My Exchange at The Seoul National University
I found about the exchange programme a long time before I finished high school, because I knew I wanted to go on exchange during my time in uni. I did some searching online and found out about UoA’s 360 International organisation and programme and it was actually a large part of my decision to study at The University of Auckland.
The preparations you need to make, and paperwork that needs to be filled in order to partake in the exchange programme can be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s so worth the work. The opportunity to do this, and with such a variety of choice in countries and universities is amazing. I also really appreciate that, though there are many details to be sorted, everything I needed was always there if I searched for it, and the team was always very helpful and responsive. My advice would be to start thinking about the possibility of your semester exchange early, so that nothing catches you off-guard.
South Korea and Seoul National University
I went to Seoul National University in South Korea. South Korea is a pretty wild place compared to NZ. There are convenience stores and Starbucks everywhere, as well as this makeup and beauty store called “Olive young”. The night never really ends, and you can actually get around with public transport really well. Seoul is just really fun, SNU is prestigious and the SNU-Buddy programme is absolutely top-tier.
Living and Accommodation
I lived in the student dorms, which I would recommend. It’s on campus, and a large majority of your mates that you meet will live there or near. I found that people who tried to live off-campus often just had to travel much further to get to all of our events, especially SNU-Buddy ones (which are dope). Sure, living somewhere nicer might seem attractive, but I realised (along with the rest of my fellow exchange friends) that the experience was really about the people. (Not to mention that dorms are wayyyy cheaper). Food costs roughly the same as NZ in some cases, but then cheaper in others (and, though you shouldn’t do this for every meal, convenience stores are very cheap and, convenient). You probably won’t be cooking, so you’ll likely spend more on food than your usual life back at home.
Accommodation is WAY cheaper (I paid roughly $350 NZD a MONTH) and food is slightly cheaper on average, but you’ll be eating out every meal so it’ll end up being more than in NZ.
Orientation and Academics
To me and in my experience, SNU and SNU Buddy were absolutely synonymous. But, I have to remember that in fact there weren’t. SNU is very welcoming, and the office of international affairs + dorms have their own little events once a week or so, but it’s nothing compared to SNU Buddy. I would really really recommend getting involved with it! It’ll help you feel even more welcomed than just SNU alone.
After talking to so many international students from all over the world I realise that NZ is has a very different approach than a lot of international education. It’s a strange mix between (at least on the STEM side) very difficult exams, everyone always passing, very well established professors, long lectures and more that is hard to explain. I was able to find most of the courses I needed in English (after a very competitive application period), and though the learning style was different, I can’t say I had a bad experience.
Extracurricular and Life
I’ve already mentioned so much about the Buddy programme, so I’m going to assume you understand how amazing it was by this point.
Seoul is a very exciting place. Karaoke, BBQ, Saunas, Clubs, the nicest cafes you’ll ever go to, wild stores, high quality shopping, beautiful scenery, tall buildings, amusement parks (further out), temples and palaces… The list never ends, similarly to the night (which also never ends). You will absolutely have no shortage of things to do and enjoy!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
I’d say, on the academic side, the professors. They have been in industry, they really know what they’re talking about. If you have questions and want to pry, these lecturers are going to have insight. My professors were involved in building parts of the modern internet, the new AI stuff in all the Samsung products.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
You have to get involved in SNU Buddy. This depends on the group of people you’re with, but I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the coolest people I’ve ever met and I’ve had such an amazing time with them. So many fun events are planned from an athletics day, temple stay, Taekwondo, fan-painting etc. It takes a lot of planning stress off your shoulders and by the end my group and I were so close we’d make our own unofficial-official group events every day or two.
Other than that, go on Naver maps and go wild looking for cafes, they’re so nice always and a great place to chill, study, chat etc. Make sure to leave Seoul! Go to Jeonju, Jeju Island, Busan etc.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Learn to read the Korean alphabet (you can learn Hangeul in a single day, no joke) and learn “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thanks” etc.
- Get involved in SNU Buddy
- Don’t get too stressed out about the academics, you will be fine! Really
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
Living in the student dorms was very very cheap (roughly $350 NZD a MONTH). Eating out for every meal was much more expensive and I believe it was the bulk of my expenditure in Korea. Also, this depends heavily on how much you spend on recreation and goods, which can be very tempting in Korea cause there’s some pretty awesome stuff no matter who you are–and honestly, if you enjoy it and can, go wild! (Within reason of course)
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
It’s cliche, but I suppose at the end of the day it was all about the friends I made along the way. I learnt about so many more cultures than just Korean, and being involved with and making friends in the exchange/international cohort was super valuable. After the exchange, I’m even more appreciative of the value that diversity brings to all facets of life and how much I love people, and that was probably the coolest thing about the whole programme for me.