Moving to Korea as an international student is an exciting and life-changing experience. This country offers high-quality education, modern cities, and incredible opportunities. But how does it really feel to live and study in Korea? Here’s a firsthand perspective from our student Shoxjahon.

Choosing a University in Korea

Choosing a university in Korea depends on various factors such as ranking, scholarships, and academic opportunities. I selected my university because it is ranked in the top 1000 globally and some of my friends were already studying here.

The application process is relatively straightforward, especially if you work with professionals like Globstudy. Many students receive scholarships ranging from 40% to 60% regardless of their IELTS score, which shows the importance of proper guidance during the application process.

The admission requirements are not very strict for bachelor's programs. This makes it easier for international students to apply and get accepted.

Adjusting to Life in Korea

Adjusting to life in Korea was not too difficult for me since I had an uncle here. However, even if you do not have family in Korea, there is a strong Uzbek community that can help new students adapt. One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed was the presence of religious preachers on the streets, which was unfamiliar to me.

Making friends in university is easy, but outside of university, it can be more challenging. Not all Koreans speak English fluently, and many tend to be introverted. The Koreans I am friends with have usually spent time in the USA or other countries, which made them more open and outgoing.

Student Life and Academics

Studying in Korea requires active participation in classes. Simply attending lectures is not enough; engaging in discussions and projects is important. While not all courses are difficult, some professors have high expectations and make their subjects quite tough.

Grading systems vary, but most professors allocate 10-15% of the grade for attendance. This is a university regulation, making it crucial to attend classes regularly.

Professors are generally friendly and open to discussions, which creates a positive learning environment.

Accommodation and Daily Life

Housing options in Korea include dormitories, share houses, and apartments. One-room and two-room apartments are common among students. I share a two-room apartment with three other students, and we split the rent of 450,000 KRW, plus utility bills of around 100,000-150,000 KRW per month. Living expenses in Korea are not very high. I spend around 500,000-800,000 KRW per month on food, transport, and other necessities.

Uzbek restaurants are my favorite places to eat because I often miss the taste of home. However, Korean food is also widely available and convenient. Transportation in Korea is incredibly efficient. It takes me only five minutes to get to the subway, and my university even has its own subway station. Healthcare is affordable for international students. Since we pay for health insurance every month, we receive significant discounts when seeking medical care.

Financial Aspects

Tuition fees in my case (Gachon University) are 3,997,000 KRW per semester, but scholarships are available based on GPA. Scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, and currently, I have a 40% scholarship.

Part-time jobs are an option for students, and it is not too difficult to find work. Many students, including myself, work while studying. To live comfortably in Korea, a student typically needs between 700,000-800,000 KRW per month ($400-$600).

Challenges and Opportunities

The biggest challenge I faced when I arrived in Korea was food. It took a long time to get used to Korean cuisine, and even after a year, I still prefer to cook for myself.

Language barriers exist, but many Koreans speak English. However, learning Korean significantly increases opportunities for work and social interaction.

Academically, Korea requires a lot of studying, similar to other countries. Homesickness is also a major challenge, as you constantly miss your family and friends. However, over time, you adjust to living far from home.

After graduation, there are job opportunities in Korea, as well as the option to continue studying. Some students even decide to stay in Korea permanently.

Social Life and Networking

Koreans are friendly if you make the first move. Most friendships with Koreans start through class activities or group projects.

Dating culture in Korea is different, and friendships between Koreans and international students are rare outside of academic settings. If you see a Korean student with an international student, there is usually a reason, such as a class project. In social settings, it’s important to be careful with jokes, as humor in Korea can be different from what we are used to. Korean students tend to have busy schedules, and even in group projects, it can be difficult to gather everyone at the same time.

Advice for Future Students

If I could start over, I would focus on learning the Korean language well and developing skills such as coding or teaching before coming to Korea.

For new students, my biggest tip is to be cautious about trusting people from your own country, not just Koreans. Bring appropriate clothing for the season in which you are arriving. Almost everything else can be found in Korea. To make the most of student life, be proactive in making friends. Koreans are introverted and rarely take the first step, so it’s up to you to reach out and connect with others.