I really can’t think of anything I would have done differently in retrospect. The decision to go to South Korea was the best I could do. The university is perfect and I also made the right course selection.
I had waited and waited to go. I had been looking forward to it for so long, and finally the moment came when I was stepping out of the plane and in to Incheon airport… After the first week I started making new friends. After the first month my Korean was understandable. Second month it had gotten better. By the third I didn’t want to leave, my korean was improving and I had made heaps of new friends.
I have always had the best experience at events organized by Korean government or the International Global Network, whether it was trips to the surroundings of Seoul and Gyeongbuk or visits to Korean companies (e. g., a factory tour or a visit to the Samsung Samsung d'light - global exhibition space and KBS - the national public broadcaster of South Korea) and be delegate of Asia Student Summit.
It's quite interesting to see the world from another's point of view. When I went abroad to Korea, the Inter-Korean summit between the leaders of North Korea and South Korea were ongoing and preparation for World Cup 2018 was commencing. I learned what others thought of Eurasian politics-many mixed opinions (as is life in general). Student exchange is the opportunity to do and see things you could of never dreamed of. Gain new friends and become a local in another culture. A journey of self-discovery and personal growth filled with unforgettable memories. I have gained more experience, confidence and self-dependence within this year than ever and never regretted anything!
I would recommend time abroad to absolutely everybody, as you gain precious memories, friendships and knowledge to last a lifetime. The only thing I can say is don’t enjoy yourself so much that you forget to take photos!
