Seoul Stories: My Summer Experience at Korea University

If you had asked me last year why I decided to study abroad, I would have said, “I just needed a change.” Growing up in Sydney, I spent my entire life on the same two street, attending a commuter university where making meaningful connections was hard. But if you had asked me on a deeper level, I would have told you I wanted to break free from routine, see the world, and discover more about myself.

That desire for something new led me to KUISC (Korea University International Summer Campus). For the first time, I lived on a university campus surrounded by students from across the world.

I enrolled in Strategic Management, a subject designed to develop skills in diagnosing and solving complex business problems. Unlike my usual classes at UTS, this course offered case studies, documentaries, and real-world examples like McDonald and the Enron scandal. A visit to Hyundai Motor Studio provided even deeper insights into business strategies in action and giving me a truly global learning experience

Outside the classroom, KUISC went above and beyond to immerse us in Korean life. The program organized baseball games, trips to Lotte World, cultural tours of palaces, and even paired us with buddies who introduced us to local Korean student activities like karaoke and eating dookki. These experiences provided opportunities to bond with new friends, learn about local traditions, and fully dive into the culture.

Living in Seoul for six weeks was an unforgettable adventure. It felt like the perfect time to explore every corner of the city, try every type of food, and experience the energy of Korea’s vibrant culture.

If you had asked me why I went on exchange before, I would have simply said, “To study and travel.” But now, I realise it was so much more. It was about meeting people who would run to the Han River with me just to catch the last moments of a light show, friends who searched for the best 10 p.m. matcha that kept us caffeinated until 3am and stopping to take photos at every photobooth we passed. It was about creating memories with people who shared my passion for life and learning.

If you had asked me on a deeper level why I went on exchange, I’d say it was about growth. It was about discovering new parts of myself, making connections with incredible people, and embracing a new way of seeing the world.

To anyone considering studying abroad, my advice is simple. Go! Say yes! The world is bigger than you imagine, and your next adventure might be waiting just around the corner.

Judy Zhao
Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Korea University, South Korea

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal