Hello! My name is Anna Bakken and I am currently studying abroad at Korea University. The campus is absolutely stunning in every single season. It is currently fall and the leaves are changing hue and covering all the walkways. It’s so surreal walking to class; in some areas it looks like it could be Hogwarts. The campus life is also very nice; the exchange students are all given a Korean student buddy and buddy group. This means that each week you are invited to eat out or do an activity with an actual Korean student at Korea University. This ensures there is always something to do, and it makes it much easier to integrate into campus life. I also suggest staying off campus at a “koshiwon” if you can as there are many near campus that have really good communities. I am in a “koshiwon” right across from the main gate of campus and have met some really cool people from all around the world. A “Koshiwon” is dorm style apartment and they are very popular in South Korea.
One of the major highlights of Korea University is the school spirit and the sports games. The major sports matches are at the beginning of the fall semester and are against Korea universities main rival Yonsei University. The games have this very unique tradition of long and memorized chants. Taking part in these games and experiencing the intense school spirit of Korean Universities was an experience I will not soon forget. I highly recommend going to these games if you study abroad in Korea.
Another thing I have done a lot recently is hiking. There are a lot mountains in Korea known for beautiful hikes especially during the fall when the leaves change. Bukhansan, a mountain and national park, is very close to Korea University and definitely worth a hike. Even beginners can make it to the small temple halfway to the peak.
The temple and gate are very picturesque and there is even a place to refill your water with fresh spring water. In terms of studies, I have found the business courses at Korea University to be engaging if you find a topic and professor you enjoy. I recommend going to courses even before add drop period, because the add drop is much shorter than at GWU so it can be difficult to decide if a class it worth taking. I am having a wonderful time in Korea and at Korea university! If you have any questions about the program I am happy to help in anyway!
Anna Bakken
Fall 2023
GW Exchange - Korea University
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs and Marketing Major
The Global Bachelor's Program