Jarand Narbuvold

An international exchange is a truly amazing experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

I wanted to go on exchange to South Korea not only because I have been doing Taekwon-do since I was ten but also because I wanted to go to a truly exotic destination. Korea did not disappoint and less than a year after I got home I still would want to go back and visit. Koreans are very friendly and extremely helpful. I had heard rumours of foreigners not finding their way in Seoul only to have a Korean literally taking their hand and guiding them to their destination. I must admit that I did not believe it until it happened to me.

The host university had an amazing student driven organisation designed to match up international exchange students with domestic students. This made for a great way of getting to know Korean culture, food (I still miss the food), or simply how to get around Seoul. The student organisation also arranged events and trips to rural Korea.

I found my studies challenging - especially due to the language barrier. All the courses where supposed to have been taught in English. However, the courses where largely taught in Korean since my fellow physics students found it difficult to follow the lectures in English. I had no previous knowledge in the Korean language but this gave me the chance to learn.

Running on south-hemisphere academic schedule meant that the winter holiday lasted for almost three months. I decided not to go home and instead go backpacking. With slightly more than two months available, my girlfriend and me were able to travel not only around in South Korea but also to Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.

To go on an international exchange is a truly an amazing experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. It might be tough at times but you will make great friends not only from the host country but also with other exchange students from all over the world. I would strongly recommend anyone to go on an international exchange.