Ewha University Summer School
Olga Afanasyeva, a second year student of School of Asian Studies, shares her impressions from Ewha University Summer School.
In August 2015 I went to South Korea in order to participate in a 3-week language program in Ewha University. The University is located in the centre of Seoul next to the underground station of the same name and near popular districts Hongdae and Sinchon. The participants live in the dormitory for graduate students. A room is for two people and has all facilities you need: a personal bath, an air conditioner, and a fridge. Also there is a small balcony. On every floor there is a kitchen with a water cooler, a microwave oven, a kettle and a toaster. A full kitchen is located on the first floor. On the ground floor there are a laundry, a gym, rooms for studying and restrooms.
On the first day a written and oral exams are held and the examinees get divided into groups according to their results. Most of the students come from China and Japan. The classes take place from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. The program includes visiting the theatre and a cooking class. After that the students have leisure time. The university provides the participants with a temporary student ID card that allows a student to use the library. From the second level and higher the education is in Korean. At the end of the program the students take written and oral exams.
Fortunately, there is completely free entertainment for foreigners in Korea. Thus, I went to Jeonju. All you have to do is just registering and going to the free bus stop near Gwanghwamun Square with your passport at the appropriate day. Jeonju is believed to be the birthplace of bibimbap. There is also traditional Korean village, which both tourist and the Koreans gladly visit. As I went there at the Korean Independence Day celebration visiting Kengi Palace was free.
In Seoul itself, you should definitely visit some well-known attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, the National Museum, Insadong and Myeongdong districts, the Namsan Tower, and many other notable and interesting places. Everyone can find an attraction that suits himself perfectly: a wide range of museums that are devoted to different subjects, interesting open fests, shows and performances which take place quite often in Korea.
Korea is interesting both for those who have been interested in its culture for a long time and those who has come to Korea for the first time being totally unacquainted with the Country of Morning Freshness. Having its own unique energy Korea will leave no one indifferent.