2014 우수 교환학생 수학 후기

In December 2013 I received an e-mail from the study abroad office at my home university. The e-mail contained information about applying for a scholarship through the government of South Korea to attend a one semester exchange program at Chonnam University in Gwangju. The scholarship offer was extremely generous so on a whim I decided to apply, not actually thinking I would be accepted. I was very surprised when, less than a week later, I received an e-mail congratulating me on being accepted for the scholarship. After discussing the offer with my parents, I decided that this opportunity was too good to pass up and that I wanted to come to South Korea to study. I was nervous about coming to Korea because I had no idea what to expect and I had no knowledge about Korean culture, language, or cuisine. With this in mind, I hugged my parents’ good-bye at the airport in Vancouver and boarded a 12 hour flight to Incheon.

After spending four months in Gwangju, South Korea, I can honestly say this was the best and most challenging experience of my life. One of the best parts about this experience is that I was able to learn about a new culture, learn a new language and travel all while still completing my education. I took four courses while I was at Chonnam University: American Novel, Human Rights Law, Organizational Psychology and Korean Language. I also participated in an optional Korean Language class that took place in the evenings at the Language Education Center. I thoroughly enjoyed all my courses and found the evening Korean Language class incredibly helpful. One of the most surprising things I found was how kind and generous Korean people are. Coming from a Western culture, I have never experienced living in an Asian culture before and I was very shocked at how accommodating people were, especially students at Chonnam. It really helped me feel more welcome both at the school and in Korea in general. One of the most difficult things for me personally has been learning Korean Language. As a native English speaker, learning Korean was definitely a struggle. I was fortunate enough to have patient professors and kind friends who were able to help me.

I have also had the opportunity to travel to other parts of South Korea during my stay. Back in April, I had the privilege of being invited to participate in the Ultra-Marathon on Jeju Island. I have never competed in a marathon before so that was an incredible experience in itself. Jeju Island is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We were able to hike mountains, spend time by the ocean, and try delicious new foods. It was also a great opportunity to get to know the other North American and European students who were invited on the trip.

Next, the Office of International Affairs kindly put together a lovely day trip to Jeonju Hanok Village. Many international students from around the world attended and we all immensely enjoyed it. I have never seen traditional Korean houses before so this was a new experience for me. We also had the chance to participate in a scavenger hunt when we first arrived. This was a fun way to get acquainted with the village and meet many new friends. We were lucky enough to arrive at the restaurant after the scavenger hunt to have a tasty lunch of Bibimbap. In the afternoon we had free time to explore the village with our new friends and were able to try some street food and take many pictures. I also took a trip the first week of May to Seoul with some exchange students from the United States. It was great to take a break from classes and studying and explore the city. I have been to many big cities before, but Seoul was definitely unique. My friends and I have a wonderful time visiting palaces, shopping in Hongdae, and going to the top of Namsan Tower. At the end of June I will travel to Australia for two weeks to meet some friends from home who are currently living there. If I did not come to Korea, I do not think this opportunity would have been possible.

I seriously cannot recommend this type of opportunity to people enough. I think it is so important to not learn the fear of the unknown hold you back from having the experience of a lifetime. I can say with confidence that I would not have traded these last four months for anything. This experience really has changed my outlook on life and I have been so fortunate to make many new lifelong friends throughout this journey. I am incredibly thankful to the Korean Government for providing with this scholarship and also to the Office of International Affairs here at Chonnam for their support in adjusting to life in Korea. I am saddened to be leaving Korea at the end of June, but I am truly grateful for this incredible opportunity.

By Tiffany Cloutier, Exchange Student from Canada

저작권자 © Chonnam Tribune 무단전재 및 재배포 금지