Thursday 10 March 2016

Requirements for the PhD Degree Equivalent Certificate


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Every PhD (Foreign/Indigenous) is required to get PhD equivalent certificate from HEC, Pakistan which is needed at the time of apply to many universities. It usually take up to 5 weeks in processing however, if you pursue it properly you might be able to obtain it in less time.  It is therefore recommended to apply as soon as you are back in Pakistan. You can apply by visiting main HEC (Islamabad) or its provincial branches.
Following documents are required in this regards.

     1.       PhD degree 
     2.       Signed page of research thesis (PhD)
     3.       Detailed Marks certificate/Transcript (PhD)
     4.       Enrollment Certificate from University
     5.       Scholarship Certificates
     6.       Passport Copy Showing Visa/entry/Exit
     7.       Attest all academic doc (DMCs & Certificates, Metric/FSC/BSC/MSC/M Phil)
     8.       NIC
     9.       Non-refundable fee of Rs.5000/-
    10.   All these photocopies should be presented in Original at the time of appearance in HEC

You need to make an appointment online before visiting HEC website, It would help you saving your time. If you are unable to do it, don’t worry just visit as early as 7 AM in the morning. Otherwise you need to wait for a couple of hours till your turn.

It is highly recommended to fill the online application form for PhD equivalent certificate. If you are unable to do it, don’t worry, you can fill it in HEC computer lab. Ask the attendant if you need any help.The amount Rs.5000/ Can be deposited at your turn in HEC at the spot.

After, apply you will be directed to check your email on regular basis, usually they sent you email in (5-7 weeks) time duration. You need to forward that email to OIC (University section dealing with internationals) by requesting to verify that you were a student of this University from ---- to --- session. They (OIC) will verify it by sending an Email to HEC keeping you in cc.
You will get this kind of email.




After getting the verification from your respective University, HEC will send you a certificate (Just on a simple letterhead), verifying your PhD degree. Yes, you are done with this important job. ...:) 

All the best in your future

Regards
Dr. Fakhar-ud-Din

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Schengen visa requirements



Following are the countries that are included in the Schengen area. They required same visa no matter which country do you want to visit. However, you need to obtain this visa from the first visiting country among Schengen area and then you can travel all around these countries without further visa requirement. They include; Austria, Belgium, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Documents required for France Visa (Schengen visa in general)
  1. Application form  (can be downloaded here)
  2. Passport size picture (They will take your photo at embassy during interview.)
  3. Invitation letter (conference, meeting, etc.)
  4. Authority letter from Professor stating that you are in his lab, particulars of the scholarship and also must state that you will return to Korea
  5. Bank statement
  6. Professor letter
  7. Itinerary (including all your travel plan)
  8. Hotel reservation (It should be according to your travel plan)
  9. Travel insurance for the period of stay starting from the entry date to France
The insurance can be bought online at https://www.axa-schengen.com/ (I think you can buy Schengen low cost insurance from the website. Back then I bought it worth 35 euros)
  1. Copies of passport (passport must be valid for at least 6 months) and ARC
  2. Copy of your manuscript would help too

For more details click here

Thanks to my dear friend Rasheed Hussain for all his help in getting Schengen visa..:) 

Tuesday 16 June 2015

The True Volunteers

It's always interesting to sit down and enjoy the events organized by others. Most of us love to enjoy effortless gatherings, parties, festivals, events and celebrations. We feel comfortable, if we found everything ready without visualizing the efforts behind those gatherings. Most of the time we just acclaim the efforts and took our way. This is how we think the life is beautiful and amazing, less work and dull enjoyment.
Let's explore the other side of the story. How If we put our energies in making our society more comfortable place to live. How if we share smiles on the faces of all those who are living with us. How if someone feels happy because of our small feats and exertions. This is what we can call volunteering. This is how one can spreed happiness and joys to his/her fellows. This is how one can feel gratified of him/her self. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual and good volunteer can not event think about it.
Although I was a part of volunteering activities at my college and University, however, It was in Korea when I have come to know the worth of volunteering work. Somewhere it is compulsory for all the students to have experience of volunteering. Some students do it to satisfy their souls while  some others do it to earn credit hours of their studies, knowing their worth in the near future. In many schools, colleges and universities of Pakistan it is not a compulsory job and is done very rarely by some groups of students. Most of the time they pay from their own pocket money for volunteering. In Korea I saw people spending their time and money to do volunteer work with such an enthusiasm that  sometime you need to wait for your turn to volunteer. This is always very surprising and appealing for me. Many times I, though whether it would be possible ever for Pakistani community to have such volunteering efforts to spread love and humanity.
Yes, many people are born with such capabilities to help others, to volunteer and spread happiness, however, some people develop this habit by watching and observing others. Hanyang University (ERICA Campus) South Korea is known as a mini Pakistan in Korea. Besides, many good, bad and debatable things, the one I like the most is the unity of scholars towards common goals and interests. No matter if it's a stuff related to academics or sports events or celebrations of national and religious events, the scholars at Hanyang  collectively strive for it, supporting and assisting each other.
Hanyang University life is beautified by many such gatherings volunteered by some amazingly nice fellows. I shall write their names to acknowledge their efforts. Above all I would name Hassan Hafeez for his tireless job as a representative scholar followed by Muhammad Yousaf  who always lead the community in  a positive way. Similarly, on each such eve, you can see smiling Omer Salman, Ali Ansari, Arbab Ahamd, Abdusami and Junaid Imtiaz volunteering at Hanyang University. You can also see Abid Yousaf, Dawood Idrees and Abid Imran having a big spoon in their hands, making Karachi, Pulao and Biryani. This is what inspired me a lot, not only because they are doing great things, but also because this kind of environment is obsolete from our society back to our country. You can see, Muhammad Ajaml, Alam Zeb and Yawar Rehman while wearing an apron and doing the cleaning, if you visit ERICA campus of Hanyang University. You can also see Imran Hassan Naqvi, Saqib Ali Khan, Saqib Bhatti and Mian Ishfaq with their cameras in hand capturing the events.  Many new emerging volunteers who are ready to take the responsibilities of volunteer activities, are but, not limited to Wajid Saleem, Asif Malik, Jawad, Omer Mustapha, Asad and Waqas.
Hanyang university is believed to be a place where foreigner specially Pakistani scholars have all the facilities one can even imagine abroad. We have 03 masjid to offer our religious activities. We have a big kitchen to make the foods of our choice. We have big playgrounds to play cricket, football and other games on our choice. Students from other universities praise our life style and wished to have a life like the scholars of Hanyang university. The worth of such a wonderful life abroad is even more when we celebrate Pakistan national days, religious days, sports days and other important events all together in once place. This all is only possible because of all efforts made by the volunteers at Hanyang university. Thanks to all the volunteers who spare their times for bringing smiles on the faces of all those who are facing terrible things (PhD :) ) daily, one way or the other way. Sometimes I think what would happen if we don’t have such people among us, life would be such a dull and boring. The already hard life in Korea would be much harder.
I wish every one of us be a part of it and keep the good deeds even after we are back home (Pakistan).

Pakistan Zindabad


Note: Please forgive me if I forget to mention your name being an active volunteer. 

Saturday 24 January 2015

Gangwan-do rail bike

Rail bikes are commonly found in the mountainous regions of Europe and are very famous among the tourists. However, I never heard about its existence in Korea. Thanks to the KTO for introducing me to one of the most amazing experience of my traveling life. Gangwan-do is simply known as the heaven of tourists as you can see a number of attractions all around. No matter if it is winter or summer, fall or spring you can enjoy the beauty of nature from very close in Gangwando. 
One side of it is covered by tall mountains and the other side is beautified by the ocean. The rail bike in Jeongseon Auraji is a new type of leisure sport that combines biking along a railway and scenic views. The sport makes use of an abandoned railway track that runs from Jeongseon Auraji to Gujeol-ri. It is believed that these railway tracks were used to take coal from the mining areas in Gagwan-do to the rest of Korea in 180’s. It was the time when the oil prices were not stable in the world. So he coal was a major source of  energy in Korea. However, when the oil prices stabilized in the international market, there was a less consumption of  coal due to which people related to this profession highly suffered. 
It was in the beginning of the 21st century, when the Gangwando government decided to use the abandoned tracks of rail for tourism purpose. Since then, rail bikes have been considered as the most visited destination by the travelers in Korea. The total track is 7.2 kilometers long and is a continuous descent that is easy to ride along clean valley waters and crimson red foliage.

There are 2-person (110 kilograms) and 4-person rail bikes (138 kilograms). Despite its large size, a rail bike runs quite smoothly so it is sufficient for one person to pedal a 4-person rail bike at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometers per hour. The way is entirely beautified by the natural scenery including the mountains, river, plain areas, tunnels, roads, bridges and a countryside.
At the boarding area in Gujeol-ri Station, there is a cafe named "A Grasshopper’s Dream." Housed in a train, the café is the shape of a grasshopper. Also, there is another café in the shape of female grasshopper.
The rail bike starts in Gujeol-ri station and ends in Auraji Station. Ride at a slow speed of 15 kph to enjoy the surrounding scenery will make your day. On the way back, the organizer offers a free train ride to return to Gujeol-ri where the views can be enjoyed again in a more comfortable way.
Ride the train will cost you : 18000 won for 2 persons and 26000 won for 4 persons. This amount is changeable to date.

Three simple steps if you want to go there from Seoul.
1       Take a bus to Jeongseon Bus Terminal from Dongseoul Terminal Seoul, it takes about 4 hours.
2        From Jeonseong Bus Terminal take bus to Yeoryang.
      Take a mini bus to Gujeol-ri station from Yeoryang.
Here are some links to get information about the rail bike in Korea.



Friday 23 January 2015

Snow tube race festival

Winter brings snow and cold in Korea, sometimes its too much cold and one feels very exhausted, especially during the winter vacations and on the weekends. The Korea tourism organization is committed to provide sources and opportunities of amusements and pleasure in the chilling weather of winter, not only to Koreans but the international tourists as well. There are a number of snow covered mountains which attract tourists from around the globe towards its beautiful and charming natural environment. Snow related activities like snow boarding, snow tube race, skiing, skating, ice fishing, and different other attractions are developed by the Korean government to entertain tourists even in the snowy winter.
It was indeed one of the biggest opportunities KTO had offered since last year. The snow tube festival is the very new and adventurous festival arranged by the KTO in collaboration with Gangwan-do government to attract and facilitate the foreign tourist at a very nominal rate. They offer this course to only international tourists and foreigner residing in Korea. They provide pick and drop services from the hotel in Seoul all the way to Gangwando and back to Seoul. The K performance supporters along with some tourists from Hong Kong were offered a trip to enjoy the snow tube festival and spread the words. Korean performance supporters is a community of internationals who love the Korean verbal and non verbal performances, K pop and K music industry and thus use their SNS to promote Korea tourism.
It took us 3 hours by bus from Seoul to the High-1 resort. The buses were very well accomplished with comfortable seats, spotless and peaceful atmosphere. Like all other courses provided by the KTO, this was also lead by highly qualified, interactive, pleasant and skilled tour guides who have command over English language. They have a loving and kind attitude. They delivered detailed information of all the important and historical belongings of Gangwan-do district during this trip.
We had a lunch as soon as we reached the High-1 resort. Our stay was at the 1 CC hotel which was very clean, hygienic and fully facilitated with an attractive site. The rooms were clean, fully equipped with all belongings related to daily life use. A breathtaking view of the snow covered hills and the zig zag roads was visible from the  windows. The festival management provides all the participants  with warm clothes just after the registration for the festival and those were free of cost.. :)
The Snow tube race festival was a fun equally enjoyed by everyone on the spot. They divided us into two teams (male and female) and we have to compete among ourselves for the medals. The rules were simple and were explained before the commencement of competition. Trials were completed to make the things clear, well before the start. It was simple to move fast and pick the doll placed down while sliding on a tube. I was one of the lucky fellows to qualify for the final competition from my group. The final contestants from each group raced for first, second and third position. And I got the first position among the male competitors. Similar was the procedure for the female group. There was so much fun en-coated with thrill, action and energy.
We had a skiing lesson shortly after the snow tube race festival. Skiing stuff is available all around the Ski resorts and can be borrowed on small payments. It is not much expensive and includes shoes, hats, sticks, glasses, gloves, snowboards and everything required. It was my first experience of skiing, a difficult, but interesting to learn. A number of experts can be found who can help the beginners to learn and enjoy skiing in a short period of time, but that definitely works if you are in a group and or with a timely reservation. Time just flew while we were practicing skiing and then, it was the moment to go back hotel as the closing ceremony and a number of awards were waiting for us.
A lavish buffet type dinner was arranged by the organizers for all the participants of the snow tube race festival. The non-verbal performance Sachoom was just awesome like ever. The artists  performed amazingly down the stage and over, communicate with the participants and get a great applause. Being a great fan of Sachoom I really enjoyed the event. Soon after the show the closing ceremony started with the prize distribution among the winners of the snow tube race festival. It was a great moment to receive the first prize among the male participants of the festival. There were a number of gifts for the participants of different games. Lucky draw brought smiles to many participants after their name and numbers were announced from the stage. The ceremony came to an end after 2 and half hours of commencement. It was a great get together for fun and enjoyment. Everybody enjoyed their presence at the festival and at the ceremony.
They offered a banquet breakfast early the next morning and we had a nice experience, riding a rail bike.
It was no doubt a great and memorable event of my life beautified by amazing friends like Mohsin, Abdullah, Alex, Naomi, Vetex, Jessica, Danielle, Febray, Katrina and many more. Thanks to the KTO for such an awesome opportunity. I strongly recommend this course to all the internationals, tourists and travelers. More details about the snow tube race festival can be found in the links below. You can also reserve the seats, get the package and get answers for your queries using the following links.

Fun Snow Tube Festival at Yongpyong Resort

Package reservation & inquiries
    Website: www.winterfriend.com
    Email: info@winterfriend.com / alex@winterfriend.com
Eligibility: 10 people will be selected randomly from the list of contestants
    attending both the first (Dec 11) and second (Dec 12) event dates.
Prizes:
    -1st place winners (5 people): Participation fee refunds
    -2nd place winners (5 people): The Face Shop cosmetic gift sets
    -Rest of participants: Cashbee transportation card loaded with 5,000 won
1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Some more links related to the winter activities


Monday 1 December 2014

Ist snowfall of 2014 in Suwon

Picture courtesy; Suwon culture foundation 



Like all other seasons of Korea, the first snowfall is always a source of amusement for the residence of Korea. December 1 , 2014 was the day with the first snowfall of the year. Here is a memorable picture of the Suwon Hwaseong fortress. Looking for some more fun, but be careful, its too cold now. 

Thursday 6 November 2014

Musical Wedding 2014

This Korean traditional musical referred to as a "Wedding" is a hybrid musical, which includes western style music as well as a Korean traditional wedding theme performance with music, dance, songs, and comical acts.
That was a wonderful night to watch the Korean traditional wedding ceremony, which is touched by music and fun. The story begins with a touchy kiss between the friend of the bridegroom and the bride. The father of the bride is looking unhappy with this marriage and he used to show his grief at many occasions. The bridegroom and his friends tried their best to get the agreement of bride’s father but all in vain. Meanwhile the wedding team showed some great performance of musical art that was amazing. The anger of bride’s father is at extreme when the bridegroom is unable to provide wedding ring. However the friends of bridegroom succeeded in getting the agreement of bride father…… How they succeed in their mission..? You need to go and watch the “MUSICAL WEDDING”. You will find a combination of eastern and western music coated with Love, anger and amusement…... And Yes The Character of “SEXY BOY” is the Hottest scene of the show and I am sure it will make you smile….:)

The “Wedding” is a regular performance, held daily, which has a combination of acrobatics, ballet, acting, and more. What is unique about this musical performance is that it focuses on Korean traditional culture mixed with lots of humor and fun