Hey everyone! I'm Tran Cong Manh, a UEB Troy student, and I'm here to spill the kimchi (or should I say, share my experiences!) about my awesome exchange semester at Chung-Ang University in South Korea. Packing my bags with all the knowledge and experiences I gained from the International Training Institute at VNU-UEB, I set off on a mission to explore, grow, and totally immerse myself in the unique culture of the Land of the Morning Calm. Leaving my comfort zone was the best decision I ever made, and I'm here to tell you all about it. Get ready to dive into my unforgettable journey at Chung-Ang University!

Studying abroad and discovering a new country has always been a dream for many students, including me. The idea of spending a semester participating in a student exchange program sparked my interest early on. However, when the opportunity arose in my junior year of college, I hesitated a lot. Leaving family, friends, and starting a new life in a completely foreign place was a truly difficult decision. After careful consideration, I decided to defer a semester, accepting the fact that I would graduate later than my classmates. Although it was a challenging choice, now, after experiencing half a year in Korea, I have never regretted it. That time helped me grow so much. Below are my most memorable experiences during my student exchange journey at Chung-Ang University, South Korea from September 2024 to January 2025.

My First Days in Korea

Because of the rather rushed flight arrangements, as soon as I arrived in Korea, I had to immediately attend Orientation Day in a rather bewildered state, not yet adapted to the new environment and the time zone difference. Luckily, Orientation Day became a "savior" companion, helping me integrate more easily in those first moments in the Land of Kimchi. Here, I was introduced in detail to the study program, extracurricular activities, as well as the support services for international students. Not only that, I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with other international students. Together, we toured the campus, shared experiences in studying and living in Korea, creating memorable first memories.

Academics at Chung-Ang

Studying at Chung-Ang University brought me many new experiences, especially the differences in teaching methods. Instead of just passively absorbing knowledge, students are encouraged to participate in discussions, share viewpoints, and apply theory to practice through group assignments and real-world scenarios. The courses here not only focus on theory but also closely link with practice, helping me understand more deeply about my major. The active learning method and high requirements for critical thinking helped me develop many new skills, especially the ability to self-learn and solve problems.

At Chung-Ang University, in addition to emphasizing teaching quality, the university also cares about the academic lives of students, especially during exams. One of the things that impressed me most was the thoughtful support that the school provides to students during this period. First, the school organizes activities to distribute free food to students. This helps reduce the burden of eating and facilitates students to focus fully on studying. In addition, the school also opens overnight study rooms so that students have a quiet and convenient space for exam preparation, especially for those who have the habit of studying late. Moreover, the school's Mentor Mentee program is a highlight in supporting learning. Through this program, students can connect with friends and upperclassmen who have experience in a particular subject or field to share exam preparation experiences, helping both to progress. This is an effective way to build a positive learning environment and motivate students to overcome difficulties during exams.

Extracurricular Activities and Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange activities at Chung-Ang University were an important part of my learning experience. The school organized many events and activities to connect international students with local students, helping everyone understand more about each other's culture.

One of the highlights was the international cultural exchange sessions, where students from different countries could introduce their country, cuisine, and customs. I had the opportunity to participate in these events and introduce Vietnamese culture through traditional dishes. Conversely, I also got to experience diverse cultural aspects from international friends and especially from Koreans.

Another aspect of cultural exchange was Korean language classes for international students. Through these classes, I not only improved my language skills but also understood more about the values and cultural customs of Koreans, from communication to behavior in daily life.

Experiences and Beautiful Memories

Exchanging in Korea brought me rich and unforgettable experiences, things that I had never tried in Vietnam. One of the most memorable moments was when I put on a traditional Hanbok, feeling the sophistication and beauty of Korean culture in every small detail. Also, the skiing experience was a great memory, making me never forget the feeling of excitement and novelty.

Not only stopping at tourist activities, I also participated in extracurricular programs organized by the school, especially the Global Fair Culture Day. At this event, I and my Vietnamese friends decorated booths and introduced the unique features of Vietnamese culture to international friends. Through this, I not only learned new things from other cultures but also made more friends from all over the world.

Besides, I also had the opportunity to participate in the "Culture Exchange" program organized by the dormitory, where I connected with international students and worked with Korean mentors. We supported each other in studying, living, and exploring famous cultural sites in Korea. This program not only helped me understand more about Korean culture and lifestyle but also opened a new perspective on the world around me. The feeling of being shared, learned, and grown throughout this process was truly an invaluable experience.

The End of the Journey

After nearly 5 months of studying and living in Korea, I returned to Vietnam, bringing with me feelings of regret and unforgettable memories. It was hard to say goodbye to the place I was attached to, where those beautiful days were like a dream that I had been looking forward to during my time in Vietnam. However, I am very happy and grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this exchange program. Thanks to this program, I dared to step out of my comfort zone, experience new things, and accumulate invaluable memories in my youth.

If you are also harboring the desire to participate in a student exchange program, be brave to register and experience it. This will definitely be a great opportunity in your student life.