Studying Abroad in South Korea

Exploring Asia

In February 2024, I set off to South Korea to spend my semester abroad. My dream of getting to know this country over an extended period came true. The destination of my adventure was the city of Daejeon, where Woosong University is located. As a Media and Communication student, it was particularly important for me to gain many intercultural experiences and to meet new people and places. The university was perfect for this.

After overcoming the initial challenges during my journey, it was time to absorb many new impressions. Since I arrived at the same time as other freshmen and exchange students from various countries, we were able to explore Korean culture and discover the first places together.

The week before the semester started, there were not only informational events but also excursions and meet-and-greet events organized by Woosong University. I especially enjoyed a field trip on the second day, as it served to introduce the international students to the Korean freshmen. This event led to not only great moments but also genuine friendships. It was particularly helpful to have Korean friends to ask for assistance with topics like culture, language, and organization. After a few informational sessions and help with course selection, everything was set for the upcoming semester.

Studying at Woosong University offered interesting courses. I especially liked the Sound Design course, which taught audio mixing for music and film production. You can also take a Korean language course, which I highly recommend. This course not only teaches you how to read and write the Korean script “Hangeul” and basic everyday language skills, but also allows you to share experiences in this new culture.

In general, there was plenty of free time alongside the courses. This allowed you to not only join university clubs but also to discover new places. The city of Daejeon is relatively central in South Korea and is well connected to the transportation network. This makes it easy to explore various cities and places by high-speed trains. South Korea is also incredibly convenient. Whether it’s 24/7 open convenience stores or transportation cards that make using public transport a breeze.

Woosong University offers a lot for leisure time. The university has a variety of clubs you can join each semester. I was part of the K-Pop Dance Club and the Game Club, where people meet to play board games. I also got to perform twice with the K-Pop Dance Club at different events. Besides these, there are countless other clubs where you can, for example, watch movies, exchange international dishes, play in a band, or produce videos.

In addition to club activities, there were also plenty of festivals. Besides occasional smaller events, there was a soccer tournament, a sports festival, and a summer festival. This type of summer festival is a hallmark of Korean universities. Along with food stands and a cool program on stage, you get the chance to enjoy a concert by a K-Pop idol. This year, singer Choi Yena performed at Woosong University. If you want to see more free concerts, you can also visit the summer festivals of the surrounding universities.

Looking back, I would describe the semester abroad as very successful. My focus was on immersing myself in the culture and gaining more independence. During the journey, at the university, and in various intercultural situations, you face many challenges that you learn to overcome. For example, working on projects in intercultural teams, adapting to an unfamiliar culture, dealing with possible misunderstandings, and finding your way in a new living situation. In the dormitory at Woosong University, for instance, you live in a rather small room with a person from another country. It is important to be open, communicate your needs, and give each other space. Adaptability is a key competence you learn in the process.

From my experience, it makes sense to learn to read the Korean script “Hangeul” before the trip. It is actually not very difficult, but very helpful as it allows you to better read signs, place names, etc., in public spaces from the beginning. If you plan to live in the dormitory at Woosong University, you should also know that you need to get your own blanket and pillow. This was a surprise for many fresh international students! Ultimately, the most important tip is to be open and curious and to team up with others. The experiences you gain by participating in social life abroad are the most rewarding.