'My fears were in vain': Exchanger's Story from Seoul
Elizaveta Muratova is a fourth-year student of the Bachelor’s Programme ‘Asian and African Studies’ at the Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg. In the spring semester of 2021, she had an amazing chance to take part in the exchange at one of the best universities in South Korea - Seoul National University. In this material, Elizaveta shares her impressions.
It is worth starting with the fact that my exchange was during the pandemic, which definitely left its mark on it. The difficulties started from the very beginning, as I had to think about where I could spend the required two-week quarantine. SNU did not offer spots in the dormitory for this. I already had huge spending on the air tickets and accommodation before my trip. And to be honest, it was quite scaring to be 6800 kilometres apart from home during the pandemic, but overcoming all difficulties and challenges, I can say with all my confidence, that it was 100% worth it. Now I know for sure that nothing is impossible for me and it makes me feel great.
The flight itself passed surprisingly fast but was too exhausting. The flight to Seoul with the transfer in Moscow took around 12 hours. After the arrival, I had to pass some 'stations' at the airport, starting with the temperature and documents check to confirm the COVID-19-negative status, ending with the suitcases check. The practice of Korean with native speakers started right away at the airport, and it was an unforgettable experience. There is still a picture in front of my eyes: exhausted by the long flight and many checks, I am standing surrounded by a group of Korean airport workers and trying to explain that two apples and sweets, taken from Russia, are not contraband, it is just a necessity to treat myself with this delicious food during the quarantine. As it appeared that, it is banned to transport fruits to Korea in suitcases (for your reference, I managed to win back a bag of sweets, but the apples disappeared without a trace).
After I completed all the procedures at the airport, they explained to us that we could not move around Korea on our own, so we would be taken from the airport to our homes. That was good news. As a result, having arrived in Korea at 12 p.m. and settled in my quarantine apartment closer to the night, I was tired but happy, I was out like a light.
After two-week quarantine, I checked in at SNU dormitory and my study began. I would especially like to share my emotions from campus life. Unfortunately, in Russia, the culture of campuses is not very common; often the buildings of one university are scattered in different parts of the city. I did not expect to like studying on the campus a lot. Firstly, SNU campus is the biggest one among other Korean universities. It is located on the hill (which is not convenient in terms of getting around the city, let us skip this part), that is why it offers an incredible view of the city from the dormitories. The whole campus is covered with greenery, in spring it was especially beautiful, as cherry blossoms bloomed, I wish everyone to see it with their own eyes. The campus sets out all the conditions for a comfortable study and life, many libraries, canteens with Korean or European food for every taste, shops. Despite the Covid-19, I managed to experience my campus life and I will definitely miss it a lot.
It is also worth mentioning the dormitories because they are very different from ours. They are incredibly comfortable and have cosy rooms with all living conditions (own refrigerator, shower, toilet, air conditioning, large and comfortable bed, and temperature control, plenty of space). I was moved into a dorm with a Korean girl, which greatly surprised both of us. However, it was an unforgettable experience, because when else I will have such a chance in my life to live with a Korean neighbour. I was able to not only practice my Korean but also make a good friend, which is incredibly great.
Studying at SNU was quite intense, but interesting. I managed to sign up for very interesting courses, which I attended with great pleasure for 3 months. I also enjoyed the Intensive Korean Course. I studied Korean from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on weekdays for 3 months. The classes were interesting despite the fact that all of them were conducted online due to the pandemic, I did not get bored, because there was simply no time for boredom, I had to study hard. It seems to me that these courses significantly improved my skills in the Korean language (for which I, in fact, went).
Studying was not the only thing in my life in Korea. Since I signed up for the 'buddy' programme, I managed to meet new friends, foreigners and Koreans, we often went somewhere together. Our buddy, despite the pandemic and strict bans (all cafes and bars closed at 22:00, you could not get together more than 4 people in public places), organized very interesting events every time. I remember each of them very well.
Besides, I surely travelled on my own and explored Seoul, visited many tourist places that I had previously seen only in the pictures. My friends and I often got together and went to cafes and restaurants in Seoul. There is a food cult in South Korea, and I understand why it is like that. I have just fallen in love with Korean food. I will really miss it.
I will miss not only Korean food, but also South Korea itself: the most beautiful architecture, the entourage of Korean streets, night views, and this atmosphere. This unforgettable trip completely changed my worldview. This was my first long experience of living on my own in another country, and the experience was simply amazing. Before the trip, I was very afraid that a pandemic would ruin the whole experience, but the fears were in vain. I will not hide the fact that the pandemic left its mark (it certainly bothered me), but I absolutely do not regret the decision to participate in the mobility programme. I am happy about my decision to step out of my comfort zone.
The acquired invaluable memories after this trip will forever remain with me. If you are wondering whether to go for the mobility now or not, if you are afraid, then, as a person who was in your place, I definitely urge you to participate in it and experience all this by yourself. Impressions, emotions and memories are one of the most important human resources, therefore do not miss the chance to diversify your life, expand the boundaries of your consciousness and horizons, meet new friends and gain an unforgettable experience.