My exchange life at Korea University

Korea University is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant student life. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew that an exciting journey was ahead of me. Stepping into a very large campus with many beautiful buildings feels like a completely different experience from what Australian universities provide.

Buddy Program

Adjusting to life in Korea University was very easy due to the famous buddy program which is compulsory for all exchange students where you are paired with a local student who helps navigating throughout campus, registering classes, recommending local eateries, and essentially becoming a friend. Through this program I have made many friends so far and had many fun experiences with them by meeting very frequently as they host dinners/lunches 2-4 times a week. This made the transition much smoother and allowed me to immerse myself in the university culture quickly.

Academics

Korea University has one of the top business schools in the world, meaning you could tell that it has a rigorous academic environment. As a business student, the classes are easy to follow along as I take all my classes in English, and the professors are highly knowledgeable. In my case, I take restricted electives courses under my sub-major of International Business in International Finance, International Marketing Management, Advertising Management, Internet Marketing and Entrepreneurial Mindset. Unlike Australian universities, the interactive nature of Korea University’s classes allows students to engage in discussions, making learning more dynamic and insightful.

Life in Korea

In comparison to Australia where trading hours close earlier, in Korea shops and restaurants open till very late making a fun vibrant night-life where you can explore for new food and play fun activities after finishing class. Public transportation is incredibly efficient, making it easy to explore different parts of Seoul and beyond. The convenience stores here are a lifesaver, offering everything like drinks, food, housing essentials, etc.

Korea’s nightlife is also something to experience, whether it’s enjoying karaoke with friends, trying out soju, or simply taking a night walk. Some activities that I highly recommend are going to board game cafes (specifically playing a game called halli galli), going out to drink, playing table tennis or pool, and joining a university club. The city never truly sleeps, and there’s always something exciting happening.

Nathan Lee
Bachelor of Business
Korea University, South Korea
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program, visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal