Due to the spread of COVID-19 shortening my study abroad to before the school semester even started, I did not get to have the full experience of studying abroad. Therefore, I probably can't give you the best advice. However, through my experience of going through applications and traveling to Korea, I do still have some advice for you if you are interested in studying abroad in Korea:
1. When choosing a university, research the CLASSES OFFERED!
I can't stress this enough because the Shidler website does show classes that a host university offers that can translate into our system and you can get credit for, but don't trust it completely. It gives you an idea about what the host university offers but I HIGHLY ADVISE you look at the host university's site and access the classes that they offered in recent semesters. At Yonsei, you can look at these classes from here (and click on: Course Catalogue and Syllabus: Undergraduate & Graduate). I ended up having a lot of the classes that I wanted to take not being offered so definitely check this out if you want a better idea of what classes are ACTUALLY offered.
2. Have a BACK-UP PLAN!
With that being said above, have a back-up plan! Life doesn't go the way you want it to and it's likely that the class you want to take isn't offered or you don't get the class. As long as you have a back-up plan, you won't have a panic attack and you'll be prepared once registration comes about.
3. Be aware of DUE DATES!
There are so many due dates when applying to study abroad such as those from MIX, the host university, and for the scholarships. To not forget, I made a list of due dates that I pasted on the wall right in front of my desk so I don't forget. Everyone's different, so figure out a way you won't forget!
4. Talk to RIKKI!
If you're lost and need some guidance, Rikki is the person to go to! She is a busy person so grab an appointment with her ASAP. I talked to her about classes that would translate, what classes I would take after returning home, making sure I have a back-up plan for courses I take at Yonsei in case I don't get all of them, and many more. If you're a big "worrier" like me and get antsy, talk to her! She's friendly and a BIG help.
5. Use BLOGS and VLOGS to your advantage!
Reading all the blogs from the other scholars helped A LOT. It really gave me a realistic idea of how the process goes and provided me with a lot of tips and guidelines that I followed throughout my experience. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos especially on what my dorm looks like and what I might need for the dorm, but to also just be aware of any new experiences or foods I might want to try once I'm there. We live in the digital age so utilize that! There are loads of information out there on the internet.
6. Make COPIES of your IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS!
Like I said before, I tend to worry a lot. But it never hurts to be prepared. Try to have copies of important documents like your passport, VISA, insurance cards, acceptance letters, and all that jazz so if you do ever lose it, you at least have some form of documentation. Again, I worry A LOT so I also had those stored in my laptop as digital copies as well. You probably don't have to do that much, but it's better to be safe than sorry, so maybe at least have a copy of your passport and VISA.
7. Stay WARM but light!
If you're like me and you're not used to being in the cold or having to wear layers and layers of clothing, read this. Definitely invest in UNIQLO's Heattech collection because just wearing that thin layer under your shirt or under your jeans make a HUGE difference. I also bought Heattech socks and those were a savior for my cold toes. It's also nice to buy some Asian heat packs that you just warm up by rubbing them and keep in your pocket so your hands don't get icy.
8. EXCHANGE CASH at good rates!
It's important to have at least some cash before studying abroad or for simple travel. I have a Discover credit card which worked EVERYWHERE I used it in Korea and was fantastic but you should still have cash anyway. DFS in Waikiki has good rates but they don't always have Korean won so if you can, try to check often. My mom works at DFS so luckily, she could ask the lady at the exchange counter if they had Korean won every time she went to work, so I had an easy time exchanging.
9. Use NAVER MAP / KAKAO MAP!
Google Maps is NOT a good choice to use in Korea because it's not very accurate. Get the Naver Map or Kakap Map app on your phone. It's so much better and will take you to the places you want much more accurately. I also suggest downloading the Kakao Metro app which shows you the subway routes just by entering your closest station and the one you want to get to.
10. DON'T be AFRAID!
Studying abroad comes with lots of worries. It's okay to be worried because it's complete normal, but don't be afraid! Don't be afraid of talking to people to get help. Don't be afraid to be alone in a foreign country. Don't be afraid to speak to people who don't speak your language. Don't be afraid to go to new places and experience new things. I didn't get to experience all these things but if you do get to, go for it! Be more excited instead!
I can't stress this enough because the Shidler website does show classes that a host university offers that can translate into our system and you can get credit for, but don't trust it completely. It gives you an idea about what the host university offers but I HIGHLY ADVISE you look at the host university's site and access the classes that they offered in recent semesters. At Yonsei, you can look at these classes from here (and click on: Course Catalogue and Syllabus: Undergraduate & Graduate). I ended up having a lot of the classes that I wanted to take not being offered so definitely check this out if you want a better idea of what classes are ACTUALLY offered.
2. Have a BACK-UP PLAN!
With that being said above, have a back-up plan! Life doesn't go the way you want it to and it's likely that the class you want to take isn't offered or you don't get the class. As long as you have a back-up plan, you won't have a panic attack and you'll be prepared once registration comes about.
3. Be aware of DUE DATES!
There are so many due dates when applying to study abroad such as those from MIX, the host university, and for the scholarships. To not forget, I made a list of due dates that I pasted on the wall right in front of my desk so I don't forget. Everyone's different, so figure out a way you won't forget!
4. Talk to RIKKI!
If you're lost and need some guidance, Rikki is the person to go to! She is a busy person so grab an appointment with her ASAP. I talked to her about classes that would translate, what classes I would take after returning home, making sure I have a back-up plan for courses I take at Yonsei in case I don't get all of them, and many more. If you're a big "worrier" like me and get antsy, talk to her! She's friendly and a BIG help.
5. Use BLOGS and VLOGS to your advantage!
Reading all the blogs from the other scholars helped A LOT. It really gave me a realistic idea of how the process goes and provided me with a lot of tips and guidelines that I followed throughout my experience. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos especially on what my dorm looks like and what I might need for the dorm, but to also just be aware of any new experiences or foods I might want to try once I'm there. We live in the digital age so utilize that! There are loads of information out there on the internet.
6. Make COPIES of your IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS!
Like I said before, I tend to worry a lot. But it never hurts to be prepared. Try to have copies of important documents like your passport, VISA, insurance cards, acceptance letters, and all that jazz so if you do ever lose it, you at least have some form of documentation. Again, I worry A LOT so I also had those stored in my laptop as digital copies as well. You probably don't have to do that much, but it's better to be safe than sorry, so maybe at least have a copy of your passport and VISA.
7. Stay WARM but light!
If you're like me and you're not used to being in the cold or having to wear layers and layers of clothing, read this. Definitely invest in UNIQLO's Heattech collection because just wearing that thin layer under your shirt or under your jeans make a HUGE difference. I also bought Heattech socks and those were a savior for my cold toes. It's also nice to buy some Asian heat packs that you just warm up by rubbing them and keep in your pocket so your hands don't get icy.
8. EXCHANGE CASH at good rates!
It's important to have at least some cash before studying abroad or for simple travel. I have a Discover credit card which worked EVERYWHERE I used it in Korea and was fantastic but you should still have cash anyway. DFS in Waikiki has good rates but they don't always have Korean won so if you can, try to check often. My mom works at DFS so luckily, she could ask the lady at the exchange counter if they had Korean won every time she went to work, so I had an easy time exchanging.
9. Use NAVER MAP / KAKAO MAP!
Google Maps is NOT a good choice to use in Korea because it's not very accurate. Get the Naver Map or Kakap Map app on your phone. It's so much better and will take you to the places you want much more accurately. I also suggest downloading the Kakao Metro app which shows you the subway routes just by entering your closest station and the one you want to get to.
10. DON'T be AFRAID!
Studying abroad comes with lots of worries. It's okay to be worried because it's complete normal, but don't be afraid! Don't be afraid of talking to people to get help. Don't be afraid to be alone in a foreign country. Don't be afraid to speak to people who don't speak your language. Don't be afraid to go to new places and experience new things. I didn't get to experience all these things but if you do get to, go for it! Be more excited instead!