Signing up for the KUISC programme is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Why would I say so? Because you will never know your potential until you step out of your comfort zone – I thought my level of Korean was intermediate because I had only ever self-learned Korean without doing any classes before, but it turned out the placement test had proved that I could actually do the advanced level class. Although the class was a bit challenging, I aced the test and got an A+, which is definitely an accomplishment for me.
Besides the language, I also love the local culture. The everyday life there is so interesting and exciting. I visited many attractions with other international students such as the Lotte World, Bukhansan (hiking spot), Hankang River, Kyeungbokkong (the Royal Palace), and Running Man Thematic Experience Center. We also tried hanbok (traditional costume), Jjimjilbang (traditional sauna), local cuisines, and karaoke.
During the trip, I communicated with local people in Korean as much as possible, which made me feel as if I were a local there too. It’s often said that speaking another language gives you a new personality because different languages have different worldviews. I do concur with this perspective.
Staying in a foreign country is a good way for you to learn independence and broaden your horizons. If you love Korea and its language and culture, I would strongly recommend you join this programme to gain an authentic experience rather than just watch Korean TV shows.
I am really glad to have been chosen for an internship program in Korea. I was an e-commerce intern at Lotte, which is a duty-free department store. My primary job duty was to conduct a research on the shopping pattern and behavior of the Hong Kong demographic.
I had to study why Hong Kongers prefer Simplified Chinese websites to Traditional Chinese websites and why the use of online duty-free stores has decreased by analyzing data from both Hong Kong and Taiwan and Simplified Chinese website search engines. With the analysis, I proposed a few ways to optimize the customer shopping experience such as adding more latest products to store shelves to attract new customers/demographics.
Besides working, I also studied in Korea University, which has a beautiful campus with European architecture. The Korean class was so much fun. The teacher taught us the language in interactive ways such as using games and songs, which helps us learn more effectively. I still continue learning Korean and studying the textbooks after coming back to Hong Kong.
The school life was very eventful. My fellow schoolmates and I often hung out around the campus going to parties and dinners. We also visited the Lotte World and saw a flash dance performance. We enjoyed ourselves so much.
It’s the first time I have been away from family for a period of time. I had to be independent and do everything myself without my parents reminding me. Although it’s hard at first, it’s definitely a precious experience for me to grow up fast.
I have spent six weeks in Korea, it is one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life.
Class: Branding Workshop
The product we had to brand was Makgeolli, which is a local alcoholic beverage. We had to start from scratch - learning about its history, culture, and production process.
First, the Makgeolli grandmaster taught us how to make our very own Makgeolli, which is primarily made with water, nuruk (traditional Korean yeast), and rice.
After the drinks were made, we had to think of the product positioning. In our presentation, we proposed that Makgeolli should enter the global market. Since the world is increasingly globalized, while Makgeolli is a well-known local brand, it’s high time it got known internationally too. The presentation got some positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. We felt really accomplished that we had put our ideas out there.
Dormitory Life
Dorm life is so much fun. It’s like a getaway from the hectic life in Hong Kong. I really miss those days when my dormmates and I could hang out eating and chatting anytime we wanted. Good food and good company, what more could you ask for!
After Class / Weekends
Outside school, I would visit as many places as possible to immerse myself into the local culture, from history to everyday life. My friends and I visited various stores and tried different local restaurants such as Korean barbeque and chi-maek (chicken and beer). We dressed in hanbok and took many gorgeous pictures in Gyeongbokgung Palace. We went to a K-pop concert to experience their concert culture. We visited the DMZ (demilitarized zone), the border between North and South Korea, and the Third Tunnel.
Korea has such a rich culture; I really love it.
