Andy Chiang Crosses Pacific with Desire to Learn

“I don’t care where I go or stay as long as it helps me with my study. We are living in a global village after all.” An 18-year-old American Andy Chiang, carrying a large bag, arrived at Pohang University of Science and Technology in Gyeongbuk on June 14.

The Texas High graduate crossed the Pacific Ocean by himself to study at Pohang University known as Postech for two months before starting his first year at Texas State University in September.

“I wanted to do something meaningful during this break, and came to learn about Postech while surfing the Net for leading universities in the field of bioscience. I chose to come to Korea, a country which successfully hosted the 2002 World Cup finals and is neighboring with China where my grandfather came.”

Chiang sent e-mail to Professor Suh Pan-gil in Bioscience department of Postech. He wrote about his future plan and asked Prof. Suh for help, who invited him after receiving a letter of recommendation from one of his colleagues in America who once gave Chiang a lecture at the high school.

Chiang, who has a dream of becoming a renowned scientist, is currently conducting experiments on human nerve system with graduate students. When asked what brought him here, so far from his country, he seemed perplexed.

“I just wanted to experience the field of study I was going to embark on at a university that has a hardworking environment. Where it is located didn’t matter. Many of my schoolmates were also looking for volunteer service work or some places to go to improve themselves.”

He said it is not easy to understand the way Korean students study. “I’ve never seen such hardworking students as Koreans. It’s amazing. In America, young kids play sports or take part in extracurricular activities at the same time as they prepare for their future.”

“He is such a decent young man who is finding his way for himself, working hard and preparing his future,” said Prof. Suh

“First I thought he came here to watch our experiments, but he joined our work and have done a good job since then,” said Kim Hyun-soo, a 35-year-old graduate student who used to study medicine at Korea University. He has been living and working with Chiang for some time. “Chiang sometimes stays up late at the lab continuing his experiment after midnight.”

“I am doing my best everyday, imagining what I will be like in 30 years.” Chiang will go back to the United States on August 17.

boriam@donga.com