Things nobody tells you about studying abroad in Korea 😳📚✏️🤯

Hello everybody!
This video is about my studying abroad in Korea experience as an exchange student. It turned out to be a slight rant … and I know how spoiled I sound 80% of the time 😅🙄
I hope you enjoy the video anyway ^^ This time there is no aesthetic b-roll, because we have a third wave here, so you can also just podcast-style listen to the video!
Let's connect on Instagram!
/ victoriaillustration
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#studyabroad #exchangestudent #southkorea

[@micaelameanders]

I think it’s important to talk about both positive and negative experience of life wherever you are. I appreciate this honest and transparent take on your experience. I did my B.S. through “adult” learning which meant night classes and weekend classes so I’ve never experienced a dorm life until I attended a program in Korea. Wugh, I quickly realized dorm life was not my thing so I applaud you for managing for so long. That relative grading system...holy shit. That’s very competitive. Wishing you well and can’t wait to see you again 🤍

[@Victoria_Lee]

Looking back I have no idea how I endured the dorm life for so long 😅 But there was also not really another option, because who wants to rent an apartment to a foreign student for 6 months? See you again very soon

[@mini9503]

Can confirm, these mirror my experience as a former Korea University student in SK, and I AM a Korean guy who I guess you can say was "whitewashed" before moving back to Korea. I found out quickly that Korean people just cannot stand you if you resemble them in appearance but don't sound like them, act like them and just think differently. It's also worth mentioning that if you aren't "White and Slim" (body type), the experience in general, will turn out to be a stark contrast and a lot more negative than what you portrayed in the video here. You did a great job and thank you for being refreshingly honest! 😄 This is one of the best videos I've watched on the subject.

[@meiken6353]

Thank you so much for the honest review! I’ll be studying abroad in Korea the upcoming semester and it makes me feel much more prepared. Most studying abroad in Korea reviews are very positive and feel a little sugarcoated. Although I truly believe they are having a great time in Korea, highlighting some more negative experiences feels refreshing. It helps me to better understand what I might be facing, especially since it’s a very new experience to me. So thank you so so much for taking about negative but also positive experiences! 💛

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hey Meike! Thanks a lot for your comment! I know what you mean, I also watched those videos before coming here and once I arrived in Korea I was ... surprised ^^; You can have a great time, but still be surprised haha. Hope you're having a lot of fun during your exchange! :))

[@stantarasylvia]

I loved this video so much because you were brutally honest and as someone who is planning to study in Seoul, watching honest feedback really helps. For example, after watching this video, I don't believe staying in a dorm will be for me so might check out other accommodation. Many thanks Victoria. Happy to hear that despite the downs, you still enjoyed your overall experience !

[@TheLaughingLion]

Wow this is the ultimate guide for new exchange students. All from real life experience. Well done, you've come a long way....like#28 😍👍

[@domislrk]

I thought I know a lot about what to expect... i am studying korean at university and heard many stories from my classmates (i am just preparing to go to korea myself in the spring semester), but i am so glad i watched this. i still learned so much and I love your opinions and how nicely this video was made. I will definitely keep coming back. ^^

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Dominika! Thanks a lot! Spring semester, that means you'll come very soon, right for the cherry blossom season, that's amazing!!! 🌸 I hope your dorm will be a bit more chill than mine ;) Hope your preparations are going well and wish you all the best for your time here! :))

[@adamboehm]

wow, the dorm experience sounds... not too fun haha. Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on 1K subscribers btw! I'm not surprised at all. Keep on moving forward and sharing useful tips and stories :D

[@emiliiajayne]

This video was so good and informative! It's good that you didn't gloss over the events that may not have been the best and kept things real, as you said it wouldn't help anyone otherwise :) I'm looking at studying abroad in Japan but this video was still very insightful and interesting hearing an experience of studying abroad :D definitely subscribing!

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Emilia! Thanks a lot, I hope you‘ll enjoy some future videos here ^^ So maybe you’re going to study in Japan? That’s amazing! I love traveling to Japan, it has such an interesting culture and also good food hehe! The Korean school system was very influenced by Japan during the occupation period and I also heard from other people who studied there that its very similar to Korea! But you know, even if dorm life and the educating system are not the greatest, it’s still a part of the experience!! And there is so much more to an exchange than school, right?! 😉

[@KimchiAndBeansVideos]

That intro was quite funny. Love your honesty. So cool to know what brought you to Korea. That's crazy that nobody would speak English in a foreigners dormitory :-( That experience sounds rough. The buddy system sounds so sketchy too. I can see it being hard for foreigners being such a homogeneous society. It's great that you're not sugar coating it because so many will appreciate this. We want to move to Korea ourselves and know it won't be all what people say it is. But with the negative comes the positives.

[@bycaeli]

Love your sincerity Victoria and the topic 😙👌! (btw I'm Celia, changed the icon and name) I studied design at uni and always had this "dream" of an exchange experience in Korea but now I'm glad I sat down and reconsidered it, education in Spain and Europe in general seems to be better. The idealized image I had of Korea a couple years ago was sickly 😅 Glad those days passed by Victoria, I can sense how stressful and helpless you felt, and no you don't sound spoiled is just common sense. I really want to see more "reality check" videos from you, is refreshing 🍃 Anyways Happy upcoming Holidays!! 🎄🎇

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Celia! Thanks for the heads-up ;D I was really worried before uploading this video, some people get rubbed the wrong way when someone says something "not perfect" about Korea ^^; Yeah, I totally get that, I also had that dream and loved everyyyything about Korea when I first came here, but that honeymoon phase was over after a while and you start to see things more realistically. I agree, the education in Europe is better, at least when it comes to design. I heard that they're very good in robotics and IT, though ;D It was really stressful, I was crying so often while doing homework 😭 Thanks for your feedback and happy upcoming holidays to you, too! 🎄

[@wintarose4810]

Omg that dorm situation sounds insane, but I went to a private uni and it was similar to that lol I also didn’t know you spent time in Germany! So cool!! I’m glad you are educating people and being open :)

[@ellgimogi_internationalcouple]

I have a ton of crazy experiences from my university in korea too and omg ... the dorms.. no comments.. i know the feeling

[@Victoria_Lee]

please make a story time video about it once you’re done with uni ;))

[@theteamwork]

An important factor for most international students while choosing a study abroad program is the safety and security of the country and the city in particular.

[@Victoria_Lee]

Korea is quite safe in that regard, at least as far as I can tell in comparison to Germany. Thanks for watching! :))

[@alexwyler4570]

Ivy schools in the USA and Canadian universities used to grade to the bell curve. some might still do.

[@Victoria_Lee]

Really? I never even heard about that concept before coming to Korea 😅 I get that it could prevent grade inflation, but other than that I don’t see any „advantages“ 🤔 it created a very toxic and competitive studying environment.

[@ditacarta]

Love your video♡

[@turner4331]

I kinda understand the language class problem. I studied abroad in Tokyo and took a Japanese language course from the beginning. The class made us memorize a complete lesson of grammar for each class we went too then we took a quiz every class. Then they had a memorize grammar from a different chapter in the book. It was really hectic. My teachers could speak English but during lessons, they never spoke to us in English. When I had a question I would ask in English but then they would give me the answer in Japanese??? It was a beginner's class so I didn't know why they did this. Then you cannot speak English with your classmates but you can speak any language other than English. I can say I passed 😅 Your video was really insightful. I liked how you talked about both sides. I think it is better, to be honest with the reality of study abroad. Many people think it is going to be good throughout the whole experience. Sometimes having that heads up doesn't make you feel blindsided later on. It was interesting to hear about your experience. I do agree thought that you learn a lot and experience so much more that it makes it completely worth it. :D

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hello again! That sounds very familiar. 😅 Good thing you passed! ;)) I heard that during the Japanese occupation period the Japanese imposed their education style on Korea and somehow to this day it is still around. We also had a "no-English-rule" which resulted in everyone talking Chinese and as the only non-Chinese-speaking student I was like ?_? 何?! 🙈 Btw I actually always wanted to study abroad in Japan, but none of my universities had a Japanese partner university, so it didn't work out (ok tbh I also wasn't ready to go abroad back then). I agree, sometimes I notice that with Korea and also Japan people tend to glorify the countries so much, that you can't say anything "bad" about it. And then those people come to Korea and get very bitter when they realize that it's not K-drama wonderland, just another country with their good and bad sides. Anyways, thanks a lot for your comment and sharing your experience, too!! ^^

[@MarieAdelyn]

Your vlogs are always interesting. Congrats for the 1k+ subscribers!!! I felt so happy when I saw it 🥰

[@Victoria_Lee]

Thanks a lot for noticing!! And also for watching and your nice comment ^^ Glad you liked it!

[@MarieAdelyn]

@@Victoria_Lee Yes I'm very interested about Korea coz I love watching Kdramas and Running Man!! Haha. Love your channel ❤

[@picnicjournal]

Your dorm sounded like the military! I can’t believe it (I can actually). Congratulations on 1K! OMG! This video was so calming before bed even though you were reliving your nightmares. Also, side note: where did you buy your bookshelves? I love them! And OMG my husband was a “buddy”. He wasn’t my buddy, but we met while doing “buddy” activities ahaha! And now he’s my forever buddy!

[@captainevan6645]

You've gone through a lot and are doing so well ! 👍

[@vanessalei6079]

Ahhh was it yonsei?? I hope not bc I'm planning to go there😭 I loved loved your video!! It taught me so much since I'm studying abroad in the spring. Thank you so much for being very open about your experience

[@IanPaulSaligumba]

Wow! Such an honest and real talk 😮👌 I wonder if I can pursue my PhD in Korea 🤔 I will continue studying the Korean Language

[@stillfangirlingtoday1468]

This was all very informative, thank you! Though about the dorms, I couldn't really see a problem, aside from having to buy stuff and the lack of common sense about hiring english speaking staff for the international dorm. The curfews are necessary, not only to ensure your own safety but for others. Also if you arrive late, then you're making unwanted noise in the hallway or waking up your roomie. And if everybody decided they won't do their cleaning duties or do it badly, then everybody will live in a disgusting area. Maybe you really didn't adjust your expectations about that... But yeah, living in your own apartment is WAY better! And that buddy system... Oof! Talk about disappointing! I hope it's not Ewha University... lol

[@lancaricovas]

But you are right.. you need to show the people how much you are suffeting.. but at least at schoop they send you home, but at work.. not really lol.. my husband goes to work even with fever🤦‍♀️ or after hangover.. it doesnt matter that you dont do literally anything there, but you just need to BE there.. But when it comes to studying abroad, its the BEST thing ever. Every student should do it. No matter which country, its the greatest experience:)

[@Victoria_Lee]

I knooow, the working environment here is just scary. Seungeon had to use his vacation days after he got food poisoning at an obligatory company dinner. His entire team got sick. That's just ridiculous, the company should compensate their employees for that and not steal their vacation days, ahhhh it makes me so angry 😭😭😭 Agree 100% on studying abroad!! :))

[@lancaricovas]

@@Victoria_Lee omg really? Thats ridiculous! Thats not his mistake.. why do they make him to spend his vacation days? Thats so bad.. when did this happen? I hope he feels better now

[@Hyemina]

When I was at uni in Korea, I really didn't like when I had to give money for buying random stuffs that didn't really contribute to subjects or community activities that I didn't want to join too. 😂

[@Victoria_Lee]

Oh nooo, you had to buy those random things, too? I wonder who came up with that idea and why they're doing it?! 😅 You had to join community activities? I'm sorry to hear that D: We didn't have those, the closest thing we had were "dorm parties", but I didn't attend a single one of them ...

[@wilsonokoth1798]

In 2016 I was locked out of our dormitory. I slept at a sauna. Your experience is the same as mine

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hey Wilson! Oh nooo, that's exactly what also happened to a friend 😭

[@Fanpire001]

Oh man, da bin ich froh nicht ins Dormitory gegangen zu sein :D Aber bin trotzdem mal gespannt wie es wird, danke für das Video! :)

[@Isa_Cordelia]

Thanks for sharing the other side of the coin! :> This was very very insightful :) Is it possible to share when you went for the exchange programme? Just wondering whether things might have improved since then with more batches of international students!

[@worldwideawesome5874]

Oh my gosh the dorm sounds horrible! What was it called?

[@_darcy4027]

i just got accepted to kyunghee seoul campus and now im afraid that this is about it :0 im not going to stay in dorms though

[@Victoria_Lee]

Don’t worry, it’s not ^^ Congratulations and all the best for your exchange!! :))

[@alexwyler4570]

KZbinr "Unjaded Jade" commented on the difference between Berlin's very individualistic mindset vs Seoul's which is very community-oriented. It sounds like quite a culture shock. Thank You for sharing.

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Alex! Yes, the mindsets and basically the entire way of thinking as a society are very different. Also the passive communication and social hierarchy here. As a German it took me a while to understand that „maybe“ most of the time means no 😅

[@lourdesr.a3878]

Hi! I’ve just discovered your channel and I’m loving it! Love the aesthetic 😍 The university you attended was Seoultech?

[@helloareyouthere]

She is a good university student.

[@Victoria_Lee]

I'm not so sure, but I tried to be a good university student haha.

[@DixonVarghese]

Good Video.. Thanks for sharing your Study experience here! Have a Good Day :)) God bless you!

[@pawelsolak8302]

du erzählst immer sehr interessant und authentisch!

[@Victoria_Lee]

Dankeschön! Hoffentlich ist es diesmal nicht zu wehleidig und nörgelig ^^;

[@pawelsolak8302]

@@Victoria_Lee nein nein überhaupt nicht

[@Victoria_Lee]

@@pawelsolak8302 na dann bin ich beruhigt hahaha ^^

[@AprikosenKlang]

Ehrlich gesagt sind meine Erfahrungen mit Japan sehr ähnlich gewesen. Ich wusste auch suuuuper wenig im Vergleich zu manch anderen. Aber dadurch hatte ich auch wenig Erwartungen oder Vorstellungen wie es werden könnte/sollte. Ich hab das immer als Vorteil gesehen. Oha dein Wohnheim klingt echt nicht so cool 😳 Bei uns gab es auch super strenge Regeln. Wir durften Besuch nur in der Lobby haben. Nicht mal in den Gemeinschaftsküchen. Und unsere „Wohnheimmutti“ wa super nett, aber Englisch war ihr auch fremd . Aber so krass wie bei dir mit den Bestraffungspunkten etc. war es dann doch nicht. Das hätte mich auch sehr gestresst. Tut mir voll leid, dass du auch mit dem Sprachkurs nicht so Glück hattest 🙈 Das mit den „Buddies“ klingt auch uncool. Aber bevor ich jetzt zu jedem Thema was schreibe: ich finds überraschend wie ähnlich Japan und Korea oder vielleicht auch einfach unsere beiden Erfahrungen dann doch zu sein scheinen 👀 Das Relative Grading System hört sich ja echt höllisch an 😳

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Anne :)) Ja das stimmt, je weniger man weiß, desto mehr gibt es zu entdecken ;) Ich hatte zwar einige Geschichten von vorherigen Austauschstudenten gehört, aber ehrlich gesagt dachte ich, dass die totaaal dramatisieren würden 😅 Ich habe gehört, dass Japan das Bildungssystem hier sehr stark beeinflusst hat während Korea unter japanischer Okkupation war und anscheinend hat sich danach nicht so viel verändert. So kamen auch die Schuluniformen nach Korea, die wir bis heute hier haben. Danke für deinen lieben Kommentar! Freue mich schon auf dein nächstes Video :))

[@nalaa9618]

Omg Girl...Ich wollte nach meinem 1sten Urlaub in 2019, 2020 nach Busan ziehen haha aber wegen Corona..naja du weißt ja. Jetzt gehe ich im Herbst 2022 nach Yonsei und werde in nem Guesthouse arbeiten, um danach als Translator in die Entertainmentindustrie zu gehen. Super Video. 당시는 한국에서 살고 있으면 우린 만나기 마련이에요 ㅎㅎ ♡.

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Victoria! Gleicher Name Hight Five! 🙌🙌🙌 haha. Ähh ja, Corona hat uns allen einen fetten Strich durch die Rechnung gemacht 😅🥲 Ui wie cool! Bis Herbst '22 hat sich die Lage hier doch wohl hoffentlich beruhigt. Vielleicht ist das alles Glück im Unglück, denn ehrlich gesagt bin ich ein größerer Fan von Seoul, als von Busan ;) (Ok, zugegeben: ich war erst einmal dort und viele Ausländer, die hier leben, bevorzugen Busan). 한국에 오시면 함 봅시다ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ :D

[@jacquelinemendoza7948]

I will be going to Soongsil University for a semester next February but I can’t find any information about the dorms and curfew 😭

[@lancaricovas]

Omg listening to your dormitory story it seems like youve attended school in North Korea😂

[@wintarose4810]

😂😂😂 exactly my thoughts haha

[@Victoria_Lee]

I wonder how dorm life is like over there ...

[@dreamzspark]

this was super interesting and insightful! i'm also from germany and planning to do an exchange this fall semester,,,i'm probably going to be in a dorm so i'm a bit worried,,, my uni also has a penalty system and curfew if i'm not mistaken :( honestly very interested in which uni u went to hahaha is there any way u could tell me privately ?

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi! Thanks a lot! Yeah dorms are not the coolest option, but they are also quite convenient, close to the campus, you don’t have to worry about internet, key money and you can easily make friends there ^^ Sure, you can just send me a message on Instagram! Have a nice day :))

[@dilo7911]

hey duuuu danke wirklich für dieses Video :) schade, dass du solche Erfahrungen teilweise erleben musstest. Richtige Horror Stories mit dabei auf jeden Fall ufff.... vor allem das mit dem Studentenwohnheim, manches wusste ich schon wie das mit dem curfew aber so das andere ne.... Ich wurde von meiner Uni an der Ewha Uni nominiert und werde mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit im September 2021 ein study abroad machen. Ich freue mich schon echt doll aber frage mich die ganze Zeit, ob ich in ein Dorm gehen oder lieber goshiwon oder doch ein air bnb nehmen sollte... Es gibt echt so viel zu beachten aber werde versuchen positiv zu bleiben :) das mit den buddys finde ich zum Teil gut aber auch irgendwie schade, dass sie es dann nur wegen dem Geld machen und man dann gar keinen mehr Kontakt hat oder dann auch noch vor dem Office lügen, finde ich wieder sehr heftig..... argh natürlich nicht alle aber schon bedenklich. Man möchte ja auch nicht ausgenutzt werden bzw. man zieht ja auch Nutzen selbst irgendwie.. Ich werde an der Ewha zum Teil Deutsch studieren und bin mir dann sicher, dass viele von mir Hilfe erhoffen werden vllt auch nicht haha sehe nicht typisch Deutsch aus haha bin in Deutschland geborene Deutsche mit Migrationshintergrund(Türkin)- wird auch bestimmt lustig das zu erklären. Ich bin auch noch in Berlin aufgewachsen und bin an Multi Kult gewohnt haha

[@Victoria_Lee]

Huhu! Erstmal herzlichen Glückwunsch! An der Ehwa hat eine gute Freundin von mir studiert und war sehr begeistert! Hmm über Goshiwons habe ich so das ein oder andere gehört, da kann man Glück oder Pech haben. Airbnb klingt da nach der besten Option, ist aber wahrscheinlich auch am teuersten. Wohnheim ist natürlich nicht so dolle, aber die community dort ist ein Vorteil, man kann andere Studenten dort besser kennenlernen und man bekommt generell mehr mit ;) (das hat mir immer geholfen, da ich leicht verpeilt bin lol) Ja, Deutsch ist eine sehr beliebte Fremdsprache hier, die Koreaner vergleichen Deutschland oft mit Korea, da Deutschland auch lange geteilt war. ^^ Kann gut sein, dass deine Uni ein anderes buddy system hat, manche haben sich auch richtig gut mit deren buddies verstanden! Äh jaa Multikulti beschränkt sich hier aufs Essen 😂😂😂

[@lau7728]

Hi ! Does your university was KNU ? Because I go here next year for a semester 🥺 Nice video by the way 😍

[@kd-oz7vd]

I prefer no to study any more any where

[@leonieveraesh]

Bezgl sprachkurs: ich mache gerade einen and der volkshochschule und da wird man auch zugeballert.. ich glaub das ist einfach koreanische teaching method? Und mit welchem buch hast du den gelernt?

[@IkramSmati-fb7ov]

Tell me it's not inha please because I already got accepted

[@Victoria_Lee]

Don't worry, it's not! Have fun during your exchange ;))

[@dreame3778]

If an international student apply robotics Engineering in seoul national University do they have to give an exam....???

[@brigittetopaz]

what school did you go to if you don't mind me asking? trying to avoid a dorm experience like that one because wow it sounds like hell

[@alexwyler4570]

what kind of drawing did you have to copy?

[@Victoria_Lee]

it was a drawing of a body with „ideal“ fashion design proportions, a body that was sectioned in 8 heads.

[@sarakocevar6919]

Hi I am actually so happy that i just watched your video cause I am always treying to see Korea in different lights and cause I am from Europe too I was really happy to hear yours story however I still think i should ask you what is yours oppinion on my point of view. So basically I still have 4 years before I want to go to Korean university and just for info right now I am in 4 years high school for robotics so that is even more why I want to study there but honestly I am scared of such a decision even tho i would try to study in Korea with a scholarship and I am curently studying Korean I still think such a decision is very big and i dont know how to say but I just don't see myself studying in my country univerity and the fact that everyone are saying on the internet that Korea is not beautiful and that is bad to live there i just really wanted to ask you what do you think cause i still can't decide so Thank you for your video and I hope you could answer have GREAT Day and thank u.

[@fernanda5840]

I understand ur fear cause I have felt the same way, but you need to keep in mind everyone has different experiences! Yes, there are a lot of people who say Korea is not what they expected, but there are a lot of people who love living there too (and u can see that if you watch different youtubers). Not everything is black or white, of course not everything will be perfect because every country has its flaws, but it won't be all horrible either so don't worry! Also, when it comes to university, it depends on the university you go to. If you go to the more foreigner friendly universities you're probably going to have a lot of fun!

[@sarakocevar6919]

@@fernanda5840 thank u so much right now you really made my day so thank u I really need to hear that cause sometimes I just doubt about my dreams I want to achieve so thank u that really helped

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Sara! Firstly, thanks a lot for watching my video and sharing your story! ^^ I think I understand your worries, because I was also quite scared to take the step. It's hard to imagine yourself living in a foreign country. It's hard to imagine simple because you haven't experienced it yet, so how can you imagine something that you don't know? I also didn't feel ready at all when I came here, there were so many things that I wanted to have prepared before coming here, like learning Korean, learning about the customs here etc. But you grow with the challenge! A close friend gave me a very good advice: he told me to think about the worst case scenario and a solution to the problem. I realized that even if I hate it in Korea and struggle big time I can always book a flight and be back home in Germany in 48 hrs. Once I arrived here everything was so exciting and fun that I extended my planned 6 months to a year quite quickly, because I felt that there's still so much to explore and to experience here! You will also meet other exchange students that are in the same situation like you and you're not "going through this" alone. Korea is also a very modern country, so even if something happens, you are in a country with a very high medical standard. It's also very safe here as a woman (hello CCTV everywhere lol), at least when I think about my experience at clubs/bars, being catcalled and those kind of things in Germany. From my point of view Korea is a very beautiful country, thats why I'm still here, 5 years later and I don't want to leave anytime soon! If you have more questions you can also text me on Instagram, here on YT I don't always get notifications from new comments T_T. Hopefully this helped a bit ^^ Have a nice day :))

[@Victoria_Lee]

100% agree to what Fernanda said!! A close friend of mine always says that her exchange at Yonsei was the best time of her life ^^ My intention of this video wasn't to convey how "awful" it is here, but rather to mention a few things that you usually don't hear, because often people glorify Korea and I think it's good to see both sides. If your dream is to study in Korea and experience the country then all I can do is to encourage you to do so! ^^ And as already mentioned, you can always go back if you don't like it. Also out of all the exchange students that I studied with only one was looking forward to go back home and tbh she was a very bitter person in general. 😅

[@sarakocevar6919]

@@Victoria_Lee omg thank you so much right now I just feel so happy that I got such a positive message from you I really loved that you told your real experiences that aren’t only good but bad too cause I really appreciate that you gave me your real opinion and experience and now I am just literally crying cause I am so happy that both of you supported me so much and I am really thankful and if I will need anything to ask I will so thank u both and I will really try to achieve my dreams and always remember yours support and messages that made me want to go to Korea and achieve my goals and drama thank you so much 🤗❤️

[@TKmoon]

It'd be cool to hear some of your stories from when you were in Germany. That dormitory sounds horrible😱

[@Victoria_Lee]

Thanks for the feedback ^^ Hmm I don't really know what kind of stories about Germany I should share? Everything there is just "normal" for me if that makes sense? But maybe I could do some comparison video or something like that ^^

[@renatam8275]

Omg was it Kookmin University? Because I’m applying for fall semester 😱😱

[@Victoria_Lee]

It wasn’t! Good luck with your application :))

[@janinakosteletzky9635]

What kind of accommodation would you recommend if dorms are that strict?

[@Victoria_Lee]

For the beginning I'd still recommend staying at a dorm, just because it's very easy and you don't have to organize extra stuff before coming to Korea. Its also nice for making friends. After that I'd recommend checking out either airbnb for a shorter stay or going to a real estate office if you're planning on staying longer!

[@NoriFoodTrip]

Oh Korea has Sauna open all night! Japan too!

[@Victoria_Lee]

Really? A place like onsen? I'd love to visit one one day. Hope to go to Japan again once the pandemic is over T_T

[@ncdmusicinspires]

Did you attend hongik university???

[@Victoria_Lee]

I wish I did! I heard they have a good art/design department, but I found out about then looong after coming to Korea 🙈

[@100pomme]

I am Ahmed from Algeria. I am 50 years old. I have a master's degree in administration. Budget. I would like to complete a PhD study in Japan. What universities would you recommend to me in order to have the lowest cost?

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hello Ahmed! I only studied in Korea, not in Japan, so unfortunately I can't recommend you any Japanese university. I'm very sorry 😥 I hope you'll find some information about that!

[@100pomme]

I am Ahmed from Algeria. I am 50 years old. I have a master's degree in administration. Budget. I would like to complete a PhD study in Jkoreen . What universities would you recommend to me in order to have the lowest cost? 2 How To Korea @@Victoria_Lee

[@indy7774]

was it sejong university? i’m studying there next year 🥺🥺

[@adrianudensijnr]

Can I add u up on FB or IG? Or have your contact? I would be studying in Korea... Once visited your country India

[@belma125]

Hey! kurze Frage: bist du vielleicht mit dem ERASMUS+ Programm gegangen? lebe in Wien und würd gern nach Seoul gehen, um ein Auslandssemester zu machen. und eine mögliche Universität wäre die Konkuk Uni bitte sag mir nicht, dass es die is 😅

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi! Den Austausch habe ich damals selber organisiert. Die Uni war ehemals eine Partner-Uni meiner Uni in Deutschland, allerdings hat meine deutsche Uni die Kooperation abgebrochen, der koreanischen Uni aber nichts mitgeteilt. 😅 Daher konnten keine Studenten aus Korea kommen, ich konnte aber nach Korea gehen. (Jahhh ich war auch verwirrt haha). Es war nicht die Konkuk Uni! Die Konkuk Uni hat btw eine sehr coole Umgebung mit vielen netten Cafes etc, würde bestimmt Spaß machen dort zu studieren ^^

[@belma125]

@@Victoria_Lee Vielen Dank! Bin gespannt auf den ganzen Prozess😅😊

[@Victoria_Lee]

Viel Erfolg für deine Bewerbung! Hoffe, dass alles klappen wird ^^

[@geoid7411]

광고까지 붙었다! 축하합니다.

[@carolinavalencia8465]

ohh no, this is a bit worrisome, but its very good to know. I was wondering, was your school Namseoul Uni?

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hello Carolina! Thanks for watching my video and no, it wasn’t Namseoul Uni ^^ Are you planning on applying there?!

[@carolinavalencia8465]

@@Victoria_Lee Hi! Thank you for replying. I'm not planning on applying there, but the school I'm looking into says their study abroad program is in relation to Namseoul Uni.

[@misssingmoments]

Please don't tell me it was 이화여대 :/

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hello! Don’t worry, it wasn’t!! ;)

[@SootheTheSoulMusic]

**WOW love it and you have put so much effort that it shows in you channel. A MASSIVE thumbs up from me👍I always look forward to coming back to see you again to see more Phenomenal uploads. .Take care and have a AWSOME day and a BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS**This gift 🎁is from me to you** 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄…….

[@designerinnn]

pamietem jak tam dotarlas i napisalas mi, ze nie masz kolderki :o zima bez kolderki :o

[@blackswan2625]

das hört sich an wie die kyung hee university 🙂

[@Victoria_Lee]

😅😅 Studierst/Hast Du dort studiert?! Es war zwar nicht die Kyunghee, aber meine Erfahrungen scheinen keine Ausnahme zu sein 😳

[@sevilush]

Can i ask how much money do u need to save for learning the language in the uni? And the dorms and living expenses? I'm curious to know if its worth the experience

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi ^^ I went there as an exchange student, so in my case I didn't have to pay the Korean university fee (the uni was a partner uni of my uni in Germany) and the dorm was around 230€/month. The living expenses really depend on your lifestyle. You can eat kimbap and cook for yourself or eat out, go clubbing and shop a lot. In comparison to Germany eating out and public transportation is quite cheap, especially if you go to Korean places, but foreign food tends to be more expensive. A good coffee is around 3-4€. Hope that was somewhat helpful!

[@sevilush]

@@Victoria_Lee thanks for the reply...i visited korea in 2017 for a month so i know the prices of food and stuff like that...I'm just interested in general like how much money is it wise to save beforehand...not as a tourist as a local that cooks & order food... cause when u are there as a tourist u spend way more then normal...

[@Victoria_Lee]

Ah okay, in that case I'll just tell you how much I was spending. It was around 600€/month for food, entertainment, phone contract, public transportation and shopping (basically everything except the dorm). Back then I thought I'll only stay in Korea for a year, so I was eating out a lot, buying souvenirs, going to many exhibitions, cafes, parties and had a very "YOLO" kind of mindset. ^^; Now, during the pandemic, I'm spending way waaaaay less of course. ^^

[@sevilush]

@@Victoria_Lee thank you so much for the information!!! I did the same mistake on my first trip i bought a whole suitcase of gifts and i spent so much ... that the next time i want to go there to learn the language better or even as a tourist but not to spend so much ...you helped me ❤

[@Victoria_Lee]

I'm glad to hear that! :)) Let me know if you have any other questions in the future ^^

[@maria-zm1ul]

Omg is it Korea university ?? 😭😭😭😭😭

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hi Sarah! No, no, it wasn’t! ^^

[@maria-zm1ul]

@@Victoria_Lee omg that is such a relief :'). I'm going there this fall you see. I really appreciate you doing this video, it's so much better than only talking about the positive things Thanks for sharing^^

[@Victoria_Lee]

That’s great! Korea university is also one of the top 3 unis in Korea, so they should be better at dealing with exchange students 😅 Thanks for saying that! Even though dorm life was super annoying, I still met many awesome people there and it was exciting to be in Korea! All the best for your exchange! :))

[@heidimarie145]

what university was this??? Please tell me it wasn't Korea University

[@fernanda5840]

it's not ku, i know which university she went to and it's not ku so don't worry!

[@Victoria_Lee]

Hahaha no, it wasn't! Korea University is one of the top 3 in Korea and supposedly very good!! ;)) A good university to go to if you have the chance!

[@albaskidmore8107]

@@Victoria_Lee please could you tell me if it was hanyang or korea advanced institute? im currently applying

[@Victoria_Lee]

Don’t worry, it wasn’t! Good luck with applying!! ;)

[@lucciaofeloah0296]

I want to apply for Yonsei University's KLI program and I really hope it wasn't the one you had bad experiences with🤔 By the way: Thanks for this nice insight into student's life in Korea as a foreigner🤗 God bless you🙏🏾

[@Naruto-bp6hm]

You guys don't have midterms in Europe? Wow even we have them here in Canada/US. The relative grading system though... holy shit that's dumb and pointless. I mean here we have the bell curve but its more to help students who didn't score well at least. But that grading system is a straight up BS. I don't know what kind of drugs the person was taking to come up with that system was on but they need to get rid of it because it is a huge insult to those who have worked hard in that class. Also "show that youre suffering"? Wtf... no if you're sick you stay home so that you don't don't infect others so that THEY don't suffer. Health comes first. If you're not healthy why should you come and be a hazard to the other students and make them sick and then they they too become unable to study? If this is how it is across all Korean universities then I'm definitely reconsidering going there for my master's.