Are you considering a study abroad program? I had that thought too in 2014. However, l was unsure how to go about it until my brother sent me a link. This was a list of Korean universities. I happily made the decision to go study in Korea. 

I recall spending hours, scrolling through all of them, making tables to analyse, and compare the requirements. After a few weeks, l was able to decide. 

Handong Global university‘s, international law school was my final choice. I hopefully applied in February 2014, expecting an admission. However, l wasn’t admitted because of English language conditions. Since its an American law school, they have an English-only policy. I reached out to the university again to inquire the reason for my rejection.

I was shocked to receive a response that l needed to submit the TOEFL language proficiency results. It was a huge surprise to read this, because l had submitted all my academic certificates justifying l had studied in the English language, and was an English native. Still, maybe because Cameroon is a bilingual (English and French national language) country, many people are unfamiliar with the history, and existence of two English-speaking regions.

I didn’t give up there.

How was the admission process to study in Korea?

Highly motivated to prove my language ability and legal skills, l re-studied the English language for two months to practice the structure of the TOEFL exam, then l wrote. When l passed above the 80 points required minimum score, l re-applied and was gladly admitted.

Handong International Law School  submitted my application after an interview to the National Institute for International Education under the Korean Government. I had applied for the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) award, so they needed to re-evaluate my documents based on their own criteria. 

Amazingly, I was all joy in June 2015, when l received an email that the government had approved my application. This fully funded program was a miracle (God answered prayer) for me. I will explain in detail below.

ln August 2015, l joyfully boarded the free flight to Korea, and was expectant to begin a new life.

As soon as the plane landed at the famous, world class Incheon airport, l was elated to meet different people, make new relationships, and start an international career.

Here are a few of the many reasons you should consider studying in Korea.

1. Make new friends from around the world

From the Korean language school,  Handong university, the streets and international churches where l became a member, l was able to meet many people from around the world. This led me to learn about many new cultures I would have never known sitting comfortable in my small hometown.

On the other hand, l was able to create career networks and professional friendships, just because l was a student at an international law school in Korea.

For example, in 2018, l travelled to Malaysia for an internship at an International NGO, Same Skies. This enabled me to work (online and in person) with a few refugees at a refugee based organization, as l had always desired for more than a year. 

Equally, l have had other jobs and travel opportunities solely because l mentioned living and working in Korea. 

Many people know Koreans are intelligent, and are among the best in many ways, thus, they seem to believe anyone who spent time there is also intelligent. As funny and probably untruthful as that might me, l think it’s possible. 

2.  High quality of living

Everyone wants comfort, though comfort might have subjective definitions.

For descriptive purposes, l can say Korean apartments are modern and some are in skyscrapers. I lived in several flats in different cities (Pohang and Busan). The simple studios were spacious and fully equipped with all the necessities.

That is, there was a stable heater on the wooden floor, big air-conditioning, ceaseless water and electrical supply, a kitchen with a fridge and cooker, as well as a modern toilet and bathroom decorated with a shower, and hot water boiler. Make up mirrors are typically large with enough space covered for bathroom lockers. 

When it comes to home decor and furniture, there are countless shops around the country selling high class furniture.

If you didn’t know, in Korea, you can buy first-hand high quality technological appliances. I mean, you can buy an original Samsung phone, an LG TV, and a Daewon car directly from the manufacturer’s show rooms.  How awesome is that?

If you want to explore one of Asia’s most visited cities-Seoul, you can be sure to have affordable high quality transport facilities. I found the subway system particularly exceptional. It’s under the ground, and has many shops.

In addition, there are high speed intercity express trains, and slow trains which move around the city almost every other minute in an extremely organized way. The roads are wide and well maintained. Driving or using buses/ taxis is convenient.

3. Financial assistance (scholarships)

You might say, l am interested, but l cannot afford the tuition. I understand. Neither my family nor l could pay too.

However, l dared to apply for the Korea Government Scholarships (GKS). This is a fully funded award where the Korean Government assists people from around the world based on a quota system.

Thankfully, I was the seventh from Cameroon in 2015, and l remain grateful for the rare opportunity to study in Korea. 

Given how competitive the GKS program is, you can consider applying for some universities’ partial funding programs. Several of them offer tuition-free options, and some give reasonable research allowances to attract international students.

Whether you are interested in a BA, an MA, research doctorate, or a Ph.D. study program, there’s a place for every one. 

All you might need to do is search the universities’ websites, email the admission offices if you don’t understand anything, and enjoy a happy study life in Korea.

4. Endless travel opportunities while you study in Korea 

Korea is one of Asia’s hotspot, full of undeniable travel opportunities. Every city is unique with lots of things to do.

Personally, I lived in the quiet East Coast Pohang city as a student for two years.

Working was amazing in the busy Busan city with numerous hiking trails and beautiful beaches for 2 years.

Touring Seoul is a lifetime rollercoaster of uncountable fun activities that you will never regret doing.

If you happen to go to calm Cheonan city, you will explore the ancient flare of old Korean life.

Without over emphasizing on the other cities where l visited, l can guarantee, you will find breathtaking views in almost every province. Take my dare to travel to at least 10 cities as I did, and you will admit that, your cloud storage will need extra space because of the amount of pictures you will take.

Was international travel easy?

The most rewarding part for me to study, and live in Korea was the ease to travel to 6 Asian countries.

Within my 5+ years there, l could apply for visas and visit Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. I know it would have been complex to apply from Cameroon, because there are no embassies here. To some extent, l think l was granted those visas because the governments know and trust Korea to have done a strict, reliable evaluation of my character.

Once again, that might be a stretch to the racism story against Africans for being poor and deceptive. Somehow l didn’t feel l was regarded that way because they could see my stable financial bank history from my scholarship allowance. 

Surprisingly, years after leaving Korea, l was still able to enter Singapore solely because l had lived in Korea. I  am sure there are more travel opportunities for me just because l made that decision years ago. This could be your story too if you choose to study in Korea and love travelling.

5. Safety in Korea

Everybody desires to live or visit a safe country, where they will not have to keep looking over their shoulders when walking. Undoubtedly, the crime rate in Korea is very low. Probably very few people (civilians) are allowed to own licensed arms. Seriously, it was uncommon to hear random shootings or deaths.

For all the years l lived there, l never had a police harassment situation. Obviously, my African-black face meant l wasn’t Korean, but l was never asked to identify myself on the street.

I could use my Alien Card to get jobs and travel anytime, anywhere without any worries.

 

The most relieving part is, there are CCTV cameras around the streets, in and around, buildings. In fact there were a few in classrooms, hallways except restrooms. The presence of these devices almost everywhere, and the speed with which I know the police could respond made me walk fear-free at all times.

I wasn’t a night clubber or a night owl, but I could return home at 12 midnight upon arrival from a trip with little or no fear that I could be raped, stabbed, aggressed or molested, because I was a solo black female.

This doesn’t mean there have never been issues against foreigners, but I know first hand the case file is a handful.

How do Koreans behave?

Koreans are generally respectful to others, and would rarely approach foreigners for careless reasons, thoughtless of commiting a crime which will damage their reputation and job stability.

Democracy and honesty is not just a constitution stipulation, but a practical lifestyle. I could see on several situations, both political and social where Koreans held their government accountable to uphold the law. Thus, respecting their law is more of a proud heritage duty as a nation that is mandatory, and not just optional.

Therefore, if you want to study in Korea, I can assure you that you will be safe at all times. As long as you don’t commit a crime, you might never have to talk to a police.

6. Korean culture

One way to respect other people is to know their culture.

To a large extent, l think people disrespect other people because they are not aware of their backgrounds, thus they cannot understand the reasons of their actions.

With the extreme growth of globalization nowadays, international jobs are fast increasing. Almost every country wants to do business with other countries, and the best  way is to have contact with a native. Therefore, if you study in Korea, you might become a contact person for the government or Korean businessmen/ women. 

Without exaggerating, Koreans are polite and warm people. Many will offer assistance if you ask, and will be willing to work with anyone who is open. I know and believe, learning their culture is an advantage to build long lasting relationships and possibly fruitful work opportunities.

I remember opening my mouth in shock for a few seconds when my Professor offered to take us- students out for lunch with his wife for free. He paid for the meal and interacted with us on personal levels. We could ask general and personal questions, and he advised us like a father.

This level of availability and openess towards students is unheard of in my country, yet it was common in Korea. I loved every outing, who wouldn’t?

Korean traditional outfit

One of the most amazing things about Korean culture was to wear their colorful traditional clothes (Hanbok). It is possible and typical to go to some photo studios around the street and take pictures. The clothes are free or could be rented for cheap amounts. 

Surprisingly on culture day, my language school took us to their culture decorated room, and granted us free access to their large wardrobe of clothes. We were able to combine our bright smiles with the clothes for hours while learning about the Koream people.

7. Eat delicious food

Some people travel just to try other foods. I am not a foodie but l can attest Koreans are extremely proud of their local spicies. I didn’t get to cook any Korean meal except for fried rice with eggs but l think you will never be hungry. 

The streets of Korean cities are littered with numerous restaurants. There are some with specific meals amd a lot with varieties. It will be unjust for me to describe all of them, or tell you what to eat but l am sure you will find something delicious to savor.

Though a picky eater, l could find something with chicken, rice or expensive beef at almost every corner of the road.

For the most part, l brought cooked dried food from Cameroon when l came for holidays, thus l cooked most times from my home. 

If you don’t want to try the fancy restaurants, there are many food courts at markets and malls. Markets have cheaper prices and varieties. I ate a few times there. Though it’s an open public place with noise and a lot choices, you will still have the vibe of Korean gastronomy.

Still on every neighborhood, there are more than one cafe. If you want the famous Starbucks or a typical Korean cozy place, you will be confused with the options. Koreans adore ice and hot coffee after meals, so if that’s also your favorite, you will enjoy having chats, drinking or working online from a cozy cafe.

I don’t work well while listening to classical or soft music as commonly played in Cafes neither do l like drinking coffee, but l went to some just to either eat delicious pastries (cakes) or to discuss with friends.

8. Learn a new language 

I bet you are wondering if Koreans speak English. l asked that question too. Unfortunately many of them don’t speak the English language. The government has made huge efforts to encourage the study of English, so the younger generation are prone to speak basic English. However, the older generation will not easily communicate.

Amazingly, all street signs are written in romanized English characters, so movement is easier around the country.

Their national language is Korean derived from Chinese. The Korean language is challenging to learn, at least it was for me.

Though many years down the road l don’t use Korean in Cameroon, l can attest that learning it aided to improve my analytical skills. It’s reported that learning another language helps the brain work well and faster to evaluate other aspects.

9. Religious freedom 

Without sounding too legal, Freedom of religion for all citizens and the separation of the state and religious organizations is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, article 20. (1) All citizens shall enjoy the freedom of religion. (2) No state religion shall be recognized, and religion and state shall be separated. I recall smiling from molar to molar when I was considering Korea solely for this reason. 

I had desired to go to a Christian law school for a long time, so this was the main condition when I was searching.

Furthermore, I remain grateful to God that I could attend one of the best Christian universities in Korea. Handong International law school was my favorite career decision.

Another amazing aspect was that, there were many churches around the country. As a Christian, I desired to continue fellowshipping with other Christians, share my faith and be free to pray at any time. I was happy to be a member of two great churches; Antioch International Ministry (AIM)  in Busan and Handong International Congregation (HIC).

I met amazing, God-fearing Pastors who treated me warmly. Some of my friends till date were people I met at churches. I miss the times of sharing the gospel and discussing.

The most rewarding part for me studying in Korea was that, I was able to sing at churches and at my university (Faculty) praise teams. I love gospel music unapologethically and was happy I could learn and harmonise with others.

10. Spread your culture when you study in Korea

Traveling to Korea was the best way I have had to speak about Cameroon. Many people didn’t and don’t know much about the diversity of Africa in general. Without sugarcoating, many people still think Africa is a country and not a continent.

Though traveling to study in Korea isn’t solely to discuss cultural differences, I was able to answer countless questions about my country.

I felt proud to represent Cameroon at conferences, class discussions and simply on random street conversations. Some people are just ignorant and not racist. The least we can do is to inform them in a polite way.

If you choose to travel, you will become an unpaid ambassador for your country, and promote equality around the world.

Global peace begins with knowledge, because where the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.

For more articles on what to do in Korea, check out this link.