Bachelor of Business (Marketing major) Ta Na, spent a semester at Sogang University in Soel, South Korea. In this article he tells us why going on exchange was one of the best decisions he’s made!
Hello there, my name is Ta Na. I want to share my exchange experience and hopefully you will want to go on an exchange too.
I went to South Korea for my semester exchange. One of the best decisions I have made. My motivation to go on an exchange was really simple. I wanted to travel to a new country and to experience the culture. South Korea did not disappoint.
The university I studied in was Sogang University, a huge school with many clubs and facilities any students would require. The school had a program known as HUG, a Korean student-run club. This club gave exchange students the chance to explore the country and to meet exchange students like myself. We went to a palace, wore traditional clothing, had game nights and had a sports festival.
South Korea is an amazing country. One of the best aspects of it is the public transport and the food. You can get anywhere with the buses and trains. You just need a T-money card and navigation gets easier. Just note: you may take the wrong train a few times like me! The public transport has a bit of a learning curve. I got lost a few times and it was frustrating. But if you keep at it, you get better.
The food is really good, however, it can be daunting if you aren’t used to it. But there will always be places that will serve food that you are familiar with.
My initial challenge with Korea was that there were simply no rubbish bins. That meant you had to carry your rubbish with you. It also had a strict rubbish disposing system. But don’t worry, you will learn it after a while.
People in Korea are mostly kind and they don’t really bother other people. You will most likely feel homesick in the first four weeks. Don’t let it get you down, it will pass. And after it passes you will enjoy the time of your life.
Now with my exchange completed, I look back at the program with satisfaction. I was a shy guy before the trip and always enclosed in my own little space, but now I have the confidence to be out there
On the academic side, as an exchange student, lecturers are pretty lenient. The workload is not too bad and the content of subjects are fairly challenging. I think just getting a routine in will help with the academic side. The lectures are taught in English.
Connecting with other students was difficult for me as I was a bit shy. However, the HUG program made it really easy to make friends. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. You can engage with people first and also try to form a group of friends in the early stages, as it can get more difficult to join groups later. Join clubs and say ‘yes’ to trips. Just do it.
Now with my exchange completed, I look back at the program with satisfaction. I was a shy guy before the trip and always enclosed in my own little space, but now I have the confidence to be out there. I know some Korean now and I have made the best of friends, who I still keep in touch with.
If you want to go on an exchange, but for whatever reason you are scared to go – please just go. Talk to the Study Abroad team. They will help you decide. You won’t regret it.
Interested in living your own exchange experience?
Student Exchange applications for Semester 1 2026 are now open! Applications close on Monday, 16 June 2025. To apply, visit the Semester Abroad webpage.
Need more info? Attend one of our Study Abroad info Sessions or visit the Study Abroad website.