'No Exam Passes by Default, Studying in Coffee Shops and K-Pop Influence': HSE University-St Petersburg Student on Academic Exchange in South Korea
Ekaterina Evzelman finished the second year of studies in the Bachelor's programme 'Political Science and World Politics' at HSE University-St Petersburg. She spent the spring semester at Seoul National University, one of the leading universities in South Korea. Over these months, Ekaterina not only got to know a different educational system but also explored the country, which became the focus of her research interest. Read on to find out about a huge campus, no option to pass exams by default and many other things.
Difficult Selection
I found out about the academic mobility programme even before my enrollment in HSE University-St Petersburg, but I didn't take it seriously at first. Then, I looked into the topic more deeply and decided to try. I devoted the whole second semester of my first year to the contest. I participated in many additional projects to increase my average score, engaged in volunteering activities and took part in conferences—I did everything included in the selection criteria.
For the exchange, I chose South Korea. I took an interest in the CJK countries (China, Japan, Korea) back in high school. In the first university year, I worked on various individual and group projects in different courses about South Korea: politics, society, and culture. And my first term paper covered the soft power of the Republic of Korea in the USA. Thus, this country became both a personal and academic interest.
I can't say that the contest was difficult—it is better to say 'stressful'. It's because we know how many places are available, but we don't know how many people want to get into this exact university. I opted for Seoul National University, one of the best universities in the country and the world. It ranks 38th in the QS ranking, is considered prestigious and gives the most qualitative education in South Korea. Even for Koreans, it is hard to enrol there. This university allocated one place, so only a student with high scores could pass the selection. For me, it was stressful.
Differences in Education
The educational process at Seoul National University is completely different from HSE University. Here are several obligatory disciplines, and the rest of the curriculum is elective courses. A student decides for themselves what they are interested in and eager to study. Besides, they also make their timetable themselves.
One of the interesting and less obvious facts is that in South Korea, an academic year starts in spring. The first semester lasts from March to June, and the second—from September to December. Here are two types of exams: finals and midterms; they take place at the end and in the middle of a semester. At the same time, in Korea, there is no such thing as passing an exam by default when you don't have to take an exam because of the high scores gained. If an exam is included in the assessment formula, everyone has to take it.
Another peculiarity is that during the semester, we don't know our scores for the performance in seminars. There are no assessment record sheets like at HSE, where everything is clear. At the end of the semester, students get a unified grade for the seminar performance.
It is believed that Korean students study actively and intensely. It is true, but only in some way. I was surprised that during the seminars, they didn't answer much, though it mattered a lot for the assessment. In general, only international students were active. But the Koreans prepare for the exams thoroughly. They might keep quiet during the whole semester but be the best at the exam.
Studies Go First
At Seoul National University, I took six courses, the possible maximum. Two of them were at the master's level. I wanted to find out how the Koreans explained the process of the Republic's economic growth; how it is taught and what pitfalls there are; what things they know which were not covered in the general courses.
Besides, I chose modern Korean history. We did not study it as a set of dates but as a process. Before that, I hadn't even heard about such phenomena as concise modernisation or militarised modernity. This course encouraged discussions, and it greatly boosted my knowledge about Korean society.
Another course which I liked was strategic management. We looked into how different companies reached their goals. The course was mainly based on group work. I was lucky as I was in a good team. Everyone really tried their best. I also studied data analytics, research in the sphere of social well-being and mechanisms of dispute settlement at international organisations.
I had one double class on Mondays and Tuesdays and two on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each lasted for three hours with a break. Overall, there were 18 hours of sheer studies per week. But I can't say they were super intense. I found time to take some courses at HSE and explore Korea. Usually, in the morning, I did some studying, and in the afternoon, I attended a double class. After the classes, I roamed around Seoul or met friends. In the evening, I also studied. Besides, I gave one of my three days off fully to studying.
Life on a Huge Campus
Seoul National University has a huge campus. All its buildings are located in the same territory. It has a well-developed infrastructure. There are a lot of coffee shops, restaurants and canteens where you can have a quite cheap meal. On the territory, there are banks, offices of mobile operators, copy centres, a bookshop and the university merchandise shop.
I lived in a dormitory for international students, though half of the residents there are Koreans. The dormitory itself is modern, good and comfortable. There are rooms for two or four people with shared bathrooms and lavatories. On even floors, there are coworking spaces; on odd ones are kitchens.
I almost didn't face the language barrier at the university. The International Office communicates with everyone in English; all my courses are English-taught. Some professors were also foreigners. I know Korean on a basic level as I am learning it on my own. It was enough to make an order in a restaurant, ask for directions or talk to a shop assistant.
More than Studies
Outside the university, I communicated with students from SNU Buddy, a special programme for exchange students. When I didn't have any Korean friends, they were the ones I spent my time with. Then, I started communicating with students in my courses, and I made new friends. We went for walks, to restaurants, cafes and museums. As Korea is a country of K-pop (Korean popular music), lots of my acquaintances love this music. Together, we visited places related to idols (popular Korean artists). Another basic Korean entertainment is karaoke. We often went there and sang our favourite K-pop songs.
I was interested to find out how Korea implemented soft power. I hadn't expected that K-pop was woven into society that much. I arrived right when the band BTS returned from a four-year break during which the participants served in the army. It was amazing to watch how the whole country was preparing for their new album.
I didn't travel that much, though I could go to a neighbouring city in 40-50 minutes. I went to the neighbouring Gyeonggi Province. One of my favourite cities is Suwon. It is located about 20 kilometres to the south of Seoul, and you can easily go there by a cheap intercity bus. I often took walks there and relaxed because it is less busy than Seoul, but just as developed and fun.
I was the most surprised by the fact that in South Korea, you can easily leave your belongings, and no one takes them. For instance, if you put your laptop on a bench and go somewhere, it will remain intact. It is really safe here. Another unexpected thing for me was the campus structure, where everything you need for life is in one place. In fact, it is very convenient. It creates a comfortable atmosphere for studying and allows you to focus on the classes better when you see other students around.
I was also surprised that Korea had a well-developed culture of studying in coffee shops. Almost in any cafe, you will see people who are working or studying on their laptops. People stay in cafes for five to six hours, sometimes even more. I did the same at the weekends, which I devoted to studying. I went to Starbucks to study at 9 am and returned home at 11 pm. So it was a full-fledged twelve-hour studying session. This way, I did all the home assignments in one seat both for HSE and SNU.
New Opportunities
I got support from the International Office and the faculty. They swiftly answered my questions and gave advice. Out of all the knowledge gained at HSE University-St Petersburg, a lot came in handy: political theory, the course 'Categories of Political Science', and other things which we studied in the first year at the School of Social Sciences. The skills gained at HSE University helped me a lot: patience, diligence, and an ability to work for a long time without getting tired. It is very useful in time management and studies.
I would name the following advantages of academic mobility: international networking, a chance to see a different country and share your experience. It is important for me. I explored and lived in South Korea, which I have been interested in for a long time. I managed to realise what I liked about this country and what I didn't; I made friends with some Koreans, and it is also very valuable.
The academic mobility programme helped me to shape my research interests better, gave me a lot of new impressions and experience, which I wouldn't get any other way. I will definitely continue exploring Korea and the Korean Peninsula. And I will apply the new knowledge in my work, projects and term papers at HSE University-St Petersburg, because now I have an understanding of what the reality is like. It opens up new research prospects.
Prepare in Advance
To those who would like to participate in academic mobility, I would recommend preparing for the contest thoroughly: check the criteria in advance, evaluate your chances and follow the deadline for document submission. You should also check what you need to get a visa and all the details about the studies and accommodation with the International Office of the host university.
It's important to make up your curriculum correctly. Perhaps you will have to change it, but you must have it. I would also recommend making a list of goals which are not only about the studies. Think through the opportunities you cannot get in your native country. For instance, I didn't even hope to attend a concert of one of my favourite K-pop bands, ENHYPEN, but I have! It was unforgettable and has become one of the brightest impressions over the time spent in South Korea.
I would recommend meeting people in another country. I am an introvert, and it is difficult for me to maintain social contact. But during the first month, I communicated with a lot of people. With time, you understand who your people are and who you feel comfortable with. Thus, my social circle narrowed down to several people who became my close friends. I really hope we'll keep in touch after the mobility programme.
Of course, you have to understand what you want to get from another country to avoid disappointment after you leave. Come up with some draft notes and ideas of what you want to see, what you want to bring back, and what unique experience to gain.
