After three years at ACG School Jakarta, Chaeyeong (Chae) Kim is homeward bound with exciting plans to embark on her accounting career at South Korea’s Dongguk University.
And with the indispensable skills she developed during her International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) studies, she feels perfectly placed for success.
Chae, what are you most looking forward to about studying at Dongguk University?
I’ve always lived with my family and had my parents to guide me, but now I’ll be living alone, making my own decisions and solving my own problems. I’m really looking forward to becoming more independent!
Plus, I’ve heard so many positive stories from my friends at university in South Korea. I can’t wait to experience university life for myself, continue my education, and reconnect with my Korean culture.
How well do you think the IBDP curriculum has prepared you for this next step?
I definitely think that the IBDP has prepared me well for the university workload. Two years’ worth of essays has developed my research and formatting talents. And learning to manage and balance six different subjects – in addition to the ToK (Theory of Knowledge), EE (Extended Essay) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) – has honed my time management abilities. All these skills will be so useful at university.
What aspect of the IBDP curriculum did you most enjoy?
I really enjoyed doing CAS, which provided me with opportunities to create my own extracurricular activities and lead a group. I taught Year 5 to 7 students debating and maths, helping them enhance their academic abilities and build confidence.
I was also involved in a CAS group project on environmental pollution, inspired by the pandemic and the increased consumption of masks, plastic shields and rubber gloves. We wanted to encourage locals to find eco-conscious alternatives and reduce littering. This project enabled me to develop valuable skills such as cooperation and communication, which I will need when I start university and enter the workplace.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your three years at ACG School Jakarta?
Adapting to a new educational system wasn’t easy. Studying in Korea, my learning mainly focused on memorising textbooks, whereas the IBDP programme encourages us to show our creativity and express our opinions through essays and class discussions. As a result, I struggled a little at first, but the ACG community was always supportive and helped me adjust.
Can you tell us about the personal highlights and memories you will take away from the school?
Definitely the strong connections I made with both friends and teachers. Because ACG is an international school, I was able to interact with people from all over the world. Not only that, but it gave me the chance to explore the global environment. I also enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball, and even though I lacked experience and skills, I was welcomed and given opportunities to try and learn. It was rewarding to see my own progress.
What are your long-term plans?
I’m planning to become an accountant in the future, but for now, I’m just focusing on graduating from university and taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
