Gwangju college students aspiring to be flight attendants are presenting medals to the athletes taking the winning podium at the Gwangju Universiade, demonstrating their commitment to the city that is holding its biggest international sporting event.

About 200 students from Kwangju Women’s University carry gold, silver and bronze prizes at the medal presentation throughout the event. They come from the Airline Service Department, an academic course where students are trained and learn to become a flight attendant.

Dressed in blue and white, similar to the outfit of flight attendants in the Republic of Korea, the students are committed to their job that requires a sense of responsibility while appreciating the opportunity to work for the world university games.

“I felt very proud of myself because I represent my hometown Gwangju,” Bae Ga-yule, a junior at Kwangju Women’s University, said. She attended the award ceremony for the swimming competition at Nambu University International Aquatics Center.

“I saw a job post for awarding ceremony staff on the department website. I felt pressured at first, but I realized that every time there is a huge event many people make a lot of effort to make it happen. I am grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

Park said the students underwent robust training in the lead up to the event. They were trained by Korean and foreign instructors to pick up foreign languages and develop professional demeanor for the occasion -- such as how to hold the tray and make a proper facial expression.

“Even though we didn’t have any official rehearsal, we practiced it on our own. We have rehearsed four times at Nambu University. Since there is a slight difference in the awards ceremonies, we rehearse depending on the ceremony that we are assigned,” said Bae.

By Yeo Jun-seok (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)