I wanted to do something a little different today and write a short article about life as a non-Korean at a Korean university while including some (of course!) pictures.
I have been studying at Korea University since August 2016 and have had a great time here so far. While classes can be hit and miss (as it the case with all universities), there are many other positive aspects of studying at Korea University too. For one, it is a stunning campus, as I'm sure you will soon see! It is very modern and provides great facilities for students.
Here is a bit about my time here so far!
The main humanities campus building. This is the building that is most famous here and the one you will see in any images or posts about Korea University! While it may seem really weird to others, much of the architecture at the uni follows an old European style, however, the buildings are all very modern and some are even still under construction!
One of the things that amazed me most about KU is that it isn't just..... Well, it is more than just a university. Many universities are just education institutes. However, KU (and may other famous universities in Korea), are fully a part of society. Wherever I go in Seoul I see marks that KU has left. Education in Korea is extremely important, and the universities are so much more than just educational institutes, they are very important parts of the society and life here.
On the right is the International Studies/Language hall, straight ahead (the tall building) is the media hall!
Professor/student relationships in Korea are also of much more importance than other countries. Students occasionally eat with their professors, and commonly even drink with them! Last semester I drank with two professors and even got totally drunk with one of them. Seniors buy lunch for their juniors, and there is a strict age code. However, it also brings people together... Where else do you drink with your professors??
Woodang hall This is one of the 'general' halls on campus. It has many different classes from every different subject you can think of.
.
Being a foreigner in Korea can be pretty alienating at some points. I had classes where I was the only non-Korean student. However, you soon become used to this, and often you even make new Korean friends in class. I think it is a matter of being 'out there', make yourself known, interact with people and try to make friends. I am introverted, and don't really like interacting with new people especially, but after meeting a few good friends I am happy and enjoying my time far more.
However, since KU is a famous university, there are also many foreigners around depending on your major. They come from all parts of the world, and many come to KU since both they and the Korean government offer scholarships for prospective students.
Incheon Memorial Hall with the water fountains outside!
The campus is split into three main areas, the humanities campus, the science campus, and the hospital/medical campus (the university has a full sized hospital and medical facilities which are on campus... What I mean about being a full part of society!). All of my images today are from the humanities campus as this is where I spend most of my time. On this campus are most of the business, arts, political, history, law, language and economics classes, as well as many general classes. The campus is stunning and is covered in trees and nature.
Looking down one of the roads that runs through campus. There is a lot of pride in universities here, as can be seen by all the red fabric KU flags!
Overall I have had a very positive time at Korea University. While some professors may not be great, and some difficulties can arise (especially with the language barriers), it has been a great experience so far, and I know it will continue to be a great experience for me.
This is the path I walked along to get to classes last semester (it leads from the dormitories to the humanities campus). In autumn it was ever more beautiful than normal!
I hope that everyone enjoyed my post. I would be glad to answer any questions if anybody has them! I also look forward to posting more pictures as I come across the opportunities to take them!
Incheon Memorial Hall in autumn.
Thank you for reading, have a great day!