Larissa Treu 

Why my semester abroad was an enriching experience:

My semester abroad in Seoul was an incredibly enriching experience because it combined academic learning with deep cultural immersion and personal exploration. Seoul is a fascinating and highly diverse city, made up of many different districts, each with its own character. From trendy cafés and vibrant shopping streets to historical sites and traditional neighborhoods, the city offers something new to discover every day. In addition, Seoul is an excellent starting point for traveling within South Korea, as well as to other Asian countries. Thanks to the well-connected train and express bus system, I was able to explore many other cities easily.

What made the experience especially enriching was observing and experiencing Korean social behavior. I found the many cultural contrasts particularly interesting, for example, Koreans often appear shy and reserved during the day, but become very open, social and outgoing in the evenings, especially when going out. These differences made me reflect on how strongly cultural norms shape everyday behavior and how differently people interact compared to Europe.

This is what I learned about myself abroad:

During my semester abroad, I learned to step outside my comfort zone and trust myself more. I became more independent, open and confident in unfamiliar situations. For example, I often attended events or KOPLE parties on my own at the beginning in order to meet new people, which helped me grow personally and socially. I also realized how adaptable I can be and how much I enjoy immersing myself in new cultures and environments.

This is how I got to know new people abroad:

I met people from all over the world, including students from Italy, Dnmark, Germany, France, China, Israel, Finland, Russia and many other countries. Many of these connections developed into real friendships, some of which I am still maintaining and plan to continue after the semester abroad. KOPLE events, university activities, shared housing and traveling together played a major role in forming these friendships. Traveling with friends to countries such as the Philippines, China and Japan further strengthened these bonds.

This is what I learnded about the culture in South Korea:

 South Korean culture is full of contrasts and unique traditions. I learned how important respect, politeness and community are in everyday life. Simple gestures such as bowing when saying thank you, sharing food or using both hands when handing over items are deeply embedded in the culture. At the same time, I noticed cultural habits that differ strongly from European norms, such as strict waste separation, different dining etiquette and very strong beauty standards. Traditional Hanok houses, often located between modern skyscrapers, fascinated me the most and showed how tradition and modernity coexist in Seoul.

These were the biggest challenges I had to overcome:

 One of the biggest challenges was adapting to a very different academic and cultural environment. While the university workload was manageable, I had to adjust to a more lecture-based teaching style and not underestimate the exams, which were often more demanding than expected. Administrative processes, such as the ARC (Alien Registration Card), were sometimes frustrating, especially regarding photo requirements. Language barriers also played a role in daily life, although people were generally very helpful and supportive.

Why I would do it again:

 I would do a semester abroad in Seoul again without hesitation. The 3.5 months passed far too quickly, and I never regretted any of my decisions. I grew personally, made unforgettable memories, and found a second home on the other side of the world. I am extremely grateful for this experience and would even stay longer if I had the chance.