Experience the life of international students in Korea
Transportation in Korea
Students who intend to study abroad or are preparing to study abroad in Korea are certainly curious and wondering about the overview of Korea as well as what the life of a Vietnamese international student in Korea will be like? Korea is a great choice for international students who want to have interesting experiences, who desire to broaden their horizons… A land full of promise on the screen, in books and in the media. So what is the real life of Vietnamese international students studying and working in Korea like? Let’s take a look at the differences in the daily life of Vietnamese international students in Korea in the article below.
Studying conditions in Korea
As you can see from movies or books about life and studying in Korea, the learning environment in Korea is much harsher than in Vietnam. Korea always values education and training of talents. After studying in Korea, most Korean students realize the real difference between Korean schools and Vietnamese schools. The infrastructure of most schools is modern and advanced, creating the best conditions for students to research and study.
Experience the life of an international student in Korea
Almost all universities in Korea have dormitories for students to facilitate their living and studying. You can save a lot of time and money on commuting when staying in a dormitory. Dormitories at universities are fully equipped with modern facilities for your life in Korea.
Living conditions for studying abroad in Korea
In the life of international students in Korea, the living standard in Korea is also quite high, the price of goods is very expensive, the monthly living cost is about 500 USD but in return the facilities and services are very good. Transportation is also very convenient, Korean people often travel by bus or subway to avoid traffic jams. Subway is a familiar means of transportation for people because it is very convenient and easy to go because there are specific routes and instructions on each sign. The living standard in Korea is quite high. When spending money, if calculated in Korean won, it is not high, but when converted to Vietnamese currency, it is high. Goods in Korea are very diverse and of many types, so shopping is very expensive, so be careful and consider when buying an item.
Studying in Korea and working part-time
Studying and taking exams while studying in Korea
The exam regime and schedule vary depending on the school. Most schools start at 9am and end at 6pm; there are 2 semesters each year, alternating between winter and summer breaks. Universities are very strict in assessing students’ attendance, so you must attend classes regularly and on time. Most Korean universities teach in Korean, so you need to have a solid foundation in Korean before going to Korea to study. If you are not confident with your Korean, you can take a Korean language course in Korea before starting your major.
The part-time work for international students in Korea
The cost of living in Korea is quite expensive, so most Korean international students find a part-time job to reduce their financial burden. After studying in Korea for 6 months, you are allowed to work 20-28 hours/week during school hours or work full-time during vacations. Studying and working in Korea is a popular choice for many international students.
You can do jobs that do not require expertise or experience such as waiting tables, receptionists… If your language is Korean or English, you can do lighter jobs such as translating, interpreting or teaching Vietnamese to native speakers. For a month of part-time work, you can earn from $800 – $1,200/month depending on your profession and ability.
Shopping in Korea
When becoming a resident in the capital city of Seoul, Vietnamese international students gradually get used to the habit of going to the supermarket every day when everything you need is conveniently available at a very competitive price. Besides, the convenience store chain is also a familiar destination for daily items such as milk, soft drinks or instant noodles… Some international students choose to save money by going to the traditional market on the weekend, however, it will be a bit difficult if your Korean level and shopping “savvy” are still low.
Studying makeup in Korea
Korean cuisine
When it comes to Korea, it means kimchi, so you should prepare yourself mentally for every meal in Korea to have kimchi and pickled vegetables or most dishes here have “kimchi” as an ingredient. Although Korean dishes have appeared in Vietnam for a long time and have become familiar, 9 out of 10 people have to admit that Korean food is too…spicy! In addition to choosing traditional Korean dishes, Vietnamese international students also improve their meals at fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, KFC or Lotteria or even go to street stalls to enjoy a variety of street foods such as teokbukki, skewered meat, fish balls, tornado potatoes… However, after a period of time in Seoul, when they have gradually adapted to life in a foreign land, a large number of Vietnamese students find ways to buy supplies and ingredients to prepare for themselves very Vietnamese meals with familiar traditional dishes from their homeland.
Korean Cuisine
Transportation in Korea
The main means of transportation for Koreans are public transport: subway and bus. As long as you know the first and last stations, you can go anywhere in Seoul at a fairly low cost. For Vietnamese students who have never experienced taking the subway, it will take a few days to get used to it. Currently, it will cost you an average of about 25,000 VND for one trip in Seoul and fluctuate a little more if you take a longer route. Many people in cities like Hanoi or Saigon who are afraid of taking the bus because of the crowds, jostling or losing things will be completely fascinated by the large, clean and safe buses in Seoul.
