Love Story from Kufstein: How a Semester Abroad Changed Two Lives
Between lectures and new acquaintances, Ivan and Sujung met during their semester abroad at the FH Kufstein Tirol. Twelve years have passed since then, but their memories of those first encounters are still vivid. The paths of Ivan, who comes from Spain, and Sujung, from South Korea, crossed at an unexpected moment in the heart of Tyrol. Now, after all these years, they are about to seal their promise of love by saying ‘yes.‘ Ivan studied International Business and Management at the Universitat de Valéncia and then completed his MBA at Keimyung University in South Korea. Sujung, for her part, is from South Korea and spent her student years at Keimyung University in South Korea and at the FH Kufstein Tirol on a one-year exchange program from 2012 to 2013. Ivan tells the love story in a few words and with a smile on his face: “I spent my semester abroad in Kufstein and came back a year later to visit friends. Sue was also in Kufstein during this time, and we had mutual friends. We exchanged numbers and met up again later in Valencia. Then we became a couple, and this May, we will say yes to each other.”
Kufstein – a place of beautiful encounters
Even though they no longer live in Kufstein, the town remains very important to Ivan and Sue. “Kufstein means love to us,” they both say. “It was the place where we found each other.” Today, they live together in the Netherlands and work in professions that are closely related to their fields of study. Their time in Kufstein shaped Ivan and Sujung both personally and professionally. “Not only did we find each other, but we also broadened our academic horizons, learned new languages, and gained insights into new cultures,” explained Sue. “This has enriched us in many ways and helped us move forward in our careers.”
Personal impressions of the FH Kufstein Tirol
The two are amazed at the changes in Kufstein since then. “The infrastructure has improved a lot,” Sue remarks. “And there’s a lot more choice of restaurants and nightlife now.” But despite all the changes, the memories of their time in Kufstein remain vivid. “I was very impressed by the diversity of the international students and teaching staff back then,” says Ivan, looking back. “And the friendly support of the staff like Andrea Montibeller and Professor Guillermo Dueñas,” adds Sujung. “They were a great help and support during my stay.” For those planning a semester in Kufstein, Ivan and Sujung have one piece of advice: “Be curious! Get to know other cultures, make friends, and immerse yourself in new ways of life. You will learn so much and broaden your horizons. And you will always remember this time.”