Nastassja’s study abroad journey from Germany to South Korea began with a leap into the unknown. As a student of international business at a small university of applied sciences in Germany, Nastassja faced a unique challenge during the Covid pandemic. The mandatory semester abroad, a key component of her program, became uncertain as partner universities around the world canceled their programs. Determined not to let this setback derail her plans, Nastassja embarked on a search for alternative opportunities.
It was during this search that she discovered Asia Exchange. The organization offered a lifeline, presenting an array of destinations in Asia. Despite having no prior experience with South Korea and the country being one of the few open to international students at the time, Nastassja decided to take a chance. Her decision, driven by a mix of curiosity and necessity, was met with surprise from her family. “It was kind of like an out of the blue decision for me,” Nastassja recounts, “My family was like, ‘what are you saying? Why do you want to go to Korea?’” Yet, her exploration of Korean language and culture deepened her interest, leading her to choose South Korea as her destination. Little did she know, this spontaneous decision would shape the trajectory of her academic and personal life in profound ways.
Expectations vs. Reality
Before arriving in South Korea, Nastassja had limited expectations due to her unfamiliarity with the country. Her excitement was tinged with apprehension, particularly about making connections and building a social network in a new cultural environment. The uncertainty about finding friends and establishing a support system weighed on her, but the process of joining the Asia Exchange group chat soon alleviated her fears. The sheer number of fellow students embarking on the same journey offered a reassuring sense of community, setting the stage for a more comfortable and welcoming experience. “Asia exchange gives you a group chat of people who are going to Korea as well,” Nastassja recalls. “And then the fear of not meeting people was kind of gone one day to the other.”
As she settled into her new life, Nastassja’s initial concerns about making connections proved unfounded. South Korea’s vibrant international student community and the proactive efforts she made to engage with others helped her build a diverse circle of friends. The reality of her experience, characterized by a rich blend of cultural immersion and social interaction, exceeded her initial expectations and contributed to a more fulfilling and memorable exchange.
Academic Adventures
Nastassja’s academic experience in South Korea was marked by significant contrasts with her home country’s educational system. “The academic experience was actually quite surprising for me,” she says, “South Korea has a very different teaching style than that of German universities.” The Korean approach to teaching, characterized by extensive lectures and a focus on rote memorization, presented a new set of challenges. The necessity to memorize exact definitions and adhere closely to lecture content was a departure from the more interactive and discussion-based learning she was accustomed to in Germany. “It was very interesting to experience a very different kind of teaching and learning.”
Despite these differences, Nastassja found herself pleasantly surprised by the supportive study culture in Korea. The availability of study cafes and campus facilities created an environment where academic pursuits were seamlessly integrated into daily life. “In Korea, it’s crazy being a student. You can go anywhere and study. You can sit in a cafe for like 5 hours, 8 hours, and drink two coffees.” She adds, “You know, in Germany, they would throw you out after an hour!” The ability to study in various locations and access on-campus resources added a layer of convenience and comfort to her academic routine, enhancing her overall experience. “You have your bank on campus, you have your gym on campus. It’s a very good experience when you’re from a country where this kind of student life doesn’t exist.”
Noteworthy Courses and Professors
During her exchange, Nastassja took a variety of courses that left a lasting impact on her academic journey. The Korean language class was particularly valuable, providing her with essential skills to navigate daily life and communicate more effectively. This practical knowledge helped her feel more integrated and less like an outsider.
Additionally, a course on Korean economy and politics offered her a comprehensive overview of the country’s socio-economic landscape. This class not only broadened her understanding of South Korea but also enriched her appreciation for its unique cultural and political context. The combination of language acquisition and contextual knowledge played a crucial role in her immersive experience.
Cultural Discoveries and Adaptations
Adjusting to life in South Korea involved navigating a landscape of cultural differences. For Nastassja, the shift from a familiar environment to one that was entirely different required a period of adaptation. “It’s tough to see the differences when the whole country is different, you know?” She adds, “When I arrived [to Korea], it was not that I saw, like, ‘oh, this is different. And this is different.’ It was like, okay, it’s completely different!” One notable difference was the deep respect for the elderly in Korean society, which influenced daily interactions and expectations.
The vibrant outdoor culture was another significant contrast. Nastassja recounts, “Something that also really surprised me is the going out culture.” Unlike the more home-centered social life in Europe, South Korea’s emphasis on socializing and engaging in activities outside the home was a refreshing change. “You go eat outside, you meet your friends outside. While in Europe, we like stay at home a lot and invite our friends to our place.” This cultural shift required some adjustment but ultimately contributed to a richer and more engaging experience.
Building Connections
Making friends and forming connections in South Korea was an essential part of Nastassja’s journey. Nastassja tells, “I think you just have to be really open to making friends. I think it’s so easy to make friends in the international community.” She found that being open and proactive in seeking social interactions facilitated her integration into the international community. “When you go abroad, everyone who is abroad, too, is losing their social circle. They don’t have any friends. They don’t have family here. So everyone is very open to just do things together, go somewhere together.” She says. Participating in group activities and joining various social events helped her establish a supportive network of peers.
Connecting with locals, however, proved more challenging. The differences in daily life and cultural norms created a barrier to forming deeper relationships with Korean students. Nastassja recounts, “They have a completely different life than you have in your semester abroad. You’re just, like, traveling around and having new experiences every day while they are just in their average daily life.” Nastassja’s strategy of engaging in language exchange programs and volunteering helped bridge this gap, allowing her to build meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of Korean society. “You just have to be very open, and you have to actively participate in things. You cannot just sit at home and wait until someone asks you to be your friend, you know?”
Extending Her Stay
The decision to extend her stay from one semester to two was driven by a desire to fully experience and explore South Korea. After only a month in the country, Nastassja realized that one semester was insufficient to achieve her goals and immerse herself in the culture. The opportunity to continue her studies and maintain the connections she had made was a compelling factor in her decision to extend. Nastassja says, “I was very sure that I cannot see everything I want to see and experience everything I want to experience in only one semester, because in the end, you’re still a student, you still have to study, so you cannot do that much within the week.”
Financial support from the German government also played a decisive role in making this extension possible. This financial aid alleviated concerns about the cost of staying longer and allowed Nastassja to focus on making the most of her extended time in South Korea.
Pursuing a Master’s Degree
Nastassja’s experience as an exchange student set the stage for her decision to pursue a Master’s degree in South Korea. After completing her exchange program, she returned to Germany to finish her bachelor’s thesis and gain work experience. However, the positive experiences and opportunities she had during her exchange program motivated her to return to South Korea for further studies. Nastassja says, “I really enjoyed the student life here. I think especially in South Korea, the best thing you can do is study.”
Enrolling in the Master of Global Affairs program at Yonsei University allowed Nastassja to delve into international security and global issues. Her internship experience and growing interest in working with international organizations influenced her choice of this program. The decision to pursue a Master’s degree in South Korea aligned with her career aspirations and personal interests, offering a pathway to further growth and development.
Graduate Experience vs. Exchange
The transition from an exchange student to a Master’s student brought about a shift in Nastassja’s daily life and academic focus. While the exchange program was marked by exploration and social activities, her Master’s experience required a more concentrated focus on her studies and professional development. The familiarity with the country and its culture provided a sense of comfort and stability, allowing her to concentrate on her academic goals. “You feel more at home here than in the beginning,” She says, “as an exchange student, you don’t really have a normal life. It’s very busy and exciting and you’re traveling a lot.”
The contrast between the dynamic and exploratory nature of exchange life and the more structured and goal-oriented approach of graduate studies highlighted the evolution of her journey. Nastassja’s ability to balance her academic responsibilities with a deeper understanding of Korean culture and society enriched her overall experience.
Personal and Academic Growth
Reflecting on her time in South Korea, Nastassja recognizes the significant personal and academic growth she has experienced. “I think the me before the exchange and the me after the exchange were very different people.” She says. Living abroad challenged her to become more independent and self-reliant. Navigating the complexities of life in a foreign country, managing various responsibilities, and overcoming challenges contributed to her personal development.
Academically, Nastassja’s exposure to different teaching styles and cultural perspectives broadened her horizons. Her time in South Korea instilled a sense of confidence and adaptability, qualities that continue to shape her approach to both personal and professional endeavors. “I lived in Asia for one year. I can do anything now.”
Impact on Future Goals
Nastassja’s decision to study in South Korea has had a profound impact on her future career and academic aspirations. The international exposure and diverse experiences gained during her time in South Korea have positioned her to pursue a global career. She says, “This degree helped me to get this international exposure to meet people from different countries.” Her goal of working abroad and engaging with international organizations is a direct result of the opportunities and insights she gained during her studies.
The Master’s degree program has equipped Nastassja with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international relations and security. Her experience in South Korea has opened doors to new career possibilities and provided a foundation for continued growth in her chosen field.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, Nastassja reflects on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The initial uncertainty and apprehension about studying abroad have transformed into a deep appreciation for the experiences and opportunities she has had. She says, “I think maybe I would say to myself, ‘don’t worry too much what’s after. Just enjoy, and do whatever you want to do, because it’s gonna be fine. It’s not that deep, you know?’” Her advice to her past self and future students is to embrace the journey, remain open to new experiences, and not be deterred by challenges.
Nastassja’s story serves as an inspiring example of how embracing the unexpected and taking bold steps can lead to personal and professional fulfillment. Her journey from exchange student to Master’s graduate in South Korea is a testament to the transformative power of studying abroad and the potential for growth that lies beyond one’s comfort zone.
Advice for Future Students
For those considering studying abroad in South Korea or extending their stay for a full degree program, Nastassja’s advice is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to actively engage with the local community. “You have to be very open to the country. Don’t expect things to just come to you,” she adds, “You have to actively join things, meet people, be open to do things with strangers. I think that’s how I had the best experiences here.” Participating in social events, joining extracurricular activities, and building connections with both international and local peers can enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories.
Additionally, Nastassja emphasizes the importance of being proactive and taking advantage of opportunities to immerse oneself in the culture. Staying longer in a country allows for a deeper understanding of its people and traditions, leading to a more enriching and meaningful experience.
Final Thoughts
Nastassja’s journey from an exchange student to a Master’s graduate in South Korea is a remarkable story of growth, exploration, and discovery. Her experiences highlight the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the unexpected. As she continues her journey, Nastassja remains a testament to the transformative impact of studying abroad and the endless possibilities that await those who dare to take the leap. “I think that’s very important that you kind of have to drag this experience. You have to drag it through your life.” Nastassja says. “It’s all very rewarding. To have these happy memories, but also make it a reality that continues on.”
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