The Chonnam Tribune will publish the story of an exchange student in Taiwan from this September as a series of articles, and this first part is about the process of preparing to go abroad. – Ed.
 
   As an exchange student I will spend my 6th semester at Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), Taiwan and I will contribute articles describing my real life at FJU in Taiwan. Soon, my life will begin. In other words, it means that I will face many challenges and changes. If someone asks me whether I worry or not, without debt, I say “YES, I DO”. There can be someone saying “Isn’t it exciting to go abroad?” Yes, going abroad itself can be really exciting, but I think, it makes sense only to travel not to live. Living in a new place overseas is completely different with traveling. I have to do all the things by myself. So, I try to make myself be strong. Frankly to speak, my current feeling is unstable and nervous with lots of worries. But now I try to solve the problems in a calm and orderly way.
Luci's study materials and certificate of eligibility from FJU (left) and people waiting for their baggage at the Taipei Songshan Airport in early September(right)
Next 3 things are what I prepared before leaving. Adapting to new surroundings needs many things that should be done in Korea such as applying for Visa and booking a flight ticket. Because I will stay in Taiwan for about 6 months, I just need visitor Visa for 3 months and I have to extend the duration in Taiwan. To apply for Visa, visit the Taiwan Embassy in Seoul and Busan. It takes only 4 or 5 days to issue the Visa. Booking a flight ticket from Korea to Taiwan is not so much expensive. In my case, one-way ticket costs only 270,000 won. Comparing the fee of ticket to USA or Europe, it is really cheap.
One of reasons that I chose to study in Taiwan is I can learn both Chinese and English at the same time. Even though Chinese in Taiwan is a little bit different with one in China, it is a good chance to learn it. So during the summer vacation, I learned Chinese by self-study.
Actually I do not realize that I leave soon, but I just believe myself that I can do it! Luci’s life story is to be continued.
 
By Oh Jee-hyun, Overseas Correspondent
저작권자 © Chonnam Tribune 무단전재 및 재배포 금지