Finally, here come my very first post on my Sungkyunkwan Summer School experiences after being lazy for like almost 10 months. The most frequently asked question by my friends and my readers is:
WHY DID YOU JOIN SKKU INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL?
And the funny fact is they will always answer on my behalf, saying "Oh I know, for Kpop right?" LOL! Since everyone is so curious on the reasons behind, so I shall clarify here before I officially share my 30-days life in Korea.
First and foremost, you have to know that I really love travel. I have enormous passion on travelling. I guess my family does play an important role here. I traveled a lot with them since I was a child. I remember I was on trip with them starting from 1 year old (or younger?). Seriously no joke man! And I love to meet new friends and learn new cultures. I really don't know why but I really think that it a waste if I don't go and pick up some cultures from other ethnics. And yeah, I love the explore. I used to explore the world by reading many books. Always wanting to step out from this country and expose myself to some new environment and culture. I considered to join AIESEC Exchange program, but somehow I would prefer something that I can enrich my knowledge while exploring the world.
And last year, being at the age of 21 years old, I think it's the time for me to do something that is memorable and unforgettable. Involving myself in exchange program is always in my mind (for don't know how many years hahaha!!) Thus I searched for International Summer Program. In fact I was offered an opportunity to study in Australia for a year. No. I didn't go for it. Doing major courses of Chemical Engineering in a foreign country will be a burden for me. You have to know that courses of Chemical Engineering is seriously no joke. I don't wish to study crazily in a foreign country. That will not be enjoyable. Thus, International Summer School (ISS) will be just nice. 30 days. Short and sweet. So I started to search for suitable university which offers ISS.
There are so many universities in Korea, Japan and Hong Kong which offer ISS. I was in a dilemma between Japan and Korea. I had prepared myself for Japan since years ago. I learned Japanese. I remember that I swore that Japan will be the first foreign country that I would visit. (Of course Singapore is not considered as a "foreign country" LOL!) But sad to say, the tuition fee of ISS is freaking expensive. So, bye Japan. Next time maybe? After I work ok? Hahaha!
Now I was left with Korea as my only choice. Several universities in Korea offer ISS, including Sungkyunkwan, INHA, Korea University, Ehwa Women University, Dankook University, Hangkuk University, Ajou University, Chungnam National University and many more. I decided to go for universities located in Seoul. For your information, tuition fee of ISS for universities in Seoul is much more expensive than those univerisities located at outskirted area. The difference is like multiple times. If you are on a tight budget, you can go for universities in Busan, Daegu or Daejeon. Once again I want to emphasize that the tuition fee really differs by a large amount. So make a wise choice.
After carrying out very detailed survey on Seoul's universities, I chose SKKU among the rest because it is top-ranked in engineering field. Of course, I must go for the best. But the bad news is, the tuition fee of SKKU is the most expensive among the rest. Okay, since I decided to go, I'm willing to pay. Once in a lifetime, ok lah~
Back to the question: Why did I join SKKU ISS? A very simple answer from me: 就为了体验人生，看看这个世界，让自己开开眼界。 I'm sorry for my bad English, it might not be perfectly translated but what I wrote in Chinese is: to open my eyes and to explore the world. (Seriously I need to polish my English!!!! Arghhhhh!!!)
To those who are joining ISS this year, my advice to you is:
- Identify your objectives to join ISS
- Choose a suitable university according to your budget
That's all from me in my first post. Leave me a comment if you need further explanation or advice. :)
And please pardon my bad English. XD
And sorry for the short post. You know, I'm struggling in laboratory reports and assignments everyday.
Love,
Hi.
ReplyDeleteSungkyunkwan summer school sounds interesting.
May I know how did you apply for this summer school? :)
Hello~
ReplyDeleteI will write a post soon to share with all readers on how to apply for it, be patient ya~
:D
Hello. I am also thinking very seriously of applying to SKKU ISS this summer. Im from Brazil. I was looking for other people who would go and found ou blog, but got curious as to you statement saying that SKKU's tuition was the most expensive you foundo on Korea. It was the least expensive one I found, especially amongst the top universities (SKY fees are unbelievably high) :p. Anywy, I was looking to meet someone who was going since I know no one there. I found your post quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi kill707,
DeleteOh really? Maybe they increased their tuition fee? As far as I concern, SKKU ISS is the most expensive one last year. I can foresee that ISS in Korea will be becoming more and more expensive due to the Hallyu wave.
Thank you for reading my post, I know how you feel. When I was searching for someone who can share some experience in ISS I can find none.
I will write more on life during ISS, so stay tuned! :D
Hi kill707,
ReplyDeleteOh really? Maybe they increased their tuition fee? As far as I concern, SKKU ISS is the most expensive one last year. I can foresee that ISS in Korea will be becoming more and more expensive due to the Hallyu wave.
Thank you for reading my post, I know how you feel. When I was searching for someone who can share some experience in ISS, I didn't manage to find one.
I will write more on life during ISS, so stay tuned! :D