[466 Life as an Exchange Student]

   Good day to the dearest readers of The Dongguk Post!

   My name is Bilegjargal and I want to express my opinions of studying as an exchange student in South Korea. To be honest, coming here was truly a dream come true. From the minute I arrived, I was amazed by the kindness and hospitality of the people. In addition to being an intellectual experience, my stay in Korea was a fantastic voyage of self-discovery and personal development. I will discuss my experience and offer some advice for anyone who will be coming here.

   First of all, I was immediately struck by how incredibly friendly people were. Locals were always willing to help, even though I did not speak any Korean. I had no trouble feeling homesick because of Korea’s unique emotional bond. Another highlight of living in Korea is the cuisine. Your mouth will water from the street food tteokbokki to the restaurant level of bulgogi, and most importantly the kimchi. The variety of flavors gave interest to my everyday life, and remember to ask if it is spicy before ordering.

   But other than happy moments, I had my down days. It was a bit challenging to get used to the metro system, which was intimidating at first since we do not have one back at home. I highly suggest KakaoMap and KakaoMetro to anyone who plans to come. They were my best friends since day one and really useful in navigating. During the first several weeks, handling my finances was another difficulty. As other countries do, it takes sweet three to four weeks for international students to obtain their Alien Registration Card (ARC), which is a prerequisite for opening a local bank account. Until then, it was highly important and crucial to have enough cash on hand or a globally accepted credit card.

   Then there is another barrier-the language. Initially, I planned to study in English. As I was preparing to send my document to schools, I made the decision to dedicate a year to learning Korean. Believe me, this was one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey. Gaining proficiency in the language helped me to grasp more meaningful ties with locals, easier daily conversations, and a greater understanding of Korean culture. I highly recommend learning Korean to anyone thinking about studying in Korea. I think that just simple sentences can demonstrate respect for the local culture and have a significant impact on our daily lives.

   After learning Korean for a year, it helped me to realize that I want to pursue my educational career to a Master’s degree. After my exchange program, I had originally intended to go back home, but I ended up staying since I fell in love with Korea. To be honest, I am really delighted with the decision to study to the advanced level, even if it changed my life. For those in Korea experiencing a new culture, my advice is simple: Do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is from classmates, professors, or locals, people are just there for you and would be kind enough to give you a hand. Further, embrace challenges—they are part of the adventure and a key part of personal growth.

   My exchange experience in South Korea was not just about academics; it was a journey of cultural immersion, personal discovery, and unforgettable memories. If you are considering studying in Korea, take the leap—it might just change your life, as it did mine.