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| The beginning of a life-changing exchange programme at Gachon University, South Korea, in 2017. |
In September 2017, I boarded a flight to South Korea with a suitcase full of clothes, a folder full of documents and a heart filled with excitement.
I had spent weeks reading blogs, watching YouTube videos and asking former exchange students what life in South Korea would be like. I thought I was prepared.
I wasn't.
No article could truly prepare me for what it feels like to wake up in a new country, hear a language you barely understand, navigate unfamiliar streets and slowly build a life that, just weeks earlier, had existed only in your imagination.
Looking back nearly a decade later, there are so many things I wish someone had told me before I left India. Some would have made my first few weeks easier. Others would simply have reminded me to slow down and appreciate the little moments that eventually became my favourite memories.
So, if you're preparing for a student exchange programme or planning to pursue your higher studies in South Korea, this one is for you. Although it feels like a lifetime ago, these are the lessons I wish I had known before my journey began.
Your first week will feel overwhelming, which is mormal
My first week in South Korea felt like a whirlwind of excitement and uncertainty. Everything was new—the campus, dormitory, food and even the sounds of people chatting in a language I barely understood. There were orientation sessions, paperwork and countless small things to figure out, from finding my classroom to understanding how the campus worked.
Expecting yourself to adjust instantly is simply unrealistic. It takes time but unfamiliar places will slowly became familiar, and what once felt intimidating will start to feel like home.
Food can be a challenge for vegetarians
For me and my entire group, language and food were the biggest challenges. We were a group of five, with three of us being vegetarians. Our two non-vegetarian friends were also limited to occasional eggs and chicken. So, you can imagine our plight.
Thankfully, a family friend and a few seniors had told me to pack instant noodle packs and packets of rice, pulses and spices. Trust me, it really came to our aid in the initial days.
However, you don't need to pack. South Korea actually has a lot of Indian eateries and shops where you can easily buy Indian food items and ingredients. You will also see plentiful variety of fruits and vegetables in the supermarket.
Learning a Few Korean Phrases Will Go a Long Way
Before leaving India, I had made an effort to learn a few basic Korean phrases. But to my embarrassment, I had forgotten them all and discovered how terrible my Korean pronounciation was. No matter where you are travelling, I strongly recommend students to learn a few basic words and phrases in the native language of the country they are visiting.
Whether you want to order food, book a cab, ask for directions or simply greet them, even a basic understanding of Korean language will make daily interactions much smoother.
Even if you aren't fluent, they really appreciate the effort. A polite "Annyeonghaseyo" (Hello), "Kamsahamnida" (Thank you) or "Juseyo" (Please give me) is often enough to break the ice.
What surprised me most was how encouraging people were. Even when my pronunciation wasn't perfect, many locals appreciated that I was making an effort to speak their language. More often than not, I was greeted with a smile instead of embarrassment.
That small effort also gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. Rather than relying entirely on English, I found myself trying new words every week.
Looking back, learning a few Korean phrases wasn't just about convenience. It was one of the easiest ways to show respect for the country that had welcomed me so warmly.
Campus life in South Korea is very different from Indian colleges, universities
One of the most fascinating parts of my exchange programme wasn't travelling around South Korea—it was experiencing everyday university life.
Before arriving, I assumed college life would be quite similar to what I had experienced in India. I soon realised there were many subtle differences.
At Shoolini University, we used to have a fixed schedule for the entire class, electives being the only exception. But at Gachon University, we were amazed to discover that we could choose our own subjects based on our speciality. Though language remained an issue. So, if you are planning to gather credits or use exchange programme as a stepping stone for more opportunities, I will recommend applying to a university that offers your major in English or learn Korean beforehand.
Despite this flexibility, academic life felt more structured. Students took their studies seriously, but they also knew how to make the most of campus life outside the classroom. Integration of technology into everyday lessons was another thing that had impressed me at the time.
Although I took business lessons, Korean language course was my favourite. Whether you know a little or a lot, if you have a choice, you must learn, it will not only make your life in Korea easier, but it is also so much fun.
Say Yes to Every Campus Event
If there's one piece of advice I'd give to anyone going on an exchange programme, it's this: say yes to campus events.
It can be tempting to spend your weekends exploring famous tourist attractions or simply relaxing after a busy week of classes. While there's nothing wrong with that, some of my favourite memories in South Korea were made right on campus.
From cultural celebrations and student performances to club activities and festivals, every event offered a chance to experience Korean university life beyond the classroom. It was also one of the easiest ways to meet both Korean and international students.
One of the biggest highlights of my exchange semester was attending the Gachon University Festival. Watching student performances, enjoying the evening atmosphere and experiencing a K-pop concert on campus gave me a side of South Korea that no guidebook could have shown me.
Also Read: Inside Gachon University Festival: My Experience as an Exchange Student in South Korea
Looking back, I don't remember every lecture I attended, but I vividly remember those evenings filled with music, laughter and conversations with friends from around the world. Sometimes, the best way to understand a country isn't by visiting its landmarks—it's by participating in its everyday traditions.
Homesickness arrives when you least expect it
Before leaving for South Korea, I expected to miss home during the first few days. Surprisingly, that's not what happened. The excitement of arriving in a new country kept me busy. There were new places to explore, people to meet and countless experiences waiting around every corner.
Homesickness didn't appear immediately because everything felt like an adventure. It arrived quietly, often on the most ordinary days. Sometimes it was triggered by something as simple as craving a home-cooked meal, celebrating a festival away from family or wishing I could share a funny moment with the people back home in person.
I realised that homesickness wasn't a sign that I wasn't enjoying my exchange programme. It simply meant I was grateful for the life I had left behind while learning to embrace a new one.
Thankfully, those moments never lasted long. Conversations with family, spending time with friends and keeping myself engaged with campus activities helped me find a balance.
Your closest friends may come from different countries
We were a close knit group of five, who were by the way some of the best people I have known in my entire life. Yet, one of the most enriching experiences of my Korean journey was making friends from different nationalities.
Our classrooms brought together students who spoke different languages, celebrated different traditions and had completely different life experiences. Yet those differences rarely felt like barriers. If anything, they made every conversation more interesting.
Some friendships began over a shared meal, while others started during campus events or weekend trips. We exchanged stories about our homes, laughed over cultural misunderstandings and slowly realised how much we had in common despite growing up thousands of kilometres apart.
Even today, many of those memories remain some of the most meaningful parts of my exchange journey. Long after I forgot classroom schedules or assignments, I still remembered the people.
Honestly, some of my closest memories include conversations with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. In particular, there was a group of Uzbek students, who became one of my closest people and confidants in Korea. I still remember my last night in Korea when I bid bye to all of them. I will always be thankful for their warmth.
An exchange programme may introduce you to a new country, but the friendships you build often become the part you treasure the most.
Explore beyond the classroom
One of the greatest advantages of studying in South Korea is how easy it is to explore. Thanks to the country's efficient public transport system, travelling to nearby cities and attractions became part of my exchange experience rather than something I had to plan weeks in advance.
Some weekends were spent visiting popular landmarks, while others were simply about wandering through unfamiliar streets, trying local food or discovering hidden corners of the city. Those unplanned outings often became just as memorable as the places I had carefully added to my bucket list.
Studying abroad isn't only about attending lectures or earning credits. Some of the biggest lessons come from stepping outside the campus, meeting new people and saying yes to experiences that weren't part of your original plan.
Looking back, I realised that my favourite memories weren't always the famous tourist attractions. They were the ordinary moments in between—a train journey with friends, an evening walk back to the dormitory or a spontaneous adventure that started with someone saying, "Let's go."
The Semester Ends Much Faster Than You Think
When I first arrived in South Korea, a semester felt like a long time. I thought I had plenty of opportunities to explore, make friends and experience everything the country had to offer.
But before I knew it, it was time to pack my bags.
Looking back, I don't remember every lecture or every assignment. What stayed with me were the friendships I built, the cultures I experienced and the confidence I gained from living independently in a completely new environment.
My exchange programme taught me far more than any textbook could. It showed me that growth often begins when you step outside your comfort zone, embrace uncertainty and remain open to new experiences.
If you're preparing to study in South Korea, my advice is simple: make the most of every opportunity. Attend campus events, travel when you can, talk to people from different backgrounds and don't worry about making every day perfect.
Years later, you may forget the details of your timetable, but you'll never forget the people you met, the memories you created and the person you became along the way.
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