The international exchange student program is a student exchange program with sister universities abroad that selects excellent students based on an agreement with the sister universities. The international exchange student program allows Kyonggi University students to study abroad for a semester at their chosen schools. Many students are interested in Kyonggi University’s international exchange student program because it is more economical than programs run by other institutions. Students pay tuition for Kyonggi University and take classes at sister universities abroad. However, it is not easy to get detailed reviews or accurate information about the international exchange student program. Therefore, we interviewed students who have studied abroad using the program to get the most practical and necessary advice.

Pharos: Please introduce yourself.

Eun-hee: I am Jo Eun-hee, from the Department of English Language and Literature. I went to the U.S. with the support of the international exchange student program in the second semester of my third year.

So_young: I am Bang So-young, a student in the Department of Tourism Development. I went to Paris, France under the auspices of the international exchange student program in the second semester of 2016.

Eun-hee: In fact, I remember more time spent with my friends after class, doing volunteer work and being with my friends in the dormitory than what I did in class. I talked a lot with my American friends about various subjects. Although I was poor at English at first, when I was talking with my friends, I tried to use the expressions they used many times by remembering the phrasing. I was often surprised by the cultural differences. Typically, the land is so large and public transportation is not like in Korea, so my friends used their cars to get around.

So_young: I often visited famous museums and art galleries in Paris, enjoying French culture. It was a great experience because I could actually see the works that I had seen only in books. In fact, it wasn’t the schedule I planned while preparing to be an exchange student. The reason why I was able to do many of these cultural activities was thanks to the benefits of studying in France. The French benefits allow students attending college to enjoy museums and art galleries for free. Although I did not have much interest in museums before I became an exchange student, I was very interested in the local area, and having knowledge of the benefits, I visited museums and art galleries a lot.

Pharos: What was the most uncomfortable or difficult part to get adjusted to in the exchange student period?

Eun-hee: Fortunately, nothing was inconvenient for me because of my adaptable personality. There was nothing that was hard to adjust to!

So_young: While the school dormitory was a part of the student exchange program, the price was about 800,000 won per month. It was too expensive for me to afford. Thus, I chose to move to a place in the local Korean town, not stay in the dormitory. However, there were many conflicts because I lived with a roommate who was not close to me, and as a result, I moved again. The most difficult part was finding a place to live because the cost of a house in Paris was so high.

Pharos: What has changed through being an exchange student?

Eun-hee: The biggest change is to be thankful for everything that’s going on around me and to think positively. Even though I was an exchange student who stayed for only one semester, my friends came to me candidly. When I came to the strange country of the United States alone, every single thing was meaningful, and I was grateful for every little thing. Since I had received so much, I made myself a promise to come back to the U.S. later.

So_young: After I went to Paris as an exchange student, my traveling style changed a lot. In the past, I used to travel around in a rush all day. However, since experiencing life as an exchange student, I have enjoyed slowly traveling in a country or city for a long time. Now, I especially like traveling to enjoy the scenery and culture of a place.

Pharos: Please advise the students who are going to be an exchange student.

Eun-hee: If you’re still wondering whether you’ll go or not, I’d like to tell you to go unconditionally. Rather than having the purpose of learning a language, you can be united with the people there. You will remember the memories with local friends. Even though there might be things that are hard to adjust to and things you dislike, there will definitely be things you learn and realize in that time. I think it’s good to spend one semester out of eight semesters in a new place and among strangers overseas!

So_young: I advise students who are going to be an exchange student to get a lot of information about the countries that they are going to go to. In particular, you need to get a lot of information about your dwelling so that you will not be deceived by locals. In addition, if you look for art galleries and restaurants you want to visit in that country, you will be able to have a more enjoyable exchange student season. With regard to students who are going to be an exchange student in France, please apply for your visa in advance and book a flight ticket because you might have visa problems. It may happen that your visa is late and you need to delay your flight departure time.

Like the two students who were interviewed above, being an exchange student can be one of the most meaningful activities you can have during your university life. Also, visiting the new country that you will go to with the assistance of the international exchange students program may be one of the most meaningful experiences you will have in your life or it might be a unique qualification later on. The Pharos hopes these interviews will help many students get information about this program and allow them to make the best choices for themselves while preparing to fulfill their dreams.

71st Cub Reporter•MOON SOHYUN•sohyun7709@daum.net

72nd Cub Reporter•JEON HYEJIN•hera123123@naver.com