studying in Korea

With a rich and diverse history that stretches back in excess of 2,000 years, the ancient capital city of Seoul lies along the majestic Han River. A dramatic mountainous backdrop, beautiful national parks, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites contrast beautifully against shimmering skyscrapers, dazzling nightlife areas, and thoroughly modern landmarks. It’s little wonder that so many international students opt to complete at least part of their studies in this vibrant metropolitan area.

I read this editorial on JoongAng Ilbo by Lee Na-Ree and felt like sharing it here.

Lee, has picked the right movie to put the message across. 3-idiots has been the most successful movie in India and hit the right note with the student community, who gets forced into the system, where the expectations by their peers, parents, teachers and the environment,  puts pressure on students for scoring high on exams, getting good grades, getting admission in the top university, getting the best job and the story goes on. Again it is upto the student as to how much they give-in to such pressures.

A library can be a great place to study, read a magazine, or borrow a book. But many libraries here don’t operate the way they did in my home state. Within this country libraries, while public, are not just something you can walk into. Every university and public library I’ve been to here requires you have a membership card that you swipe, much like a metro card to enter. With filling out a form you can get a card and go in. Except with the universities; if you are not a current student you cannot enter. If you just enrolled but didn’t get your ID card yet talk to the security guard at the side and they should let you in.

For graduate school research and a desire to read US news magazines I will sometimes visit our university library. But what to do near midterms/finals when the university libraries are overflowing with people? And what if you are not a current student? Here are a few options.

American Center Korea

Sejong University in Seoul is offering a post-graduate program taught in English focusing on the interdisciplinary study of East Asian culture, language, politics, history, economics, philosophy, religion, and education. Fall semester classes begin on August 29, 2012.

Application period: April 23 (Mon)—May 31 (Thu).
Scholarship Policy: 100~60% waiver depending on certain conditions.
Asian Studies Program: http://asiap.godohosting.com/xe/

What you will be learning

South Korea is a great place to study… what a typical beginning. Does not match up with a to be storyteller and a journalist, right?

But it’s true – it is a great place to study. Whether you are an exchange student or a regular program one, you will be very happy to be here and not somewhere else.

I arrived to Korea as a result of the most fascinating coincidence in my life. As a “mature” student I was catching up with my education by doing two BA’s at one time – one of them in geography merged with biology (environmental protection track) and one of them in diplomacy, both on good private universities.
It was a professor of biology from, a researcher at Polish Academy of Sc iences, who approached me in the university corridor asking “Would you like to go to Korea?”.