Q3. Characteristics and strengths you would like to introduce to other friends

Two months of living in Korea, and especially in Cheongju have already given me numerous memories which I will never forget. Firstly, I’d like to mention Korean students who are kind and understanding. I’ve made a lot of friends during my studies and there are not only Korean but the other exchange students from Russia, France, Vietnam, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. All of them are open-minded and ready to widen their horizon.

Besides, id like to highlight the location of the CBNU and the city of Cheongju. Firstly, it seemed to me that Cheongju is a small town without a diversity of entertainment and places, but now I can definitely say that I was wrong! This city combines everything that might arouse your interest: nature, beautiful landscapes, convenient transport, historical monuments, and a lot of traditional establishments which let you understand the unique Korean culture.

    

My life in Russia and in Korea differ a lot because I feel myself as a foreigner for the first time in my life. Now I suppose that after coming back home ill change my opinion about the foreigners in my country. To be honest, I’ve never thought that life can be so complicated and interesting at the same time. Korea gives me a range of opportunities which I would never get staying in my home country. Firstly, it’s about the language which you can develop to a very high degree in a country where it’s a native language. Secondly, even specializing in Korean culture, history, economy, and politics in my home university and having lectures with professionals, it’s much more effective to learn these details through your real life.

 

Q4. Advice to your juniors before entering Korea

Before entering to Korea, I would strongly recommend my juniors to learn Korean to the extent they could understand some basic things and speak in the airport, shop, coffee shop and so on. Id really suggest that they should study hard before traveling to Korea and try to listen as much Korean speech as possible. As well as this, I’d recommend them to take more warm clothes even if their trip is planned during the spring semester because the weather is too unpredictable in Korea and it can be very cold.

 

Q5. Do you want to come to Chungbuk National University or Korea again?

I wouldn’t certainly miss the boat and use this unique opportunity to experience the process of studies in Chungbuk. Now I’m seriously thinking about any variant to come here again and continue my studies at this university.

 

    

 

 

Q6. Recommended places in Korea and Cheongju

The first place I would strongly recommend is Seoul, the capital of South Korea. I have already travelled to Seoul and visited 경복궁 trying on traditional Korean costume – 한복. It was unforgettable experience with my Korean friends!

Beside this, I was recommended to visit a traditional Korean house – 한옥 and 상당산성 in Cheongju. The location of this places is wonderful and allows everyone to enjoy the beauty and environment.

 

     

 

 

Q7. Difficulties as a foreign exchange student in Korea.

From my point of view, the most complicated thing as a foreign student is to get used to an absolutely different Eastern culture and mentality of Koreans.