Even though I hate it, I'm getting to realize that I'm in Finland, back to my old life. I'm still every day re-living my awesome experience in Korea, my friends are probably getting really tired and angry when I'm always saying how much I miss Korea and how wonderful place (and cheap) it is :) Since this blog is replacing my exchange report, here are few tips for a future exchange student preparing to leave for Korea:
As a Finnish student you only need to apply for a single-entry visa even though you want to travel abroad during your stay in Korea. As long as you take care of the alien registration you can leave and enter the country for as long as the registration card is valid. However, I recommend you to check this fact from the embassy in case something changes. And yea, it takes time for the visa application to go through so do it right away when you get acceptance letter from Keimyung.
Last fall was exceptionally tricky with North Korea, but don't let it affect your decision. The two Koreas brawl from time to time, but international press exaggerates the situation a lot. In reality you couldn't tell that anything had happened. Koreans lived their lives and weren't too worried about the situation.
It takes more time to get things in order so be patient with taking care of small but vital things (bank, internet, cell). Because you're not in Finland :) Things tend to be a bit trickier and Koreans really don't bend the rules for any reasons.
This might be the most vital thing if you're going to Keimyung and are living in the dorm: Don't let the curfew get to you. It really sucks, but make friends with your floor leader and I'll guarantee that you'll be able to have fun :) And even if they threaten you with getting kicked out from the dorm, it's not possible ;) And when it comes to choosing the dorm, go with the International Learning & Residence Hall. I heard disgusting stuff about Keli House..
If you want to make your life in Korea a little bit easier, take the Korean language class even if you really don't want to..
Keep an open mind with food. And if you can't handle spicy food and don't eat meat you're in the wrong place. And it's worth playing Russian Roulette at least once with the food :)
Network as much as you can with Koreans. They know the most original places to go out, the best dishes and you'll get to know much more about Korea than just hanging out with other exchange students.
And finally: don't go to Korea if you only wanna study. Korea is really beautiful and it would be shame not to travel to different areas. And also, it's easy and relatively cheap to visit other Asian countries..
Even though it's a cliche: Exchange was the best time in my life with it's ups and downs. It's the best opportunity to live abroad, because it might not be possible after entering work life. Even though you might feel a sting for leaving Skinnarila or other tight student community, just go! I can almost guarantee, that if it's up to you: it's gonna be LEGEN.. wait for it.. DARY!
H
Friday 21 January 2011
Straight A's :)
Today I wen't to get my transcriptions from the International Office at LUT. Finished all my classes with A's :) Now the only thing left is to request my Korean classes to be accepted to my Finnish degree. This might be a whole lot easier if I'd gotten any syllabus for the classes in Korea, oops :).
Because I had basically completed my studies in Finland when I left for exchange, I didn't overload myself and only took classes that seemed appealing. In this text I'm going to focus on the classes I took.
Korean Language Practice:
Like the title, this class was meant for beginners in learning the Korean language. Course started with learning the Korean alphabet hangul which proved to be much easier than I thought. Our lovely young teacher took us through the basics from introducing one self to giving directions. At the end of semester I was able to do my shopping without difficulties and knew how to order basic dishes in restaurants. We had also a lot of fun in the class: one morning we made kimbap for breakfast. Our teacher Ji Young Kim proved to be teacher I liked best. Korean Language Practice was considered one of the obligatory classes for exchange students.
Introduction to Korean Culture:
This one was also considered one of the obligatory classes. You had to pick either class about culture or history. Since I really don't like history I chose culture which still proved to be all about history and nothing about contemporary Korea. And it was a huge disappointment!!! Professor Finch (englishman married to a korean) took us through Korean history, religion, literature, poetry, the Korean traditional singing art Pansori and ceramics. We had two lectures per week: first one was a traditional lecture with Finch introducing week's theme to us and the other lecture was discussion about our home reading. We also had to write two essays about our visits to a historical place in Korea and museum. This was the trickiest task for me :) Even though I defied Finch and modified the essays to a theme that was more appealing to me, I got good scores. And of course, Korean style, we had mid-term and final exams.
International Management:
This was the only business course I took. Classes were about FDI and it's different theories and applications. Depending on the week, we had one or two lectures and the traditional mid- term and final exams. We also wrote an independent assignment about self chosen topic in the field of international competitiveness, basically it could have been about anything :) How ever, because being a finn, I was asked to write my assignment about Finland's national innovation system and Finnish competitiveness. The professor was all about Finland and in the end it started to be a bit tiring, he also asked if he could use my assignment in his own research about Finland's competitiveness :( And, if u have hard time with accents in pronouciating English, don't take this class :D
Cross-Cultural Communication:
The easiest class ever: The only task for foreigners was to show up in class and participate in discussion and help Koreans to prepare theis presentations about their home countries :) Korean students prepared presentations on various topics concerning contemporary Korean culture and the cultures of different nationalities that were represented in the class.
And finally my favourite... TAE-KWON-DO:
Like I probably mentioned earlier one of the reasons I chose Korea was Taekwondo. I tried to enroll in a Sparring class but since they didn't have found an instructor for the class I ended up to the same class with other exchange students. This was a class for total beginners and my friends were graduated from white belts to blue belts. Since I couldn't take part in classes of my own level, I was allowed to train higher level stuff with cute Korean black belted boys at the same time others were training basics. The grandmaster Lee Kyu Hyung was really inspiring and I'm so glad I got to learn right at the source of Taekwondo :)
And a little tip for students who wanna do as much studies in their own study field and wouldn't have time to take the "obligatory classes": there were few people who were able to skip these obligatory classes, if they didn't want to take them, all thanks to Chris Lee at the International Office :)
And BTW.. studying in Korea was a whole lot easier than in Finland, so I got to be stress-free for whole semester :)
Because I had basically completed my studies in Finland when I left for exchange, I didn't overload myself and only took classes that seemed appealing. In this text I'm going to focus on the classes I took.
Korean Language Practice:
Like the title, this class was meant for beginners in learning the Korean language. Course started with learning the Korean alphabet hangul which proved to be much easier than I thought. Our lovely young teacher took us through the basics from introducing one self to giving directions. At the end of semester I was able to do my shopping without difficulties and knew how to order basic dishes in restaurants. We had also a lot of fun in the class: one morning we made kimbap for breakfast. Our teacher Ji Young Kim proved to be teacher I liked best. Korean Language Practice was considered one of the obligatory classes for exchange students.
Introduction to Korean Culture:
This one was also considered one of the obligatory classes. You had to pick either class about culture or history. Since I really don't like history I chose culture which still proved to be all about history and nothing about contemporary Korea. And it was a huge disappointment!!! Professor Finch (englishman married to a korean) took us through Korean history, religion, literature, poetry, the Korean traditional singing art Pansori and ceramics. We had two lectures per week: first one was a traditional lecture with Finch introducing week's theme to us and the other lecture was discussion about our home reading. We also had to write two essays about our visits to a historical place in Korea and museum. This was the trickiest task for me :) Even though I defied Finch and modified the essays to a theme that was more appealing to me, I got good scores. And of course, Korean style, we had mid-term and final exams.
International Management:
This was the only business course I took. Classes were about FDI and it's different theories and applications. Depending on the week, we had one or two lectures and the traditional mid- term and final exams. We also wrote an independent assignment about self chosen topic in the field of international competitiveness, basically it could have been about anything :) How ever, because being a finn, I was asked to write my assignment about Finland's national innovation system and Finnish competitiveness. The professor was all about Finland and in the end it started to be a bit tiring, he also asked if he could use my assignment in his own research about Finland's competitiveness :( And, if u have hard time with accents in pronouciating English, don't take this class :D
Cross-Cultural Communication:
The easiest class ever: The only task for foreigners was to show up in class and participate in discussion and help Koreans to prepare theis presentations about their home countries :) Korean students prepared presentations on various topics concerning contemporary Korean culture and the cultures of different nationalities that were represented in the class.
And finally my favourite... TAE-KWON-DO:
Like I probably mentioned earlier one of the reasons I chose Korea was Taekwondo. I tried to enroll in a Sparring class but since they didn't have found an instructor for the class I ended up to the same class with other exchange students. This was a class for total beginners and my friends were graduated from white belts to blue belts. Since I couldn't take part in classes of my own level, I was allowed to train higher level stuff with cute Korean black belted boys at the same time others were training basics. The grandmaster Lee Kyu Hyung was really inspiring and I'm so glad I got to learn right at the source of Taekwondo :)
And a little tip for students who wanna do as much studies in their own study field and wouldn't have time to take the "obligatory classes": there were few people who were able to skip these obligatory classes, if they didn't want to take them, all thanks to Chris Lee at the International Office :)
And BTW.. studying in Korea was a whole lot easier than in Finland, so I got to be stress-free for whole semester :)
Tuesday 21 December 2010
Bye Bye Korea
It's time to say good bye but hopefully not for good. During these last four months I've seen so many wonderful and beautiful things, met so many awesome and charismatic people that it makes me wonder if I've done something good in life to deserve this all.
But everything nice has to come to it's ending and today it's my turn to leave this country. One week Christmas holiday in Bali with my lovely friend Sonja is ahead of me :)
Later, I will still summarize my Korean experience and maybe write more about studying in Korea, since I haven't yet described it enough.
But, for now I'm just gonna wish
MERRY CHRISTMAS
But everything nice has to come to it's ending and today it's my turn to leave this country. One week Christmas holiday in Bali with my lovely friend Sonja is ahead of me :)
Later, I will still summarize my Korean experience and maybe write more about studying in Korea, since I haven't yet described it enough.
But, for now I'm just gonna wish
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Tuesday 23 November 2010
This will be missed..
The end of exchange is closing incredibly fast. Today, only four weeks left before flying to Bali. I'm mentally starting to prepare myself leaving Korea. Even though I've been occasionally missing Finland so bad that it made me sick, I'm starting to feel a little sad leaving my other home. During the vacation in Tokyo, I felt homesick to Korea :) It seems like a good time to think about the stuff that I love about this country..
The dearest thing to me has been Korean style of going out. Best nights have consisted of several rounds of different places, dishes and drinks. Actually, last weekend we had four rounds of Korean night out: we started with a new generation style of Korean barbeque with shots helping to digest the meat. Second round led us to a cosy makkolli (Korean traditional rice wine) place with different kind of pancakes, which are by the way salty here. Third round consisted of soju, beer (also them mixed: somek) and mussels. On the fourth round we found our selves in a Japanese style place having soup and kiwi soju. And all of course seasoned with first class company.
I was quite shocked in Tokyo when I noticed that stores were closing in the evening: Korea never closes down! Well, never is slight exaggeration but close to truth. Clothing, cosmetic etc. stores stay open till late night and in some areas u can do shopping after leaving a club at am hours. Finding local food during night time is also much easier. Actually, I saw an article in Helsingin Sanomat about this Korean phenomenon of night time life.
An important social thing here is taking care of others: So many times I've found juice, coffee and fruit from my desk given by my lovely roomie. And altogether there is a culture of giving small gifts, which I love :)
And of course, since I'm a sweet tooth: in every corner there are coffee shops and bakeries where u can get delicious muffins,bagels, cookies etc. And the most important thing: cakes are so pretty, good tasting and cheap :) I'm gonna be in trouble in Finland when graving a hot latte and my chocolate muffin in the middle of nowhere..
I will probably get back to this same subject when the reality hits me in January. But for now, I'm going to enjoy my last weeks in this cute and tasty country with no hurry and start living the Christmas fuss that is about to start. And of course, finish my classes..
H
The dearest thing to me has been Korean style of going out. Best nights have consisted of several rounds of different places, dishes and drinks. Actually, last weekend we had four rounds of Korean night out: we started with a new generation style of Korean barbeque with shots helping to digest the meat. Second round led us to a cosy makkolli (Korean traditional rice wine) place with different kind of pancakes, which are by the way salty here. Third round consisted of soju, beer (also them mixed: somek) and mussels. On the fourth round we found our selves in a Japanese style place having soup and kiwi soju. And all of course seasoned with first class company.
I was quite shocked in Tokyo when I noticed that stores were closing in the evening: Korea never closes down! Well, never is slight exaggeration but close to truth. Clothing, cosmetic etc. stores stay open till late night and in some areas u can do shopping after leaving a club at am hours. Finding local food during night time is also much easier. Actually, I saw an article in Helsingin Sanomat about this Korean phenomenon of night time life.
An important social thing here is taking care of others: So many times I've found juice, coffee and fruit from my desk given by my lovely roomie. And altogether there is a culture of giving small gifts, which I love :)
And of course, since I'm a sweet tooth: in every corner there are coffee shops and bakeries where u can get delicious muffins,bagels, cookies etc. And the most important thing: cakes are so pretty, good tasting and cheap :) I'm gonna be in trouble in Finland when graving a hot latte and my chocolate muffin in the middle of nowhere..
I will probably get back to this same subject when the reality hits me in January. But for now, I'm going to enjoy my last weeks in this cute and tasty country with no hurry and start living the Christmas fuss that is about to start. And of course, finish my classes..
H
Thursday 14 October 2010
Trips, trips..
Tonight I counted with friends how much time we have left in this country: 9 weeks!! And then there was panic.. How on earth are we going to do all the stuff we want to do?
This weekend I'm heading to Jeju Island which is located in the south of Korean peninsula. Some call it the Korean Hawaii and it's supposed to be totally different from other places in Korea.
But the most exciting trip is going to be in November when I'll be traveling to Tokyo with my AWESOME exchange FAMILY. First I wasn't suppose to travel to Japan, but with reasonably priced tickets I just couldn't say no. And of course Christmas in Bali!
With all the plans going to a temple stay weekend, field trip, Seoul and other crazy expeditions I'll guess that next time I'll be sleeping is in Finland, next year.
By the way, I've also been able to do a little school work as well.. The mid-term papers are submitted and next week I'll start my mid-term exams. This is the first time in years that I haven't been stressing about exams and papers. It's a little bit odd since all the time I see Korean students doing 12 hour days with their schoolwork and still it seems that it isn't enough. Maybe it's because I'm used to not sleeping in the class during lectures :) Here it's quite normal..
Good luck with the weather in Finland, I'm still waiting for the proper Autumn to come..
This weekend I'm heading to Jeju Island which is located in the south of Korean peninsula. Some call it the Korean Hawaii and it's supposed to be totally different from other places in Korea.
But the most exciting trip is going to be in November when I'll be traveling to Tokyo with my AWESOME exchange FAMILY. First I wasn't suppose to travel to Japan, but with reasonably priced tickets I just couldn't say no. And of course Christmas in Bali!
With all the plans going to a temple stay weekend, field trip, Seoul and other crazy expeditions I'll guess that next time I'll be sleeping is in Finland, next year.
By the way, I've also been able to do a little school work as well.. The mid-term papers are submitted and next week I'll start my mid-term exams. This is the first time in years that I haven't been stressing about exams and papers. It's a little bit odd since all the time I see Korean students doing 12 hour days with their schoolwork and still it seems that it isn't enough. Maybe it's because I'm used to not sleeping in the class during lectures :) Here it's quite normal..
Good luck with the weather in Finland, I'm still waiting for the proper Autumn to come..
Wednesday 29 September 2010
Home sweet home, Korea :)
Time goes by so fast. Soon it's going to be October and I feel like I just arrived to this country. Life has been so hectic :)
During the past month I've experienced so much, that it's hard to wrap my mind around it. I've sweat in crowded clubs, relaxed in jimjilbang, admired the Sea of Japan in the night time in Busan, tasted chewy raw fish, had mind-blowing conversations with my new friends, lost my soul in Seoul and more :)
Maybe the best thing during my stay in this country has been our Chuseok-holiday trip to Busan and Seoul. It is said that traveling removes prejudice and I totally agree. I've never been this open to trying new things in my whole life and I've never felt more relaxed than now. There's something about this country that makes me forget my worries and appreciate life as it is.
During the past month I've experienced so much, that it's hard to wrap my mind around it. I've sweat in crowded clubs, relaxed in jimjilbang, admired the Sea of Japan in the night time in Busan, tasted chewy raw fish, had mind-blowing conversations with my new friends, lost my soul in Seoul and more :)
Maybe the best thing during my stay in this country has been our Chuseok-holiday trip to Busan and Seoul. It is said that traveling removes prejudice and I totally agree. I've never been this open to trying new things in my whole life and I've never felt more relaxed than now. There's something about this country that makes me forget my worries and appreciate life as it is.
Sunday 5 September 2010
Cutie cute umbrellas
First week in Daegu is over, on one hand finally and the other already. Weekdays have been really hectic and full of all kinds of hazzling. From choosing courses to getting internet all the everyday stuff has been complicated. Things really work differently than in Finland. Despite of all the hazzle I've settled down very well to the campus life. It feels like home here :) I've met some really amazing people!
The past week's theme was cutie cute. Everywhere you go, there is always something cute: cute little unnecessary stuff, cute clothes and all the korean girls look really cute, I'm so jealous :) The best purchase I've made so far is sun umbrella, and it's soooooo cute. I'm starting to think that by december I've transfered from cynical scandinavian to all cute, over energetic happy person :) So you guys back at home, prepare yourselves!
Keimyung campus is really beautiful! It's nice to be surrounded by nature in a big city. Now the area is green, but I can't wait the autumn and the change of colours. Of course I'm looking forward to autumn for another reason: It's so hot! Daegu is the hottest city in Korea and it's been sunny all week :)
After the drop and add period the classes are starting with full speed today. We'll see how well I'll adapt to the korean way in studying ;)
For some reason, I haven't been able to download any photos to the blog :( I hope that some day I'll be able to do it!
H
The past week's theme was cutie cute. Everywhere you go, there is always something cute: cute little unnecessary stuff, cute clothes and all the korean girls look really cute, I'm so jealous :) The best purchase I've made so far is sun umbrella, and it's soooooo cute. I'm starting to think that by december I've transfered from cynical scandinavian to all cute, over energetic happy person :) So you guys back at home, prepare yourselves!
Keimyung campus is really beautiful! It's nice to be surrounded by nature in a big city. Now the area is green, but I can't wait the autumn and the change of colours. Of course I'm looking forward to autumn for another reason: It's so hot! Daegu is the hottest city in Korea and it's been sunny all week :)
After the drop and add period the classes are starting with full speed today. We'll see how well I'll adapt to the korean way in studying ;)
For some reason, I haven't been able to download any photos to the blog :( I hope that some day I'll be able to do it!
H
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