Details

• Republic of Korea
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The Interview: I had my interview via Zoom, and it was conducted entirely in English. My biggest tip? Don't overthink it — they just want to understand why you chose Yonsei specifically and what you hope to get out of the exchange. Be yourself and be clear about your motivations. Authenticity beats rehearsed answers every time. Application Documents: Make sure you have all your documents ready to go when the application opens. Your exchange coordinator will send you a detailed list of what's needed, so keep an eye on your emails and don't leave anything to the last minute. Visa Process: Getting a Korean student visa (D-2) is surprisingly straightforward and takes about 8-10 business days. Pro tip: apply as soon as you receive your Certificate of Admission from Yonsei, especially if you're planning to arrive early to explore or settle in. Packing: This is where I made a mistake – I overpacked like crazy. Trust me, Seoul has everything. It's literally a shopper's paradise. Stick to the essentials: clothes for the season (remember, Korean winters are cold, while summers are crazy humid!), any prescription medications, and personal items you can't live without. For home goods, décor, and toiletries, hit up your nearest Daiso once you arrive. It's cheap and you'll find everything you need without having to carry it halfway across the world.

2. Accommodation

My honest take on dorms: I'd discourage choosing the university dormitories (like SK Global House), even if this is your first time in Korea or Asia. The rooms themselves are decent and spacious, especially if you snag a single, but the location is the real issue. It takes 10-15 minutes just to walk to the main gate, and public transportation connections aren't great. Most of my friends who stayed at SK Global ended up regretting it because it really does limit your freedom – you're just a bit too disconnected from everything happening in Sinchon and around campus. What I did instead: I found a one-bedroom apartment right in the heart of Sinchon, literally across from Yonsei's main gate. It came fully equipped with a kitchen and private washing machine, and I paid around 550,000 KRW (~€350) per month including utilities. I found it through enkostay.com, which is honestly the perfect platform for student housing in Seoul. Location matters: Seoul is incredibly safe, so don't stress too much about that. Focus on choosing a location that fits your vibe and keeps you close to campus. Sinchon is ideal if you want to be right by the university with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Hongdae is another great option if you're into a more vibrant nightlife scene— and it's just a station or two away. Pro tip: Get your rental contract and all housing documents sorted early because you'll need them for your Residence Card (RC) application. If possible, arrive a few weeks before the semester officially starts. I did this and was one of the first to receive my RC—I got mine after just 3 weeks, even before classes began. The international office was genuinely surprised. Getting your RC early is a game-changer: you can open a bank account, sign up for a verified phone plan, etc.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus and Infrastructure: As one of Korea's most prestigious universities (part of the famous SKY trio), Yonsei delivers on every level. The campus is massive – it even has its own forest and a huge outdoor amphitheater. Seriously, it takes time to get from one building to another, so plan your schedule accordingly and avoid back-to-back classes in opposite corners of the campus. The infrastructure is top-notch and comparable to what we're used to at WU, despite Yonsei being the oldest university in Korea. They even have shuttle buses for on-campus transport. The campus itself is beautiful and Instagram-worthy, especially in front of the iconic Underwood Hall. It's lively all day, and there are 24/7 study rooms available if you need them. Personally, I preferred studying at PC bangs (internet cafés) or cozy cafés around Sinchon when exam season hit. Campus Life and Clubs: If you have some free time, definitely check out the various clubs Yonsei offers. There's a club fair early in the semester where all the clubs promote themselves – you'll find everything from sports clubs to niche ones like the cat club, which takes care of the campus cats (yes, really). It's a great way to meet people and get involved. Courses and Teaching Style: The teaching style is pretty similar to WU, though it really depends on the professor and course. It is a mix of offline, online, and hybrid classes – most of mine were offline tho. Looking back, I found the final grading really generous and exams manageable. Course Registration—This is Important: Here's where things differ from WU: before the semester starts, you'll participate in a bidding system for courses. You get a certain number of points to "bid" on your preferred classes. My advice? Prepare a solid schedule in advance and bid strategically. It's also smart to register for more courses than you need, then drop the ones you're not satisfied with after attending the first few sessions. I took 2 business courses and 3 "Study Abroad" courses. The Study Abroad courses are specifically designed for exchange students and cover a huge range of topics – psychology, marketing, Korean culture, you name it. My top recommendation: Korean Food and Culture. The professor is phenomenal, and every week he brings interesting Korean snacks for everyone to try. If you're considering Korean Language Institute (KLI) classes, especially the intensive ones, be prepared for a serious time commitment. My friends who took them had many contact hours and couldn't miss classes, which might make travel during the semester tricky. If you're planning lots of trips around Korea or Asia, just keep that in mind when choosing your courses.

5. Every day life in the host country

Seoul has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Get yourself a T-money or climate card as soon as possible – you can buy one at any convenience store. Download "Naver Maps" (better than Google Maps in Korea) and KakaoTalk (the WhatsApp of Korea—everyone uses it). The subway system is incredibly efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate even if you don't speak Korean. Seoul is extremely safe. I never once felt unsafe, whether I was out late at night or exploring alone. It's a relatively foreigner-friendly city and you can genuinely relax and enjoy yourself without constantly looking over your shoulder. Social Life– Join the Yonsei Mentors Club: This is where I made most of my friends during the first few weeks, and honestly, it shaped my entire exchange experience. Your mentors (Korean students) will help you settle in, show you around, and organize events—both official university ones and unofficial hangouts. My advice? Attend everything, especially the unofficial gatherings. That's where the real bonding happens. I'll be honest though—your experience depends a lot on which buddy group you get assigned to. I got really lucky with mine, and I'm still in close contact with my mentors even after the semester ended. Nightlife: Most weekends, you'll find me in Hongdae. It's the nightlife hub for students – packed with bars, clubs, street performers, and an incredible energy. If you're into going out and meeting people, Hongdae is where it's at. I can't recommend it enough. Events and Activities: Seoul is constantly buzzing with seasonal events –drone shows, fireworks festivals, cherry blossom viewing in spring, Christmas markets in winter, you name it. For sightseeing recommendations and up-to-date event info, follow expat communities and Seoul's official tourism social media accounts. There's always something happening...

6. Testimonial

Honestly? This was the best time of my life. My semester at Yonsei made me grow in so many ways I didn't expect– personally, academically, and socially. The people I met became genuine friends, and that's something I'll carry with me forever. If I had to pick one standout moment, it would be the "YonKo Games" week. The energy was unmatched – the entire university came together with this unified team spirit, and the celebrations and parties were unforgettable. Sure, we lost to Korea University, but honestly? It didn't even matter. The experience itself, being part of something that big and feeling that sense of belonging, was incredible. Would I do it all over again? In an instant. Without hesitation. If you're considering Yonsei or Seoul for your exchange, just go for it. You won't regret it.