Details

• Republic of Korea
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The preparation for my exchange semester at Korea University Business School was well-organized but required some effort. One key task was obtaining a visa. While the university provided detailed information early on, the process was still quite time-consuming. As a German citizen, I received a multiple-entry visa, allowing me to leave and re-enter South Korea without issues. I had to either send my passport to the Korean consulate or deliver it in person. I did not need any additional vaccinations, nor did I learn Korean beforehand. The university was very helpful, providing all necessary information well in advance, which made the process smoother.

2. Accommodation

Many exchange students reported that student housing in South Korea is often small and strict, especially regarding quiet hours. To avoid this, I rented an apartment with two other WU exchange students through HomesInKorea, a company offering temporary housing for students. The apartment was located 5-10 minutes from the university, and we paid around 500 euros per person. At the beginning of the semester, we had to switch apartments because our first one was severely affected by mold. Safety in South Korea was never a concern. It is an extremely safe country, and at no point did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. The overall sense of security allowed me to fully enjoy my time without worries.

3. Academic life at host university

The academic life at Korea University Business School was engaging and well-structured. The campus itself is modern and well-equipped, with plenty of study spaces and facilities for students. The academic culture is similar to WU Vienna in terms of emphasis on group work and interaction, but there was a stronger focus on class participation and discussions in some courses. The teaching style was predominantly lecture-based, with a clear emphasis on frontal teaching. Every course required students to give presentations, which was a key part of the academic experience. This made the learning process more interactive and helped build presentation skills. One course that stood out was International Trade & Negotiation. It was extremely interesting, offering in-depth insights into global trade dynamics, but also very challenging due to the complexity of the topics covered. While the courses were challenging, they provided new perspectives compared to what I had experienced at WU Vienna. For instance, the business courses at Korea University incorporated a strong focus on East Asian markets and global business strategies, offering valuable insights. The workload was overall really manageable but required good time management, especially with the frequent presentations and group projects that were expected across all subjects.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in South Korea is very intuitive and convenient. One single card can be used for buses, subways, and other means of transportation, making daily commuting easy and affordable. The country is extremely safe, and I never felt uncomfortable at any point during my stay. If you want to socialize, it is easy to connect with other exchange students through university events and international communities. Korean students tend to be more reserved, and many do not speak English very fluently, which can make deeper interaction more challenging at first. South Korea offers amazing opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, and there are countless beautiful trails. I also went running a lot, and gym memberships are relatively affordable. Additionally, Korea is a great starting point for traveling to other Asian countries. In everyday life, most people do not cook at home but go out to eat, as eating out is often cheaper and more convenient than cooking. Overall, living in Korea was an incredible experience.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at Korea University Business School was an unforgettable experience. The combination of a highly academic environment, diverse cultural exposure, and the opportunity to explore South Korea made it truly special. I had the chance to grow both academically and personally, learning about East Asian markets, improving my presentation skills, and connecting with other international students. The safety, convenience, and outdoor activities in Korea, combined with the chance to travel to nearby countries, added to the overall appeal of the exchange. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and challenge themselves.