My Experience at PUST(North Korea)평양과기대에서의 체험(영어)

Summary

The video recounts the experience of a foreign professor teaching at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in North Korea. Over two summers, the professor engaged with highly motivated, all-male students, teaching English, science, and computer-related subjects while building close personal connections. Beyond academics, she introduced football and organized the PUST Cup, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. Students also participated in dance, singing, and daily group activities, emphasizing unity and mutual support. The professor reflects on the profound friendships formed, the students’ enthusiasm for learning, and the lasting impact of this unique educational experience in an isolated yet vibrant academic environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The documentary is about teaching at PUST (Pyongyang University of Science and Technology) in North Korea and highlights the experiences of foreign professors and students.
• 😀 PUST is a new university founded in 2010, with all classes taught in English and a focus on business, computer science, and other technical subjects.
• 😀 The university currently has only male students, but female students work as security guards, and foreign professors play an important role in the academic environment.
• 😀 The students at PUST are highly motivated to learn English, seeing it as essential for acquiring knowledge and contributing to the development of their country.
• 😀 The unique living situation at PUST, where students live in dormitories away from their families, leads to strong bonds between students, who view each other as brothers.
• 😀 Soccer became an unexpected cultural bridge between the foreign professors and students, with soccer drills and even a university-wide 'POOST Cup' tournament.
• 😀 The professors at PUST and students share a strong sense of mutual respect and admiration, with professors highly regarded and students eager to form friendships.
• 😀 At PUST, sports and physical activities like soccer and aerobics help create unity and provide an outlet for stress after lectures.
• 😀 Singing and dancing are a significant part of student life at PUST, contributing to the sense of community and relaxation among students.
• 😀 The documentary emphasizes the personal connections made between foreign professors and their students, highlighting the warmth, gratitude, and lasting impact of the experience on both sides.

Q & A

What is unique about the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST)?

PUST is unique because it is the first private university in North Korea and focuses on science, technology, and business subjects. It is located on the outskirts of Pyongyang and offers all classes in English, with no female students in the academic courses, though the security staff are female.

Why do students at PUST primarily study in English, and what is the significance of this?

Students at PUST study in English because it is the primary language of science and technology. English proficiency is seen as essential for accessing global knowledge, especially in fields like computer science and business, which are often discussed in English-speaking countries.

How do students at PUST feel about living away from their families?

At first, living away from their families is challenging for the students, especially since it is their first time living independently. However, they feel supported by their classmates, who treat each other like brothers, and they never feel completely alone due to this strong sense of community.

What role does soccer play in the lives of PUST students?

Soccer plays a significant role in the students' social lives, helping them bond and build camaraderie. It also serves as an outlet for students to relax and engage in friendly competition. The PUST Cup, a university-wide football tournament, is a major event where students and professors alike participate.

What did the professors and students think about their cultural exchange during the soccer sessions?

The professors found that soccer was a great way to connect with the students beyond the classroom, as it allowed communication without language barriers. It fostered a sense of teamwork and unity, and the students thoroughly enjoyed learning football terms in English, making it a fun and educational experience.

How did the PUST Cup evolve over time?

The PUST Cup evolved from a simple event into a highly organized competition. In 2012, it became a university-wide tournament involving students from all three academic years. It was more structured with marked fields, uniforms, and referees. The students were also encouraged to speak only in English during matches to improve their language skills.

Why was the ‘POOST Cup’ such an important event for students?

The POOST Cup was crucial as it allowed students to showcase their skills, work together as a team, and enjoy healthy competition. It also became a tradition that the students looked forward to every year, and it provided a sense of unity and pride for the university.

What cultural activities, apart from soccer, did the students at PUST engage in?

Apart from soccer, students at PUST engaged in group dancing and singing, which are important cultural activities. These activities allowed them to relax and unwind after lectures, and helped foster a sense of community and joy among the students, despite being away from home.

How did the professors contribute to the students’ extracurricular activities, like dancing?

The professors, despite being unfamiliar with dancing, joined in and participated in the activities, showing their willingness to embrace the students' culture. The students were extremely patient dance instructors, and the professors’ involvement helped bridge cultural gaps, strengthening their bond with the students.

What impact did the experience at PUST have on the professors?

The professors were deeply moved by the experience. They were struck by the gratitude of the students and their eagerness to learn. The professors realized that their time at PUST was valuable, not just for the students, but also for their own personal growth and understanding of the students' culture and country.