Introduction
February 2025. One suitcase, a layover in China, and absolutely no idea what to expect. Standing at the departure gate, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves that I had never quite felt before. I was about to leave behind everything familiar and step into a life I knew almost nothing about.
Now that I’m back, looking at everything I experienced, I’m so glad I took that leap. Choosing South Korea for my exchange semester was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Why I Chose South-Korea
Traveling to Asia had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Japan was my first choice, but the limited number of partner universities there made it difficult. South Korea was second on my list, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier about how it turned out.
South-Korea is a country with an incredibly rich culture and history. It’s the birthplace of K-pop and home to global entertainment icons. Beyond that, it’s a world leader in technology, cosmetics, healthcare, and so much more. It truly is a country unlike any other.
Preparing for My Exchange
Registering for the exchange program itself was straightforward. But the real work begins when you start arranging your visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, and all the paperwork that comes with it.
My biggest tip: double-check everything. Especially your name. Getting your visa is a careful and sometimes lengthy process. A single mistake or a late document submission can lead to a rejection. Also make sure your passport is valid for at least a year beyond your exchange period.
Vaccinations are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended. I chose to get vaccinated just to be safe. You can check which vaccinations are advised per country using the official travel health guidelines. See the following link: https://www.ggdreisvaccinaties.nl/heb-ik-een-vaccinatie-nodig
Studying at Hanyang University ERICA
Hanyang University ERICA campus is located about 50 km south of Seoul but don’t let that distance fool you. A direct metro line from the university city gets you into Seoul in about 40 minutes, no transfers needed. The campus also runs shuttle buses for students.
The campus itself is huge and feels exactly like the American college campuses you see in movies. It hosts faculties ranging from engineering and health sciences to creative studies. I lived in the international student dormitory with a roommate, which turned out to be one of the best parts of the experience. Within the first few days, I had already made friends from all over the world.
And the “distance” from Seoul? You stop noticing it quickly and when you do go into the city, it feels all the more special.
Choosing Courses
I enrolled in six courses, one more than required, just to make sure I would earn all my credits. The courses I followed were:
- Strategic Management
- Global Business Communication
- Industrial Artificial Intelligence
- Decision Making Under Uncertainty
- Creative Fashion Design 1
- Survival Korean
One thing nobody warns you about: course selection is a competition. You have to be online at a specific time, often 3 AM European time, and claim your preferred courses the second registration opens. If you’re too slow, they’re gone.
As for difficulty: professors are aware that exchange students have a different background, and they tend to be flexible. One funny cultural note. Korean students walk into presentations wearing Crocs, a face mask, sunglasses, and a cap. As an introvert, I somehow came across as extroverted there. Truly a different world.
Living in South-Korea
Daily life outside of class was fantastic. We didn’t have a kitchen or fridge in the dorm, so we ate out almost every day, which was totally fine because the food in Korea is incredible and surprisingly affordable. From KBBQ and Bibimbap to Bulgogi, Kimchi, Japchae, and Tteokbokki, every meal was an experience.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and GS25 are open 24/7 and have everything you need. Public transport is excellent; buses and metro lines will take you anywhere. Students also use electric bikes and scooters to get around campus.
Safety is exceptional, especially for women. It genuinely feels safer than the Netherlands. The one thing to prepare for is the cost. I’m glad I started saving early. My advice: the more you save before you go, the more relaxed and fully you can enjoy it. Money comes and goes, but you only do an exchange in Korea once.
Korean Culture & Student Life
One of my biggest culture shocks was the language barrier. Even most Korean students don’t speak English confidently. The education system focuses on reading and writing but speaking is rarely practiced. Be patient and creative. Luckily we had the app “Papago” which helped translating a lot. Koreans also use their own search engine, “Naver”. So don’t forget to check that out before you leave.
The first phrase every exchange student learns is 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo), meaning “Hello.” Another concept I quickly came to understand was 눈치 (Nunchi), the Korean idea of reading a room and being socially aware. Koreans are incredibly kind and respectful, and they expect the same in return. Always bow slightly when greeting, saying goodbye, or thanking someone.
One cultural highlight you absolutely cannot skip: wearing the 한복 (Hanbok), the traditional Korean garment, and strolling through the royal palace in Seoul. It’s one of those moments you won’t forget.
My Favorite Experiences
If I had to pick my top moments from the entire exchange, these would be it:
- Road trips with new friends, exploring Busan, smaller cities, and hidden spots across Korea with people from all over the world.
- Shopping. Korean fashion and skincare are on a completely different level. The style, the quality, the variety. I went a little overboard, and I regret nothing. I still miss the cute parts of the fashionable cites of Seoul, such as 성수 (Seong-su).
- Learning Korean and making Korean friends, some of whom I’m still in contact with today.
- Nights out in Hongdae. Seoul’s student nightlife district is unlike anything in Europe. Dancing until sunrise, then hopping in a cheap taxi back to campus. A classic exchange memory.
Traveling During My Exchange
Being in South Korea is the perfect base for exploring Asia. During and after my exchange, I visited Busan, Jeju Island, and several other cities within Korea. Beyond Korea, I traveled to Vietnam, Japan, and Taiwan.
I strongly recommend doing this if you go. Flights from Korea to other Asian countries are incredibly cheap compared to European prices. Take full advantage of where you are. In the picture you can see one of Jeju
Things I wish I Packed
- Old clothes you don’t mind leaving behind. You will shop in Korea, a lot. Save the suitcase space.
- Don’t bring laundry detergent. Everything you need is available there.
- Do bring a travel clothesline. Handy for hanging clothes to dry anywhere.
- Pack extra medication and vitamins. In Korea you need a doctor’s prescription for most medicines. Getting one as a foreign student is not easy, so bring more than you think you’ll need.
Tips for Future Fontys Students
- Prepare well, but don’t overthink it. Research your course options in advance, but choose subjects that broaden you rather than ones that stress you out. The goal is to grow and enjoy, not to grind.
- Talk to everyone. The more connections you make, the richer your experience will be. An entire world opens up through the people you meet.
- Start saving early. The earlier you begin, the more relaxed you’ll be when you’re there.
- Learn at least the basics of Korean before you go. Even a few phrases will go a long way.
- Say yes to things. Trips, dinners, random adventures. You can sleep when you’re home.
Final Thoughts
Would I do it again? A thousand times, yes. Not a day goes by that I don’t think back on this chapter of my life. I miss the traveling, the spontaneity, the friendships, and the constant feeling of discovering something new.
This exchange didn’t just take me to South Korea. It opened my heart to new cultures, new ways of living, and a much bigger version of the world. If you’re on the fence about going: just go. You will not regret it.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) — Thank you, Korea
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