Arriving in Seoul for my exchange program at Seoul National University was an exhilarating experience. The second I stepped out of Incheon International Airport in the hot, humid, and heavy weather I knew this would not be the family vacation that I usually came to Korea for. As I settled into my new surroundings, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that awaited me.
Preparation Tips for Future Students
In terms of preparation, the packing process was tough as I had to consider 2 extreme seasons from September to December. Packing the essentials for both daily life and academic life helped streamline the process. It only took me a day or two to pack, ensuring I had suitable clothing for various seasons, travel documents, and personal items. SFU's pre-departure resources guided me on what to bring, facilitating a smooth transition to life in Seoul. Ensure you bring an extremely warm jacket for the winter months as the cold is much harsher and biting than Vancouver’s wet winter.
Arriving in Seoul involved well-planned flight arrangements, minimizing any potential delays. The learning curve with the subway system was steep initially, but with the help of countless subway apps and through practice, I quickly adapted to the public transportation system. Make sure to download KaKao Map and Taxi as you’ll be relying on those every day. If you don’t have a bank card, make sure to get a T-money card for transport as well.