Dong-Soo´s World
Study in Korea
If you want to study in Korea you have a lot of different Universities to choose from. Many Universities have Korean Language Institutes, where you can study the Korean Language. They offer different classes depending on your proficiency level. Some also offer other academic studies (in English).
Some Universities have discounted and special programs for Korean adoptees.
Studying in Korea can be expensive, but if you are Swedish you can get money from CSN. You can also apply for scholarships and grants from different organisations or your University. Many Universities also have exchange programs, so check with your home University.
Before You Go
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# Check out the different Universities and their programs, and decide which one is the most suitable for you.
# Send in your application well in advance.
# Apply for a D-4 Student VISA or F-4 VISA (does only apply to people who are of Korean heritage, and gives expanded rights beyond that of a regular student or work permit).
# Find out how and when to pay admission fees.
# Make sure that you have MEDICAL INSURANCE.
Financial Options
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# Student loan
# Own savings
# Scholarships and grants. If you are studying the Korean language at University level or doing Korea-related research you can apply for the Korean Foundation grants.
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Lodging in Korea
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Boarding-house (하숙집)
You rent a room in a Korean family's home. They usually host several students. There are many boarding-houses near the Universities areas. Check out University notice boards for listings.
- Single room: 300,000 - 500,000 Won a month
- Double room: 250,000 - 350,000 Won a month
*** Two meals a day and laundry are often included.
+ Pro: Meet Korean students. Learn Korean faster because the boarding-house host usually can't speak English. At least two meals are included. You get your own key. No time curfew. You can bring friends of both genders to your room. Laundry facilities are available or the landlord will do laundry for you. You get invaluable insight to Korean family life.
- Con: Sheets, blankets and furniture (including bed) are usually not included.
Dormitory (기숙사)
Dormitories are normally located on campus. Many international students live there, so English is widely used and understood.
Most dormitories provide only double rooms.
- Double room: 150,000 - 200,000 Won a month.
*** Nothing is included in the price except the room itself.
+ Pro: If you are unfamiliar with Korean, English can be used due to the presence of many international students who stay in dorms.
- Con: The easy access to other foreigners and the English language might be a barrier to learn Korean. You have to cook by yourself. Time curfew exists. Normally the main gate closes at midnight. After that you can't get in. There are coin-laundry facilities available. You can't bring friends of the opposite sex to your room.
Rental suites or apartments (월세, 아파트)
Damage deposit is often required. Unlike in the West it is not very common that a group of students go together and rent a house/apartment
Helpful Hints:
# Get your own telephone line or cell phone.
# Get your own TV, they can be bought second hand TV for a modest price. It's good for language practice and listening comprehension.
# If you need money, you can teach English (more difficult nowadays than a few years back).
# If you want to meet other Korean Adoptees you always contact G.O.A.L.
Korean Universities which offer Korean Language studies:
# Hanguk University of Foreign Studies
My own experience of living and studying in Korea:
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I have been studying the Korean language in Korea twice at different Universities. First time I went to Seoul National University (SNU) and the second time at Korea University (KU). I studied three semesters of 10 weeks each in 1995-96 and two semesters in 1998.
Both times I lived in boarding-houses, paying 300,000-350,000 Won a month, breakfast and dinner were included in the price. I found the boarding houses by reading notes on light poles and notice boards at the University campus. My room was from the beginning empty. I had to buy a mattress, blankets and pillows. Most Koreans are sleeping on the floor. I also had to buy some furniture like; desk, chair and bookshelf. You can buy these things cheap at the market, e.g. Dongdaemun market. One of the first things I got was a telephone line. I had to pay a refundable security deposit at 250,000 Won (1998) to the Phone company.
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Living in a boarding house took me closer to the Korean students and it forced me to use the Korean language on a daily basis. It really helped me to speed up the learning process, and I got local friends. The boarding house was located 10 minutes walk from school. We had classes Monday - Friday from 09.00 - 13.00. In my class we were less than 20 students from all over the world at SNU. At KU most of the students came from Japan. There are very few KADs (Korean Adoptees) but more overseas Koreans/ immigrants. Before I started I had to take a placement test to determine my proficiency level.
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In order to make some extra money I worked as an English teacher. Even though it wasn't allowed on my student visa, it wasn't hard to find teaching jobs and it was paid quite well. To improve my language skills I bought a second hand TV. It really helped to build up my vocabulary and listening comprehension.
I had a rich social life, with a lot of friends, most of them were Koreans. I seldom hung out with other adopted Koreans until my second stay, when I met some people from GOAL, and some other KADs. I dated, and went to nightclubs to drink beer with friends. I didn't have any difficulties making new friends even though my Korean wasn't perfect. When you go to eat or have a drink with Koreans you never go dutch. On my free time I watched TV, met friends, and did homework etc.
If you want to know more about living or studying in Korea, feel free to contact me.
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