The international Year-End Party hosted by ISSS is normally one of the highlights of the fall semester for many students, with large-scale entertainment and catering. While very enjoyable, it is impossible to hold the event this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, ISSS has organized a series of alternative year-end events in an attempt to regain a little jubilant spirit. These events include a contest for stories of special KAIST memories, a Thanks Delivery Service, and a distribution of gifts for the international community.

From September 16 to October 4, ISSS ran an idea contest to receive suggestions for alternatives to the traditional year-end party. They offered prizes worth more than two million KRW in total for individuals or teams who came up with ideas that fulfilled the criteria of adequacy, necessity, feasibility, creativity, and potential. Reportedly, however, none of the submitted ideas satisfied all these criteria perfectly, therefore, the first-place prize of 500,000 KRW was not awarded. ISSS announced its finalized program of year-end events on November 2, inspired by the suggestions from students.

The first event — the year-end contest for KAIST memories — involves students submitting a photo or video of a treasured memory of their time as KAISTians, with the opportunity to win prizes. Open from November 10 to 30, the contest entries should be explained and elaborated upon to portray a memorable story. The second event, which is open from November 10 to 20, is the Thanks Delivery Service. This provides students the opportunity to send their gratitude to any KAIST members they are grateful to, including professors, staff, and even dormitory supervisors. The 20 best submissions will be selected by ISSS on November 23, and gifts and letters to the recipients will be distributed in December. Finally, in lieu of the grand celebration of the Year-End Party, ISSS will distribute gifts to the international community at the beginning of December.

Speaking to The KAIST Herald, one international student commented that while “the economic incentive of the competition [may encourage students] to participate,” the events also exclude freshmen who have never had the chance to make good memories or close friends within KAIST. They concluded, “we needed something to make everyone happier.”