Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
My life in Seoul vs. Bali
Asia Exchanges former exchange student Giulia studied abroad in Seoul. After her study abroad experience, she did a marketing internship with Asia Exchange in Bali. Giulia shares her experience of living in a big modern city vs. on a tropical island: Seoul vs. Bali.
Seoul vs. Bali: How it all started
Hi, I am Giulia, and in 2021, I decided to study abroad in Seoul with Asia Exchange. I studied at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies for two semesters, which was the most fantastic experience I have had. Coming to Korea was actually a last-minute decision because I was casually looking to see if the application deadlines for Seoul were still open. I looked them up on the last day of the deadline, so I applied immediately. Luckily, the online application with Asia Exchange was so easy that I still managed to secure my study abroad placement in Korea! Looking back, it was the best thing I could have ever done. Living on your own on the other side of the world really makes you grow as a person.
During my semester abroad, I was looking for a marketing internship aboard. I wrote tons of emails and contacted even more companies; unfortunately, most have yet to reply. I was already giving up hope until I remembered that I had already worked with the Asia Exchanges marketing department, doing Instagram take-over or sharing my posts. So the next day, I asked if they had a marketing internship available; and they did. In a nutshell, three months later, I was on my way to Bali for my marketing internship.
Do you want to know more about student experiences in South Korea? Then check out Steffi’s student interview right here!
Big city life in Seoul
Living in Seoul was a dream come true. I would describe myself as a big-city person. I don’t mind many people around me, and I like that everything is easy to reach with public transportation. Everything you need, you can get at almost every time of the day in Seoul. Expect the metro, no matter if it is 3 pm or 3 am since the last train is around midnight every day. During my exchange in South Korea, I experienced a different culture and way of thinking, which was challenging at times, but in the best way possible. I met two of my closest friends in Korea, and we have been in touch and visiting each other ever since. Meeting them was definitely one of the best things that happened that year. Studying abroad is an experience I think everybody should experience because you are forced to get out of your comfort zone and grow. There is no way around it.
Island life and internship Bali
I would have never thought to do my internship on the paradise Island of Bali in Indonesia. Bali is the complete opposite of Seoul. Life seems much more simple and laid back there. I arrived on Sunday evening, and Monday morning, my internship began immediately. Luckily, I lived with my supervisor in the same facility, and we got along super well. During my time in Bali, I spent much time together with my colleagues, who showed me the typical Bali life in our free time. One of my favorite activities was the after-work sunset at Dreamland Beach. I have never seen sunsets like in Bali; they are so beautiful and colorful. The perfect way to end the day!
Even though I missed the city life, I must admit that staying in Bali was a new amazing experience. First of all, everything is much cheaper than in Seoul, and nature is beautiful. Indonesia has beautiful temples, delicious food, friendly people, and fun nightlife. One of my favorite trips I did with my friends and family when they came to visit. We took a half-day trip to Nusa Penida, snorkeled in breathtaking reefs, and saw the famous diamond beach.
Are you interested to read about the student field trips in Bali? Click here and check out the trip to Aling Aling Waterfalls in Bali!
Seoul vs. Bali: Conclusion
The past two years in Southeast Asia were crazy and filled with experiences I would have never dreamed of. The friends I made are very close to my heart, and the moments I experienced have forever changed me. During my studies in Seoul, I dreamed of experiencing student life in Korea. I learned a lot, not only in my classes but also outside of the classroom. My time in Seoul exceeded all expectations. Even though I am a city person, Bali was definitely worth visiting! I was lucky to live there for around three months. During my internship, I got to know how to work as a remote worker, and I learned a lot about marketing. I am very proud and thankful for this work experience and the past two years. Working from coworking spaces and cafes, trying surfing, delicious food, and unforgettable sunsets at the beach – It was a fantastic experience.
Finally, I would recommend Seoul, South Korea, for students who like to live in a city that never sleeps, enjoy the best education, and are into Korean culture. At the same time, Bali is the place for anyone who wants to study abroad on a budget, in a tropical environment with endless beaches to explore, breathtaking nature, unique culture, and a laid-back atmosphere. Both study-abroad destinations are ideal for young people who want to collect international experience in Southeast Asia.
Read more:
THE BEST BUSINESS UNIVERSITIES IN KOREA FOR EVERY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Are you interested in living abroad while studying at accredited universities in Asia? Find out more!
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