Foreign Exchange Program- not only study books but a chance to study the culture
According to the statistic by Ministry of Education, Science and Technology(MEST), many universities in Korea are working hard to fit in the global century. One of the ways for them to expertise internationalization, they progress foreign exdchange programs. KyungHee University ranked top for having the most foreign exchanges students rate of 9.7%, which is about 650 students. Yonsei University ranked second for 8.8%, Ewha Women University ranked third for 7.3% and so on. As shown in the statistic, at the maximum, universities are willing to accept up to 10% foreign exchanges students from other countries. Also it is visible that many foreigners do take their chances to come to Korea and study abroad in Korea.
The students in foreign countries have a chance to study in Korea universities. Through such foreign exchange programs, students can study abroad and also study the cultures of each countries. Aaron Hoover, a 21 year old student in the University of Iowa located in Iowa City, was born in Korea but was adopted to a family in the USA as an infant. He experienced the foreign exchange program through the relationship shared between the University of Iowa and Yonsei University. Hoover describes his experience as a time of enjoyment to learn about Korea and the Korean cultures. His foreign exchange program experience not only gave him the time to study in Korea but also helped him embrace his heritage. Also Yukina Onishi, a 23 year old student from Japan, took her chance for foreign exchanges program at the University of Seoul. Through her first time experience in Korea, she describes that she learned a lot from the cultural differences.
Aaron Hoover(middle) Q. How did you get the chance to participate in the exchange program with yonsei university?
A. I have been taking Korean class offered by the University and am currently in my 3rd year 2nd semester of study. As a freshman in Korean 1st year, our Korean professor mentioned the Yonsei study abroad program. I applied to study at Yonsei University for the summer of 2011.
Q. Can you tell us about your experience at Yonsei?
A. During my time at Yonsei, I was able to tour a lot and experience Seoul life, culture, and fashion. My friend who studied Korean with me also went to Yonsei and we were roommates. We lived in a hotel in downtown ShinChon and loved the lifestyle there. The only downside was the rainy season because on the first day, we forgot umbrellas and got lost on the Yonsei campus. So, by the time we reached our classroom, we were soaking wet. I truly cherish the time I spent in Korea because it gave me a chance to learn more about my heritage and Korean customs.
Q. What was different about Yonsei compared to the university that you attend in the United States?
A. The major difference was that because Yonsei is located in Seoul, there were many more opportunities to go and hang out with friends. Also, books in Korea were much cheaper than books in the United States. For one semester at my university, books cost around ~$400. My favorite difference between the two universities was that restaurants were open all the time and delivered so that I could eat whenever I wanted.
Q. Can you tell us the specific details and steps on how you applied for the foreign exchange program?
A. I applied directly to Yonsei on their website with the help of my Korean teacher. I had to send in ID, a picture of myself, and a few other documents. Through the help from my korean teacher and using the Yonsei website, I was able to successfully apply and become accepted at Yonsei University. I highly recommend this program to anyone who would like a chance to experience life in Seoul not only to learn more about the culture and lifestyle, but also to make new friendships.
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Yukina Onishi Q. How did you get the chance to participate in the exchange program with Seoul University?
A. I studied social psychology and cultural psychology as a major in Japan. Through these studies, I grew interest toward the differences of cultures in East Asia. Also as I participated in summer school at JeonBuk National University during my sophomore year in college, I grew interest toward South Korea. Around this time Seoul University urban sociology major and my college's department of literature made a pact. This motivated me to go to Korea as a foreign exchange student. More practical matters were the inexpensive tuition for Korean school and fee for living, scholarship offers, and internship system.
Q. Can you tell us about your experience at Seoul University?
A. Last semester, I listened to classes for foreigners and attended Korean school to develop my Korean skills. Through these classes, I was able to study hard as a foreign student. On the other hand, I went to the S-Cafe at Seoul University to hang out with firends. S-Cafe is where foreigners come and have a good time. I was able to make lots of foreign friends and share each others experiences in Korea. Since there ar many foreigners at S-Cafe, I was able to learn about how much English is important here. This semester, I listened to classes with Korean university students. Through participating in Membership Trainings(MT) and banquets, I was able to communicate with lots of Koreans and know about their culture. Recently, I am doing internship and experiencing many different things in Korea.
Q. What was different about Seoul University compared to the university that you attend in Japan?
A. Korea university students not only study English very hard, they work hard to receive certificates. Japanese university students study hard also but also participates a lot in club activities. There are numerous clubs so after school is over or on the weekends, students usually spend their time in club activities. I think that Japanese students pursue more club activities during university years. On the other hand, Korean university students make lots of experiences through studying abroad or temporarily withdrawing from school. In Japan, there is still a perception that students need to graduate universities in 4 years. Therefore, Japanese students are not as active in participating in studying abroad.
Q. Can you tell us the specific details and steps on how you applied for the foreign exchange program?
A. First I had to get a testimony from the Korean professor at my university about my level of Korean. Next, I go through an interview at my department and then get recommended. Lastly, I go through a Japanese and Korean interview that is done by the foreign exchange center at the university. When I passed this interview, I was able to get a letter of recommendation to apply to Seoul University.
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Foreign exchange programs are another way to study the cultures of another country. It is true that many Koreans go to foreign countries to study their cultures and language. Yet, many foreign students are also heading their direction toward Korea. Through the foreign students participating in such programs to visit and live in Korea, it is another way to introduce our country and cultures to other countries. Not only should many Koreans go abroad, but also there is hope that the spread of foreign exchange programs for many foreign students will head toward Korea.
1. Search which Korean universities are in pact with the university that you are attending. 2. Receive a proof of your Korean skill through a testimony of a Korean professor or through certificates. 3. Apply to the foreign exchange program in your university. 4. If accepted, take an interview in both your language and Korean. 5. Pass the interview then you can be accepted!
How to apply in the foreign exchange program
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