Student Exchange to Gachon University, Korea
I attended Gachon University in South Korea during the spring semester of 2025. Initially, I wanted to become more proficient in Korean and to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and history. I ended up learning more than I had anticipated. I was very pleased with my overall academic experience at Gachon University, with its rigorous course curriculum and passionate teachers. I was also able to make unforgettable memories with both international friends and local Korean friends. I was especially thankful that I was assigned a language and culture exchange group, which allowed me to immerse into Korean culture in an authentic manner. I grew close to my language partners and became good friends with all four of them.
One of my main motivations for studying abroad in Korea was to experience the language in its natural environment. I had been studying Korean on my own before the exchange and felt that being surrounded by the language would push me to improve more quickly. I also wanted to explore the cultural roots behind the language. I’ve always been interested in how language and culture influence each other, and I saw this exchange as a valuable opportunity to observe how Korean was used in real-life scenarios and in a natural setting. My closest friend from Germany was consistently by my side, and we explored Korea as tourists together. I was thankful to have her as an English-speaking companion.
Before departing for Korea, I spent a considerable amount of time preparing. I refreshed my Korean language skills by reviewing grammar, memorizing new vocabulary, and practicing listening through Korean dramas and podcasts. I also did research and arranged all necessary documents ahead of time. Mentally, I tried to keep my expectations open. I knew that living abroad wouldn’t always be easy, and I tried to prepare myself for homesickness, culture shock, and challenges in general daily life.
Despite my worries, my time in Korea brought surprises in both the best and most challenging ways. The first few weeks involved a lot of adjustments, such as navigating unfamiliar public transportation, making new friends, and learning to express myself in Korean on a daily basis. However, these quickly turned into learning experiences. I grew more confident navigating Korean society and more comfortable communicating in Korean, even if I still made occasional mistakes.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my semester was the cultural exchange program that paired me with four Korean students. We met regularly to share language tips and cultural experiences. We went on weekend outings together, shared meals, and introduced each other to aspects of our own cultures. My personal favorite memory was wearing “hanbok,” the traditional Korean dress, at Gyeongbok Palace. I took so many beautiful photos. I also enjoyed going to the famous Lotte World amusement park. These were some of the many amazing experiences and friendships that made my exchange experience feel more personal. I felt welcomed in Korea rather than feeling like a visitor observing from the outside. I shared a blend of Taiwanese and American culture by taking them to try beef noodles at a Taiwanese restaurant and watching an American action movie together at a movie theater.
Academically, Gachon University offered a diverse range of courses taught in both Korean and English. The professors were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and I appreciated how they often incorporated real-world examples into their lectures. I particularly enjoyed a course on Korean history, which helped me contextualize many of the things I was seeing in everyday life. I was able to learn about historical sites and social norms in Korean. These courses were extremely challenging and rigorous, but by the end of the semester, I was even able to give a short presentation in Korean. I was especially proud of myself for that.
Outside of classes, I spent time exploring different parts of Korea, from Seoul’s busy districts like Hongdae to quieter areas like Ikseondong. South Korea’s nightlife is especially lively and fascinating. Now, I can understand why districts such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon are so famous for their nightlife. I also found myself picking up new habits, such as bowing slightly when greeting someone. These habits now feel second nature to me. I have also noticed that Korea has a consumerism-focused culture. I found it especially easy to spend a lot of cash on knick-knacks as souvenirs or skincare from Olive Young.
Looking back, my semester abroad gave me more than I had hoped for. I improved my Korean, made meaningful friendships, and gained a deeper appreciation of Korean society. More than that, I learned how to adapt to new environments, communicate across language barriers, and step outside of my comfort zone. The experience has made me more independent, observant, and open-minded, and I’m excited to carry those lessons with me moving forward.