In 2014, it was very lucky of me to get an opportunity to participate CPI 2014. My life has been changing since I went to Korea. I gained my dream: travelling in Korea, learning Korean language and experiencing Korean culture. CPI 2014 Program gave me unforgettable impressions in my life indeed.

I can’t forget the time at Seoul National University with my Korean Language Class. I got many fun and happiness moments with my teacher and CPI friends. We together studied, together explored Korean culture by joined Korean Culture Field trips. I remember, JUMP performance was very interesting and it became the best martial art performance which I have seen. I surprised and wondered why they can prepare a perfect performance like that. Martial art skills, music, story (or scenario of performance), actors – all of them were perfect, makes audiences satisfied and yell with full of cheer. In classroom, Korean teachers who make me feel like they are my older sisters, are always friendly, thoughtful and helpful. They gave me passion of study Korean culture and language, also boosted my spirit for more studying, more experiencing Korean life. On the farewell day, SNU Korean class members cried because they have to say good-bye with teachers and CPI friends.

I also can’t forget the period when I studied about food tourism policy in KCTI. It was great time in my life. By that time, I was attended in many helpful conferences, workshops, exhibitions and lessons. The knowledge from all of these events helped me understand about Korean Culture, Korean Tourism and Korean life. It also facilitated me for meeting many friends who are foreigners, experts. It was culture-exchange actually. I and my partner – Mr. Amadu Sullemana we together research about tourism in Korea. We together discussed about tourism problems, solutions and methods. It’s was helpful time to work and to study. All of activities boosted my ability, helped me get more knowledge and confidences.

KCTI was my family in Korea indeed. My coordinators, International Cooperation Division’s members, CPI secretariats – Mrs. Monika, KCTI’s president and staffs, everyone is very kind to me. The trip went to Korea was the first trip I go abroad, and I felt very nervous before arriving there. But, everything was fine when KCTI coordinators picked me up at airport and showed me how people live in Korea. I felt very happy and safe when Mrs. Monika said that KCTI was willing to help all of us (Amadu and me) 24/24 if we need their help. I just wanted to cry when Mr. Shim took care me, Mr. Amadu on the DMZ trip very carefully like my father. He prepared coins for us to put on binoculars to look over North Korean. When visiting the souvenir shop, he bought for us two souvenir products like baby doll wearing Korean costume (Hanbok). Actually, that trip became the unforgettable trip I’ve had in my life until now. It was not only because of the beautiful of landscape there (Korea is beautiful to me everywhere, everything) but also the first time I met a boss who always took care and be kind with all staffs.

There was an event which gave me unforgettable impression was set up by CPI Program. I call it “Miracle Performance”. That was a performance of CPI participants who study at National Theater of Korea. The show made the miracle indeed. Artist – CPI participants used their skills and artistries, mixed skillfully and performed both individuals or as group were perfectly. The final performance gave me strong impression. All artists who are CPI members, come from other countries, other cultures and other art, but the together performed one performance, its name “Miracle”. It was very fantastic and the best of that program. All artistries blended each other. CPI program made the miracle actually.

After returning from CPI 2014, the important achievement CPI changed me is: my ability was improved better. Before that, I worked in International cooperation Division, but I rarely communicate with foreigner. One `reason is I was not confident, but another reason was I didn’t have knowledge about other countries. And CPI program participation made a great change on me. It helped me have an opportunity exchange culture and awareness by meeting with CPI members from over 30 countries in the world, I got a lot of knowledge from them. I knew about my friend’s culture and behavior. By all lessons which I attended, I understand a part about Korea which is one of the developing country and also other country’s information. All things above helped to improve my ability. At the moment, my life is changing. I’m confident and actively with international cooperation activities. I want to talk with foreigner and ask them about their feedback about Vietnam tourism. I feel easier to chat and understand about international tourist who comes to Vietnam, and the confidence also helps me so much at my work. After back from CPI program, the change of my ability was recognized by the Head of my Institute. On that basis, my boss gives me many tasks of international cooperation activities.

Now I’m staying in my country and working for my organization but I’ve never stop my desire to go to Korea again. Because I really miss KCTI, SNU, autumn in Korea specially. I remember, in Korea’s autumn, many mountains and trees change its color from green to yellow or red. It is so fantastic, very beautiful. Blue sky, yellow leaves – extremely impressive. The beauty of Korea is very charming, peaceful and romantic. It also makes every people who visited Korea all want to come back there again.

Finally, many thanks to CPI Program for giving the miracle moments of my life to meet CPI friends, boosting my ability about foreign language and knowledge. CPI made the great change of my life.