Study Abroad in Korea : 5 Game Changers for International Students

Well hello there!!

I am currently in my last semester of my second year as an international student in Korea. I have learned valuable lessons in the past three semesters, which have attributed to my success as a student learning in a foreign language. 

Attending university is demanding. Attending university in a different country is difficult. Studying in a different language is taxing. Attending university in a different country and studying in that country's language almost seems like an impossible task. Especially if you are still pursuing proficiency in that language.

For this reason, I have had to develop strategies to enable me to reach my full potential in each of my classes. Prior to beginning my degree, I searched endlessly for tips and advices from predecessors in regards to this particular topic but to no avail.  If taken on board, these tips will truly be game changers for you as an international student, wherever you may be studying in the world!

5 Game Changers for International Students

1. Before the semester begins, send a short introductory email to all your professors. In the email, be sure to include the fact that your are an international student and your current level in the target language. You can include why you chose to leave your home country and study abroad. It is also a good idea to include your aspirations after graduation. Lastly, express your enthusiasm for the class, and the fact that although you are aware that the class may be very hard for you to follow, you will strive to do your best. This email should be very brief.

2. Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions throughout the semester! Whenever you are stuck or struggling with class content...ASK!! Gain the confidence to ask in class (believe me, I have had to push myself to do this whilst struggling through sentences). On those days when this confidence seems to run away from you, ask via email. Professors LOVE students who ask questions. Especially when international students ask questions. This shows that you are concentrating in class, you are interested in what is being taught and most importantly, you want to do well. 

3. Strive to complete each assignment as soon as they are set. Compared to my Korean peers, I take at least two to three times longer to complete assignments due to the language barrier. Therefore, getting a head start is always a good idea. Always give your best in every exam. Even if all your answers are riddled with grammatically incorrect sentences, your effort scores extremely high points with your professors. 

4. Challenge yourself in your classes. For example, agree to do a presentation. Of course, this will require A LOT of preparation, practise and confidence! Nonetheless, even if after putting in a lot of effort and work, you don't do as well as you wanted on the day, you will gain a lot of respect from the professor and students simply by the fact that you TRIED! This also scores points with your professor! < Believe me, I am a testament!

5. Always check the class syllabus at least 2-3 days before class. Try to read up on the content of the week's class ahead of time. Translate some of the difficult content into your own language, make notes (either in your own language, or your target language) to ensure you have a general understanding of the class. By doing this, you will be better prepared for the class, as well as armed with questions in advance that will help to clear any confusion you may have. 

Practise the above each semester and your studies will flourish!

I have shared my tips with you and now I am curious to know which additional tips you may have! Whether a domestic student or an international student, I would love to hear from you!

Speak Soon. X