.
MOLDOVA.ORG: After getting your degree from your Korean university, what are your future plans?
INGA OLARI: Time flies fast, thus I have to successfully finish my postgraduate studies as well as make important internships at well-known international law firms in Seoul. Also, I am interested in becoming a professor of international arbitration so I have to put a lot of effort into writing my doctoral dissertation which should contain unique ideas to represent a scientific interest that can be implemented in practice.
My aim is to become a professor of international arbitration and a negotiator involved in international dispute resolution and commercial transactions. I think that the 21st century belongs to Asia and I see my future here.
Society
“They are not needy, but they need help”. How Moldovan volunteers try to create a safe environment for the Ukrainian refugees
At the Government’s ground floor, the phones ring constantly, the laptop screens never reach standby. In one corner of the room there is a logistics planning meeting, someone has a call on Zoom with partners and donors, someone else finally managed to take a cookie and make some coffee. Everyone is exhausted and have sleepy red eyes, but the volunteers still have a lot of energy and dedication to help in creating a safe place for the Ukrainian refugees.
“It’s like a continuous bustle just so you won’t read the news. You get home sometimes and you don’t have time for news, and that somehow helps. It’s a kind of solidarity and mutual support,” says Vlada Ciobanu, volunteer responsible for communication and fundraising.
The volunteers group was formed from the very first day of war. A Facebook page was created, where all types of messages immediately started to flow: “I offer accommodation”, “I want to help”, “I want to get involved”, “Where can I bring the products?”, “I have a car and I can go to the customs”. Soon, the authorities also started asking for volunteers’ support. Now they all work together, coordinate activities and try to find solutions to the most difficult problems.
Is accommodation needed for 10, 200 or 800 people? Do you need transportation to the customs? Does anyone want to deliver 3 tons of apples and does not know where? Do you need medicine or mobile toilets? All these questions require prompt answers and actions. Blankets, sheets, diapers, hygiene products, food, clothes – people bring everything, and someone needs to quickly find ways of delivering them to those who need them.
Sometimes this collaboration is difficult, involves a lot of bureaucracy, and it can be difficult to get answers on time. “Republic of Moldova has never faced such a large influx of refugees and, probably because nobody thought this could happen, a mechanism of this kind of crisis has not been developed. Due to the absence of such a mechanism that the state should have created, we, the volunteers, intervened and tried to help in a practical way for the spontaneous and on the sport solutions of the problems,” mentions Ecaterina Luțișina, volunteer responsible for the refugees’ accommodation.
Ana Maria Popa, one of the founders of the group “Help Ukrainians in Moldova/SOS Українці Молдовa” says that the toughest thing is to find time and have a clear mind in managing different procedures, although things still happen somehow naturally. Everyone is ready to intervene and help, to take on more responsibilities and to act immediately when needed. The biggest challenges arise when it is necessary to accommodate large families, people with special needs, for which alternative solutions must be identified.
Goods and donations
The volunteers try to cope with the high flow of requests for both accommodation and products of all kinds. “It came to me as a shock and a panic when I found out that both mothers who are now in Ukraine, as well as those who found refuge in our country are losing their milk because of stress. We are trying to fill an enormous need for milk powder, for which the demand is high and the stocks are decreasing”, says Steliana, the volunteer responsible for the distribution of goods from the donation centers.
Several centers have been set up to collect donations in all regions of Chisinau, and volunteers are redirecting the goods to where the refugees are. A system for processing and monitoring donations has already been established, while the volunteer drivers take over the order only according to a unique code.
Volunteers from the collection centers also do the inventory – the donated goods and the distributed goods. The rest is transported to Vatra deposit, from where it is distributed to the placement centers where more than 50 refugees are housed.
When they want to donate goods, but they don’t know what would be needed, people are urged to put themselves in the position of refugees and ask themselves what would they need most if they wake up overnight and have to hurriedly pack their bags and run away. Steliana wants to emphasise that “these people are not needy, but these people need help. They did not choose to end up in this situation.”
Furthermore, the volunteer Cristina Sîrbu seeks to identify producers and negotiate prices for products needed by refugees, thus mediating the procurement process for NGOs with which she collaborates, such as Caritas, World Children’s Fund, Polish Solidarity Fund, Lifting hands, Peace Corps and others.
One of the challenges she is facing now is the identifying a mattress manufacturer in the West, because the Moldovan mattress manufacturer that has been helping so far no longer has polyurethane, a raw material usually imported from Russia and Ukraine.
Cristina also needs to find solutions for the needs of the volunteer groups – phones, laptops, gsm connection and internet for a good carrying out of activities.
Hate messages
The most difficult thing for the communication team is to manage the hate messages on the social networks, which started to appear more often. “Even if there is some sort of dissatisfaction from the Ukrainian refugees and those who offer help, we live now in a very diverse society, there are different kind of people, and we act very differently under stress,” said Vlada Ciobanu.
Translation by Cătălina Bîrsanu
Important
#WorldForUkraine – a map that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against Russian aggression
The international community and volunteers from all over te world have launched #WorldForUkraine as a platform that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against the Russian aggression. In a digital world – it is an interactive map of public support of Ukrainians under the hashtag #WorldForUkraine – rallies, flash mobs, protests around the world. In the physical dimension – it is your opportunity to take to the streets and declare: “No to Putin’s aggression, no to war.”
„Today, along with the political and military support, emotional connection with the civilized world and truthful information are extremely important for Ukraine. The power to do it is in your hands. Join the #WorldForUkraine project and contribute to the victorious battle against the bloodshed inflicted on Ukraine by the aggression of the Russian Federation”, says the „about the project” section of the platform.
Go to the streets — Tell people — Connect and Unite — Become POWERFUL
Volunteers have launched #WorldForUkraine as a platform that shows the magnitude of the world’s actions against Russian aggression. In digital world – it is an INTERACTIVE MAP of public support of Ukrainians worldforukraine.net under the hashtag #WorldForUkraine – rallies, flash mobs, protests around the world. In the physical dimension – it is your opportunity to take to the streets and declare: “No to Putin’s aggression, no to war.” There you may find information about past and future rallies in your city in support of Ukraine. This is a permanent platform for Ukrainian diaspora and people all over the world concerned about the situation in Ukraine.
So here’s a couple of things you could do yourself to help:
* if there is a political rally in your city, then participate in it and write about it on social media with geolocation and the hashtag #WorldForUkraine
* if there are no rallies nearby, organize one in support of Ukraine yourself, write about it on social media with geolocation adding the hashtag #WorldForUkraine
The map will add information about gathering by #WorldForUkraine AUTOMATICALLY
Your voice now stronger THAN ever
All rallies are already here: https://worldforukraine.net
Important
How is Moldova managing the big influx of Ukrainian refugees? The authorities’ plan, explained
From 24th to 28th of February, 71 359 Ukrainian citizens entered the territory of Republic of Moldova. 33 173 of them left the country. As of this moment, there are 38 186 Ukrainian citizens in Moldova, who have arrived over the past 100 hours.
The Moldovan people and authorities have organized themselves quickly from the first day of war between Russia and Ukraine. However, in the event of a prolonged armed conflict and a continuous influx of Ukrainian refugees, the efforts and donations need to be efficiently managed. Thus, we inquired about Moldova’s long-term plan and the state’s capacity to receive, host, and treat a bigger number of refugees.
On February 26th, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Moldova approved the Regulation of organization and functioning of the temporary Placement Center for refugees and the staffing and expenditure rules. According to the Regulation, the Centers will have the capacity of temporary hosting and feeding at least 20 persons, for a maximum of 3 months, with the possibility of extending this period. The Centers will also offer legal, social, psychological, and primary medical consultations to the refugees. The Center’s activity will be financed from budget allocations, under Article 19 of Provision no. 1 of the Exceptional Situations Commission from February 24th, 2022, and from other sources of funding that do not contravene applicable law.
The Ministry of Inner Affairs and the Government of Moldova facilitated the organization of the volunteers’ group “Moldova for Peace”. Its purpose is to receive, offer assistance and accommodation to the Ukrainian refugees. The group is still working on creating a structure, registering and contacting volunteers, etc. It does not activate under a legal umbrella.
Lilia Nenescu, one of the “Moldova for Peace” volunteers, said that the group consists of over 20 people. Other 1700 registered to volunteer by filling in this form, which is still available. The group consists of several departments:
The volunteers’ department. Its members act as fixers: they’re responsible for connecting the people in need of assistance with the appropriate department. Some of the volunteers are located in the customs points. “The Ministry of Inner Affairs sends us every day the list of the customs points where our assistance is needed, and we mobilize the volunteers”, says Lilia Nenescu.
The Goods Department manages all the goods donated by the Moldavian citizens. The donations are separated into categories: non-perishable foods and non-food supplies. The volunteers of this department sort the goods into packages to be distributed.
The Government intends to collect all the donations in four locations. The National Agency for Food Safety and the National Agency for Public Health will ensure mechanisms to confirm that all the deposited goods comply with safety and quality regulations.
The Service Department operates in 4 directions and needs the volunteer involvement of specialists in psychology, legal assistance (the majority of the refugees only have Ukrainian ID and birth certificates of their children); medical assistance; translation (a part of the refugees are not Ukrainian citizens).
According to Elena Mudrîi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, so far there is no data about the number of Covid-19 positive refugees. She only mentioned two cases that needed outpatient medical assistance: a pregnant woman and the mother of a 4-day-old child.
The Accommodation Department. The volunteers are waiting for the centralized and updated information from the Ministry of Labor about the institutions offering accommodation, besides the houses offered by individuals.
The Transport Department consists of drivers organized in groups. They receive notifications about the number of people who need transportation from the customs points to the asylum centers for refugees.
The municipal authorities of Chișinău announced that the Ukrainian children refugees from the capital city will be enrolled in educational institutions. The authorities also intend to create Day-Care Centers for children, where they will be engaged in educational activities and will receive psychological assistance. Besides, the refugees from the municipal temporary accommodation centers receive individual and group counseling.
In addition to this effort, a group of volunteers consisting of Ana Gurău, Ana Popapa, and Andrei Lutenco developed, with the help of Cristian Coșneanu, the UArefugees platform, synchronized with the responses from this form. On the first day, 943 people offered their help using the form, and 110 people asked for help. According to Anna Gurău, the volunteers communicate with the Government in order to update the platform with the missing data.
Translation from Romanian by Natalia Graur
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