Located in the northeastern region of Africa, Ethiopia is a multicultural country where multiple ethnic groups coexist. Each year, over 80 ethnic groups gather to share food, dance, and strengthen their bonds. This tradition continues within the newly established Ethiopia Alumni Association at Pusan National University (PNU), where students from diverse backgrounds share their cultures and build a close-knit community.

The seventh edition of the “International Student Alumni Association Series” features the Ethiopia Alumni Association, established in the second semester of 2024. The 28 Ethiopian students share their daily lives and maintain active exchanges. On August 7th, 2025, “Channel PNU” met with Eshete Abera Tesfaye (Graduate School of Mechanical Engineering, 23) to learn about the association’s founding background and future plans.

Q. Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us about the members of the alumni association.

A.Hello, I’m Eshete Abera Tesfaye. I serve as the president of the Ethiopia Students Alumni Association, which officially launched in the Fall semester of 2024. Together with the vice president, I oversee the Academic, Social, and Events Committees. The Executive Team plans and manages a variety of programs, including the freshmen welcome event, cultural exchange activities, and experience-sharing sessions between senior and junior alumni, while reporting major operational matters to the PNU International office.

Q. The Ethiopia Alumni Association is a newly established group from 2024. Could you tell us about the background of its founding?

A. At first, there were only a few Ethiopian students at PNU, so we met and interacted informally. However, as the number of students gradually increased, we felt the need to establish an official organization. Since the alumni association was formed, we have maintained active exchanges, helping each other when needed and sharing our cultures.

Q. For your first official event, you held the “Kick-off and Orientation Meeting.” Could you tell us about it?

A. We held the event on November 23rd, 2024, at Busan Citizens Park. We shared the founding purpose and plans of the alumni association. Additionally, we provided an opportunity for students to build camaraderie and alleviate the loneliness that can accompany studying abroad. Participants found the experience-sharing sessions particularly satisfying, and the overall response was very positive.

Q. Among other events, which activity left the strongest impression?

A. Since the Spring semester of 2025, we have organized various programs, including a freshman welcome event and a tour of Busan’s attractions, but two stood out in particular. One was a social gathering at Gwangalli Beach on August 23rd, 2025, which allowed participants to enjoy Busan’s sights together during summer break. The other was a mentoring program called “Insight and Exchange,” connecting senior and junior alumni. Thanks to everyone’s active participation, both events concluded in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

Q.  Are there any upcoming events we should look forward to?

A. Yes, there is the Ethiopian New Year celebration, ‘Enkutatash.’ According to the Ethiopian calendar, it takes place on the first day of the year, September 11th, and serves as a time to give thanks for safely completing the past year and to set plans for the new one. During the event, participants make and share traditional dishes such as the flatbread “Injera” and the chicken stew “Doro Wat”, and celebrate the arrival of spring by performing “Eskista”, a traditional dance that rapidly shakes the shoulders and upper body.

Q. What does the alumni association mean for your life as an international student in Korea?

A. As international students, we sometimes face challenges due to language and cultural differences. Even though we try to understand each other, moments of loneliness can still arise. The alumni association provides support during such times. It increases opportunities to socialize, allows us to share cultures and experiences, and offers practical tips that make daily life easier.

Q. As the Ethiopia Alumni Association has opened its very first page, what message would you like to share?

A. We hope many people will join us in supporting the growth of the Ethiopia Alumni Association. We also want to share Ethiopian culture not just with students in Korea, but with students around the world. Through the experiences and activities of studying abroad, we hope to deepen our bonds and create meaningful memories together.

Reporter Seo Young-Chae

Translated by Seo Young-Chae