According to recent surveys, Seoul ranks 10th in terms of being one of the best student cities in the world. In particular, Seoul shines in terms of the number of international students, the desirability of recent graduates and employer activity on campus. Here, we're going to talk about life as a university student in Seoul or Korea, touching on the expenses of studying there and the possible ways to travel to Korea as a student.

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Nagwan Amer from Egypt
Photos = Salwa Elzeny



Korea.net Honorary Reporters Salwa Elzeny and Esraa Elzeny, both from Egypt, recently sat down to talk about their time in Korea.

- Please tell me how you travelled to Korea.
Well, we applied for a web programming exchange program for Egyptian students in Korea.

- How did you learn about this program, and what were the requirements?
We learned about it through the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt. The only requirements were that you were under 25-years-old. The applicant should be majoring in engineering or computer science, and the applicant should have some Korean ability, and they'd stay in Korea for nine months.

- What were your first impressions when you came to Korea?
It’s complicated. When you come here as a tourist, it's different than coming here as a student. We came to Korea first as tourists and it was such a wonderful feeling to visit this beautiful country, as it has great civilization and many outstanding natural sites. What attracted us the most was the combination of a traditional life and advanced technology, which is imperative when you first touch down in this land.

- what are the differences between education in Korea and in Egypt?
There's no doubt that education here is proceeding quite nicely, as they've integrated new technologies and devices into the educational process to make it easier for students. Also, the teaching methodologies are quite distinguished here. For example, self-learning is the key for success and all the students depend on themselves to search for information, unlike what we learn in Egypt. Additionally, teachers always support and encourage their students and celebrate their birthdays and share happy times together.

- What fields make Korea more special than other countries?
Korea is characterized by many specialties, especially engineering and architecture. Anyone can see that by looking at the building, roads and the infra-structure in Korea. Not only that, but also in terms of computers and electronics. The best evidence of this is LG and Samsung. Moreover, in terms of medicine, Korea is a popular destination for medical tourism in East Asia.

- Being Muslim in Korea, can you find halal food?
Yes, you can find it quite easily in Seoul. The neighborhood of Itaewon is a well-known spot where you can find many halal restaurants, but they're a little expensive. Also, you can buy halal products at the main big box retailer, E-mart. However, we recommend trying Korean food that's suitable for Muslims, like tteok-bokki rice cake in a spicy red sauce, and instant noodles.



- It's important for students to have some free time when they're studying. Based on your experience, what are some of the places you visited and liked the most?
The attractions in Korea are quite varied. However, in our opinion, Namsan Seoul tower and Gyeongbokgung Palace were both exceptional. If you are interested in shopping, you must go to the neighborhoods of Dongdaemun and Myeong-dong, too.

- What would you like to tell people who want to study in Korea?
If you want to study in Korea, you should know well that Korea respects its systems and it is a well-organized country. Thus, you have to be persistent and determinant to get the maximum benefit and apply it back in your home country.

The next interview will continue in this series' next article.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.