FEATURE
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This is GIST Interview by Jeong Jiyeon and Melline Galani Photographs by Kim Hillel Yunkyoung
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
August 2020
The Gwangju Institute of Science of Technology (GIST) not only has a proud history in Gwangju but also has an exceptionally beautiful campus, undoubtedly contributing to its present and future creativeness in science and technology. The Gwangju News is happy to present this interview with the president of GIST, Kim Ki Seon. — Ed
Gwangju News (GN): Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for the Gwangju News, President Kim. First, please introduce yourself, and tell us about your background and about GIST. Also, how long have you been president of GIST? Kim Ki Seon: Nice to meet you and welcome to the most beautiful park in Gwangju. I am Kim Ki Seon, president of GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology). Originally, I worked as an engineer, making 2G cell phones in Houston, U.S.A. However, 27 years ago, in 1994, when the high-tech district was established and GIST was also established, about ten professors from home and abroad came to Gwangju to nurture young students, and I was one of them. GIST was the second science and technology institute established in Korea after KAIST. GIST has tried everything new to fulfill its mission of establishing an innovative model for science and engineering
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institutions. As an innovative model, it started with a graduate school centered on master’s degree and doctorate programs, considering “convergence technology” and “globalization.” The official language on our campus is English, the global language of science and technology. All courses are taught in 100% English and have been successfully conducted so far. By creating this globalized environment, foreign students can adapt well to campus life without any difficulties. GIST has recently been selected as the world’s fourth-highest institution in the QS World University Evaluation for “citations per faculty” in pursuit of research cooperation and competition. As a result of this forward-looking effort, GIST’s Global Convergence Education model is being introduced as an innovative success story. GN: How is the international community represented at GIST? What percentage of students at GIST are international students? What do international students
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