Programme
International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) at Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
Q) What motivated you to participate in this programme?
A) The International Student Exchange Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly immerse myself in a completely different culture. I thought that there was no better way for me to broaden my world view and meet people from different countries and backgrounds than living and studying overseas for an extended period of time.
Q) Please describe your overall experience (2–3 sentences).
A) During my time studying at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, I was able to meet and interact with local students and professors, many of which provided meaningful insights to class discussions and added new perspectives to the way I think. Outside of the classroom, I was able to explore different cities within South Korea that I would never have known about or thought of going as a tourist. Living as a local in South Korea allowed me to truly immerse in their culture and I brought back valuable life lessons and unforgettable memories.
Q) In what ways did this experience add value to your SMU education and/or professional development?
A) During my time in Ewha, I had the chance to present in front of various groups of students and professors as part of the project component of my modules. Working with students of various backgrounds and presenting in front of them strengthened my communication skills and ability to adapt and grow in unfamiliar settings. During my free time, I observed the booming cafe and photobooth scene in Seoul, and my takeways in terms of business growth strategies and consumer culture proved to be useful in my career development as I was able to provide valuable insights during internships.
Q) Why Asia? What advice would you give to juniors or fellow students who are considering a similar experience?
A) I chose Asia simply because it was a good mix of a new environment with hints of familiarity. Singapore shares common traits in terms of culture and learning environment with the various Asian countries, making it easier to adapt and thrive in the academic environment.
I would say, keep an open mind and say yes to new experiences! Although Asia is relatively close by and you can always visit as a tourist, the experiences that you gain from actually living in a country is completely different and very valuable.
