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Sungkyunkwan University

South Korea 2024/2025 Partner universities

Personal data
Mobility type:
Study

Faculty at MU:
Faculty of Arts

Field of study:
English Language and Literature / Art History

Level of study during period of placement:
Bachelor

Language used:
English

Summer/winter school?:
no

Period of studies:
autumn 2024

Period of placement (from-to):
2024-08-28 - 2024-12-21

Number of months:
4

Activities before my departure abroad
Where can information be found about courses taught at the foreign school?:
There is a course catalogue found on an official website of the University. However, it is a subject to change so it needs to be checked before registration of courses.

Which documents were needed for acceptance at the foreign university?:
Motivational letter, Transcript of records, Language certificate, Learning Agreementsigned by all coordinators

How far ahead did you have to organise your acceptance?:
around 4 months before the departure

Did you need a visa?:
yes

Documents and materials needed for a visa:
Proof of reservation of accommodation, Copy of a flight ticket, Letter of recommendation by a teacher at home university, passport and it’s copy, visa application form, application fee, Photo 35x45 mm with white background, a copy of Certificate of Admission, A copy of Business Registration certificate, Confirmation of studies in Czech Republic, Copy of the cooperation agreement between the two universities

Length of wait for visa:
A month

Fee for the visa:
60$ (recommended to pay in US dollars)

Studies
Did you have a Learning Agreement signed before your departure?:
yes

If not, why not?:

Before your departure did you know how your courses would be recognised by your home faculty?:
Yes.

During your stay did you change your Learning Agreement?:
Yes, the process was very smooth and quick. I changed it through ISOIS and had it signed by all coordinators.

When and how did course registration take place? Are there any restrictions? Possibilities of making changes?:
We were informed about the details connected to course registration via email by the host university. It took place online, on a first-come-first-served basis. Some courses, however, were not offered to exchange students or had a limited number of spots provided to them. It is also important to notice the language of instruction that is provided in the list of courses, as many courses are taught in Korean. There was a possibility to modify the choice of courses and reach out to professors to ask for a place in the class that was already full up till two weeks after the start of the semester.

Did you take any examinations at the foreign school?:
Yes - written test, essay, presentation, and oral examination.

Does the school use the ECTS system?:
no

If not then explain how the credits there were recalculated into ECTS:
Korean universities use their own credit system. I had to search for the information about the calculation of the credit value into ECTS online, this information is easily accessible. 1 Korean credit equals 1.67 ECTS (3 Korean credits equal 5 ECTS.

Describe the teaching methods (theory, practical and projects) and assessment of students:
Professors choose their own ways of conducting the class and assessment, therefore the procedures in classes may vary quite significantly. Usually, the class consisted of a teacher giving a lecture, in some cases followed by a discussion with students. The materials and important information about the courses can be found on an online platform to which the exchange students gain access at the beginning of a semester.
Teachers use different ways of assessment, which are often combined (a student needs to give a presentation and write a research paper, or other combinations). Korean semester is divided by the mid-term examination, which is often a significant part of grading and usually takes the form of a written test. At the end, a student needs to pass the final examination, which may take various forms. Sometimes, students are required to fulfill other assignments or give a presentation during the semester.

Quality of teaching in comparison with home school:
The expertise and excellence of teachers at SKKU is undeniable. I do not feel confident to say which institution provides better quality teaching due to my limited time and choice of courses at SKKU, but I would estimate that both Masaryk University and SKKU offer education of a very good quality. The only thing I would say I liked more about SKKU was the mid-term/final examination division of the assessment, I feel it reflects the level of student's knowledge better than just one final exam at the end.

How did you receive study materials?:
In my courses, we received materials mainly through the online platform, the smaller part also in person during the class.

Can you recommend an interesting course/subject/teacher?:
I loved the Korean language class, our teacher was extremely nice and helpful and taught us a lot. I have heard stories of some other students who were not very satisfied with their tutor, usually due to the language barrier and insufficient explanations. I did not have this problem at all. I would also recommend any class taught by Professor Normandin, especially to students interested in literature, he is a brilliant pedagogue with a very engaging lecturing style.

How well is the school library equipped?:
The library at SKKU has substantial holdings, many of which are in Korean. There was a floor, however, dedicated solely to resources in foreign languages. I did not have problems with finding resources during my work on research papers and even found many interesting titles for my personal reading for pleasure.

Availability of computers, internet access, level of software needed, requirements on notebook:
Students could use computers in the library and we also had three of them in the common area of our dormitory. The wifi connection was usually stable and quite quick. There were days when I had trouble connecting to wifi on campus (this was pretty rare), but the one at the dormitory was always working perfectly.

Options from printing and copying:
There were printers available in the library and also in some other University buildings on the campus such as the International Hall. We even had a printer at our dormitory. The prices were pretty reasonable.

Does the foreign school/student organisation arrange special events for exchange students?:
yes

If yes then what?:
On the first day of the orientation week, the University organised a welcoming meeting at the main hall of the University with amazing performances by University cheerleaders and the dancing club. There was also a student society, Hi-Club, in charge of organising events specifically for the exchange students such as perfume-making, fishing, or silent disco. These were amazing, the only problem was the low capacity so many of the students could not get in even though they were interested in the event. Thankfully, it was also possible to join bigger events for all SKKU students such as Eskara, a music festival, where you could see stars such as Zico or Stayc.

How would you assess your integration with the local students (evaluation like in school from 1 to 5 with 1 as highest):
3

or describe in your own words:
I feel it is more difficult to bond with Korean students, especially if you do not speak perfect Korean, since many of them are hesitant to speak English or are in general shy or uninterested. Therefore, if you want to meet some local students, it is a good idea to join the buddy programme, I made friends with a really sweet Korean student through this, or also join KITE, a language-exchange community at SKKU (the spots are limited so one should apply as soon as possible!) where you form a group including exchange and local students and meet every week to talk and do fun stuff together.

Practical questions on your placement
Where did you live?:
I lived at the SKKU dormitory, I-house, at Hyehwa in Seoul, right next to the campus.

Cost of accommodation - monthly:
425 USD

Additional comments to the price of accommodation (as to what the price includes):
This price included a room that you shared with another student and a private bathroom with a shower. You had access to the shared kitchen, water dispenser, common room with sofas, computers, and printers, and a fridge. There was also a washing machine that you could use after you downloaded a META app, which you could charge in the convenience store and use to pay for the washing machine.

Describe the equipment. Tips for future students – what should they bring with them?:
If you decide to stay at the dormitory, you should bring bedsheets (duvets and pillows are provided for the exchange students) and towels. A drying rack and hangers were a part of the equipment in the room. In general, I would not recommend bringing too many things with you, since many of them can be bought at the local shops such as Daiso for quite cheap.

How and how far ahead should accommodation be organised?:
We have received an email informing us about the possibility of applying for a dormitory in June, which means around two months before the start of a programme.

What are the catering options?:
Students living at I-house have access to the kitchen, where they can cook their own meals. However, not all the dormitories have kitchens and the selection of a dormitory is random so you cannot really estimate if you will have one at your disposal. There are several cafeterias on the campus, offering breakfast, lunch, and even dinner for reasonable prices so many students choose to eat there. There are also some pretty affordable restaurants located nearby campus.

What are the rough costs of groceries (compare with Czech prices):
It is rather expensive to try to buy fresh groceries in Korea. Pre-packaged products such as instant ramyun or packed kimbap can be bought for a rather good price but fresh groceries, especially fruits are pretty expensive and sometimes not even available at the local convenience stores, only the big supermarkets.

Transport to location of placement:
By plane.

Rough prices for transportation:
It depends on how lucky you are with searching for plane tickets. For me, the price for the one-way plane ticket was around 380€. Usually, however, the price is much higher and can even be around 900€. I started searching pretty early, so that might be the reason for getting such a good offer.

Tips for purchasing cheap tickets and other recommendations:
I have flown with Austrian Airlines in cooperation with Asiana Airlines to South Korea. The flight was very comfortable and rather cheap. If you manage to start looking for plane tickets soon enough, you may even find a direct flight from Vienna without a layover. I have chosen this option and flew with Korean Airlines. It is a good idea which will make your life easier, especially for a journey back home, if you are struggling with too much luggage.

What are the local transport options (public transport, cycling, on foot, rough prices):
The transportation system in Seoul is very efficient and rather cheap. You can use either a bus or a subway but you must get a t-money card first. You can do this at the airport or one of the convenience stores. You then have to load it with cash, this can be done at the store or through one of the machines at the subway station. It is a very good idea to download the Naver app which will help you navigate public transportation. The price for one ride is roughly 1500 won. There is also a possibility to walk shorter distances.

What kind of formalities have to be arranged before arrival, for example residence permit?:
ARC, Alien Registration Card, can only be applied for after the arrival to Korea. The University is very helpful in this aspect. Thus, the only document you have to think about before leaving is the right type of visa. Keep checking the official website of the Korean Embassy in the Czech Republic to find out about the latest changes in travel documents needed for entry to South Korea.

What health insurance did you use? (rough price, advantages, disadvantages, is it necessary to arrange insurance at the university other than your home (Czech) insurance?):
I was insured by Allianz and was very happy overall with their travel insurance. It cost me 200€ for one year and fully covered my appointment at the dentist's due to tootache. The process of compensation was very smooth and without complications. Furthermore, in Korea, after you receive a mandatory ARC, you are asked to pay a mandatory NHS insurance which is around 50€ per month through an official letter that is delivered to your address. You can pay this with a Korean account or in cash at one of the convenience stores.

Did you have any experience with medical treatment abroad?:
Yes, I had an appointment at the dentist's because of a severe toothache. The doctor was very professional and kind, he managed to help me with the pain - overall, it was a very good experience.

Did you work during your studies?:
No.

What are the conditions for working for MU students?:
I do not have the experience with working in Korea.

Tips for free-time activities:
There is so much to do! You can go and explore historical and cultural sights - Seoul is full of royal palaces, shrines, galleries, and museums. Picnic by Han River with fried chicken or watching the changing colours of the Bampo bridge, the highest fountain in the world, is very popular also among the locals, and for those who want to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, Itaewon and Hongdae are the hottest clubbing areas. Seongsu, also called "Brooklyn of Seoul" by some, is a good place to go to visit pop-up stores, where you can get many things for free, while Ikseondong Quarter is popular for its aesthetic cafés with delicious and original drinks and desserts. Gwanjang market is the most famous night market, it is a good place to try some Korean traditional food, and if you want to enjoy an occasional shopping spree, you can visit Myeongdong Quarter, the most famous shopping district in Seoul.

Financial support and expenses
Total grant from Centre for International Cooperation:
80000 CZK

Monthly grant in CZK:
20000 CZK

Number of supported months:
4

Total number of months:
4

What other sources did you make use of to finance your placement?:
My parents supported me and I also had some savings put aside.

If you received another grant, state which and how much in CZK:

 
Total fees associated with enrolment at the university:
0 EUR

a/ amount of enrolment fee:
0 EUR

b/ amount of tuition fees:
0 EUR

c/ amount of other fees (which):
70 EUR

 
What was your average monthly expenditure?:
864 EUR

a/ of which for accommodation:
414 EUR

b/ of which for catering:
200 EUR

c/ travel and recreation:
250 EUR

Any comments to the average monthly expenditure:
Other fees in my case mean for example price of a student book for a Korean language class, the printing of documents, payment for the app through which we arranged ARC issuance,...

Recognition of foreign studies at the home faculty
How many credits did you gain during your studies (in the system of the foreign school)?:
15

How many ECTS credits were recognised at MU?:
I have not yet had my credits recognised but according to LA it should be 25.

Did you know in advance which of your courses would be recognised by your home faculty?:
I have not yet had my credits recognised.

What problems did you have with recognition?:
I have not yet had my credits recognised.

Overall assessment
Assessment of personal benefit (1 = excellent):
5

Assessment of academic benefit (1 = excellent):
5

Evaluate the information and support provided by the foreign school (1 = excellent):
5

Did you encounter any serious problems during your stay:
No.

What would you recommend to take with you:
Almost anything can be bought in Seoul, prettier and for a better price than in Europe. So I would advise bringing only the things that are specific and extremely important for your lifestyle - for example, a special brand of cosmetics you use, medication (although the pharmacies have many of the medications used in Europe too, it is a good idea to take at least a small bag with the types of medicine you know works for you in times of need),...

What most surprised you at the partner university in a positive way:
I loved the community at SKKU. The University tried to actively encourage students to meet other students through organisation of entertaining events such as concerts, fairs, competitions, movie screenings... During the examination period, students were even offered snacks and small gifts to help cheer them up during a difficult time. It was very lovely and definitely helped boosting the mood on the campus.

What most surprised you at the partner university in a negative way:
I was very unpleasantly surprised by the small number of courses offered in English. Especially at the Department of English Studies, I think it is not only desirable but even necessary to conduct classes in English, so the fact that I had almost no courses to choose from came as a shock to me. In the end, I managed to find other interesting classes to attend but still, I maintain that this is one of the few areas where SKKU could improve.

Further comments:
The exchange programme at SKKU was one of the best experiences of my life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone willing to cross their boundary, explore new cultures, meet new people, and experience a different learning environment.