Please introduce yourself (background, interests, your MBTI, and so on)
Hi. I'm Esra from Austria currently in my second semester majoring in International Relations at Sogang GSIS. I did my undergrad at the University of Vienna in Korean Studies, so for me it was natural and a long time wish to continue my academic education in Korea and do something related to Korea in the future. I am an ESFJ, so I really enjoy spending time with the people I love, but I also need time alone to recharge.
Can you tell us the reason why you chose to study at Sogang GSIS?
When I did my Working Holiday in Korea, I became friends with Sogang GSIS students and heard only good from them. Once I made up my mind to pursue my Master's degree in Korea, I did a lot of research on universities in Seoul and was convinced by the program and other extra-curricular activities at Sogang. Another big reason would be that Sogang GSIS has a smaller student body and family-like atmosphere, which in my opinion raises the quality of classes.
How do you usually spend your spare time in Korea?
Like mentioned earlier, I really enjoy spending time with family and friends and love exploring new places, restaurants and activities with them. During the semester, it can get really busy but it is still important to keep a balance, take care of the people you love and also do something for yourself. Seoul has endless options with things to do in your spare time, some of my favorites would just be exploring new neighborhoods or hiking. Hiking is really accessible and popular in South Korea and helps you get away from the busy city life.
Can you recommend your favorite place/spot in Seoul?
For exhibitions my favorite places would be the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) and Ground Seesaw in Seongsu. They both change their exhibitions routinely and I never got disappointed until now. One of my favorite areas would be Haebangchon in Itaewon, as most cafes have a nice view over Seoul and the Namsan tower (like the 남산아래). For some beginner hiking routes with a nice view over Seoul, I recommend Ansan and Inwangsan.
Any recommendations or know-how on life in Korea?´
I cannot stress this enough but learn the language, at least Hangeul the Korean alphabet and some basics. If you do your masters you will be here for 2 years at least and you will encounter numerous situations where people do not speak English. Also, I believe it is just manners to learn the language of the country you plan to live in. Once you settle, you might want to move out of the dorm, in that case it is really important to change your address at the community center (as you are required to report any change of address to the immigration center) and also get a 확정일자 (hwak-jeong-il-ja), which basically is additional proof that your lease contract is legit and you paid the deposit.
Can you share your most memorable experience at Sogang GSIS with us?
Every semester we do major dinners where we get together with all students and professors of our major and have a fun dinner together. It is a great opportunity to connect with other students, but also talk to professors one to one and build a closer relationship with them. As we never had anything like that in my undergrad it was quite memorable and exiting for me. The student council also organizes other events like picnics on Hangang and the end of the semester party. It is always very fun and gives you numerous chances to talk to GSIS students from all majors and semesters.
Do you have any advice for the prospective students at Sogang GSIS?
Really, make the most out of it! Go to all the events offered by the office and organized by the student council. Engage as much as you can and try to network and talk to a variety of people. Also participate in other campus activities outside of GSIS, like the club fair and the spring and fall festival. It is a great chance to also interact with Korean students and find friends for language and culture exchange.
Do you have anything to say to Sogang GSIS?
I did not regret my decision of applying for Sogang GSIS once and am very grateful for being here. Aside from providing a diverse curriculum and opportunities to grow, I also made great friends in the process. The diverse student body really made me become even more open-minded and sensitive to cultural differences and helped me understand and look at worldly matters through different lenses and perspectives.
