Weng Kei

Recipient of NUSBSA Student Bursary Fund

Exchange University: Yonsei University, South Korea

I went on a summer program (6-week track) with Yonsei University in Seoul, where I experienced new methods of teaching and met other students from a diverse range of countries. While the curriculum was fafast-pacedstudying in a foreign country felt refreshing as the curriculum was similar to how it was conducted in Singapore.

Beyond the classroom, I had the opportunity to explore more of the school culture and lifestyle at the partner university through the pop-up event they had organized for international students like me.  In my free time, I was also able to experience true local life besides going on multiple trips to explore Seoul and beyond such as its neighboring cities like Busan, Geoje, and Gangneung. Being able to travel after the COVID-19 pandemic not only enabled me to appreciate this experience more but also equally widened my perspective and viewpoints of Korean culture and all the country has to offer.

Being in Korea during National Day, I celebrated this occasion by finding Singapore local delights such as the Hainanese Chicken rice and Laksa that I am greatly fond of. However, perhaps one interesting point is that these local dishes are rare to find and are expensive standing at prices close to 20 SGD for one local dish! Nevertheless, it enabled me to have a taste of home after being in Korea for close to 2 months.