A UKZN Student’s Journey: Exploring South Korea for a Semester Abroad

BY: .

UKZN student Ms Courtney Louter spent a semester abroad at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in Seoul, South Korea.

Louter, who is pursuing a BA degree in English and Media and Cultural Studies, was selected by the UKZN Student Exchange Programme to spend a semester abroad at a partner university. She applied to HUFS and was subsequently awarded the Global Korea Scholarship by the South Korean government, which covered her flights and provided a monthly stipend.

‘As a Christian, my family and I felt very clearly that God was making a way for me to go to Seoul to share his love. We are most grateful for God’s favour in this whole process,’ she said.

The aspiring editor relished her time travelling and studying in Seoul and found the city’s complex public transportation system convenient. She offered this top tip for anyone visiting South Korea: ‘Use Naver Maps instead of Google Maps as it is more accurate and even shows which platform sub-section to use for greater convenience.’

She enjoyed Korean food immensely. ‘At restaurants, banchan (side dishes) such as kimchi, pickled radish, and soup are provided at no extra cost. The meals were large, and I often could not finish them all. My favourite meal is definitely Bibimbap, a combination of rice, vegetables, tofu, egg, and delicious gochujang (chilli paste).

While Louter found time to travel and immerse herself in the culture, she was firmly focused on her studies while in Korea.

‘The main library is open 24/7 and has its own café as well for much needed caffeine to fuel the midnight oil. Students are very determined and continue studying at cafés off campus.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ 4.5 GPA system along with their letter grades vary from UKZN’s making UKZN’s 75% first-class pass a C.’ She achieved As across her modules and a 4.35 GPA.

‘I also had the privilege of learning Korean, which HUFS arranged and covered. Within a relatively short amount of time, the lecturer had us speaking and reading basic dialogue.

‘I highly recommend HUFS because it specialises in foreign studies and teaches hundreds of foreign students alongside local students. This facilitated a unique experience in which I was able to interact with students, lecturers, and staff from various backgrounds. I am still in contact with the many local and foreign friends I made in that time - especially those who held a Bible study with me in the dorm.’

Highlights of her time include a student group tour and the first snow. ‘We crossed the border to view North Korea across the sea, where I saw Propaganda Village. It was truly a strange feeling, like looking back in time. We also bottled our own gochujang.

‘I will also never forget the heaviest snow in 112 years that came early in November - it was a winter wonderland and us students made snowmen on campus and had snowball fights.’

She advised students keen on studying abroad not to shrug off this opportunity, ‘yes, it is a lot of paperwork, and the fees can add up, but you never know if you don’t ask. So, research which universities are offering scholarships.

‘My semester abroad was truly an eye-opening experience, immersing me in a culture and continent that neither my family, my friends, nor I had experienced before. We were constantly surprised by the different foods, busy city life, and the language. I had a truly positive experience. Thank you.’

Click here to learn how to say "Thank you" in Korean. 

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied