University Life

One thing that I really like with being in South Korea as an exchange is the atmosphere and university life. You will see students with backpacks wherever you go. Everybody is mostly wearing baseball jackets with the universitys' name and logo on it. The jackets are in all different colors depending in which department you are studying. Our friends at IFCC has actually ordered jackets for us, so soon, the exchange army will also walk around with out baseball jackets.

Korean students put a lot of pressure on themselves. They all need to get an A, otherwise they won't think that they are good students or their parents won't be satisfied. In the end of the semester, many korean students complains to the professor about the grade. So to get an A, is really important.

In Europe the grades has no big meaning. When you are applying for a job, no one cares about your grades. What matters in the end, is what you learnt and how you can use the knowledge.

When it comes to studying in Korea, students here usually don't study at home. Students all have their favorite cafés where they can sit all day reading for an exam. Nowadays, since midterm is coming up, there is students in every café, some students are even leaning over the table and resting.

One thing I started to think about: Studying in cafés, is it a trend? A way to show off? Or is it just a way for koreans to get away from the noise at home?

 I have been studying at home and in these cafés. I must say, there is good things with studying at home, but also benefits to study in a café, maybe with a couple of friends. If you have hardworking friends, you feel the pressure to study yourself. If you study at home, you can end up in your bed and sleep for a couple of hours or watch your favorite series.

My experience with studying here, I have realized, that its good to start studying at home. When there is a lack of motivation, I move to a cosy and quiet café, where I get new energy to continue my studies.  

One thing that is very common in cafés here South Korea, are animals. I have seen a lot of dogs and cats walking around while I have been enjoying my hot chocolate. Today, I decided to study at a café called 8st. The first thing I see is a big hairy dog. When I look to my right, I see this little mini pig looking at me and I immediately fell in love. This pig was having a banana for breakfast and he really loves attention. During the day he was enjoying the sunshine outside. One of our Chinese friends had only one thing to say about this pig: "That could be my dinner!" Well, true. In Korea we eat a lot of pork and that's why I was so surprised to see a mini pig running around. I wish I could take him home with me.