2021 Summer Student Exchange Program Experience
Daniel Hernández(AEF-UB_Spain)
Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry
Dear reader,
This is my testimonial for the Summer SEP experience with KNAPS in 2021. My name is Daniel Hernández, a member of AEF-UB from Spain. I spent 2 weeks in a laboratory internship and whole 1 month in Seoul, Korea. I chose Korea as my first option because when I was SEO, I had some SEP students from Korea. And they told me tales and beauty of the country. Also, I had huge curiosity about the food and rich gastronomy of Korea. This led me fell in love with the KNAPS SEP visiting programme.
First of all, I would like to thank KNAPS, that gave me the opportunity of going Kyung Hee University, in the Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry. It was a huge university, very well organized and well located. There I had the time and experiences to learn about all the procedures related to the synthesis of new active compounds with potential therapeutic activity. I would like to say a big “thank you” to all the lab members in the Kyung Hee University to include me in the team and teach me about the role of the researcher in the pharmaceutical development of a new drug. We always worked together as one team, and I’m really grateful that they’ve always been nice and friendly to me.
Secondly, the biggest and warmest thanks to all the KNAPS members who spent a great time with me. They made this trip 1000 times better than I could ever imagine. I was able to learn about Korea culture from them, and had a wonderful time to share my country’s music, food, games and so on. Moreover, I went on a trip with students who came to the visiting program from other countries and it was a very special opportunity to get along with not only Korean students but also students from other countries. The plans, the food, the love that you transmit to others, the good vibe, the laughs; everything was very thankful. I’ll let the peace of my heart in Korea, but I’ll also come back with all of you in a place in my heart.
Congratulations to all the SEP staff members, that worked hard to pull out the project even in the adverse pandemic situation and managed to deliver a high-quality project for the SEPers this year. Actually, before coming to Korea, I was a bit worried about the COVID-19 situation. But I spent a lovely time and able to experience and learn fully enough which made my concern useless.
I highly recommend anybody interested in taking part of the SEP Programme to consider KNAPS as their host organisation, not only because of the beauty of the country, but also because of the beauty of its team. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life that gave me inspiration about Korean culture. The more I experience historical places and traditional Korean foods, the more I become fascinated to beauty of the Korea.
Wish you all the KNAPS members the best in life; success, love, and a long and healthy life. My best wishes for the next SEO and Vice-presidents, congratulations, and good luck for the 2022 Summer SEP.
Big love,
Daniel Hernández, Kang Da il