Anyang University

At a glance

Where, who, when

Full name of the host university: Anyang University
City, country: Anyang, South Korea
Homepage of the host university: https: //www.anyang.ac.kr/main/index.do
Author of the field report: Stefan Zentis
Degree programme at FH Aachen: Product Development, Faculty 8
Start and end of the stay abroad: 20/02/2013- 15/07/2013
The semester abroad was completed in: 4th semester (Master's)

Assessments

Quality of the programme content: 2.7
Study conditions / facilities at the host university: 1.3
On-site support and help: 1.0
Campus: 1.3
Transport links to campus: 1.7
Food on campus (dining hall (Mensa), etc.): 1.7
Sports facilities: 1.7
Leisure activities: 2.0
Bars / discos / nightlife: 1.7
Quality / cost of living: 1.7
Contact with locals: 2.0

Preparations

When did you start your preparations? I decided to study abroad about a year before I started and submitted my application to the International Office about six months beforehand.
How does the application process work and what documents are required? Application letter + CV + transcript of records + payment of fees
The Magellan web interface guides you through all further steps. (Passport photo, copy of passport, application form and Medical Information Self Checklist.) Before starting, you must apply for a visa, for which you will need the invitation from the university.
Doesthe host university require a language test? Proof of eligibility must be provided. Prof Kämper can be contacted as the module coordinator for English at the faculties.
Useful tips or further information on preparation: Oversized clothing is not available in Korea. Otherwise you can get everything there at a low price. Winter is harsher in Korea and summer is warmer. If in doubt, you can have clothes sent to you.

Formalities

Do I have to pay fees at the host university? -> Magellan.
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? Anyang University offers a full scholarship. This is absolutely sufficient for living there. Exclusive leisure activities and travelling are not covered.
Which route to the host university is recommended? What are the approximate travelling costs? From Düsseldorf - Abu Dhabi - Seoul Incheon Airport (approx. 700€)
Did you have to take out additional health insurance ? Medical care is very good and generally cheaper than in Germany. The insurance should be clarified beforehand. In my case, the existing benefits were sufficient.
Is further insurance necessary? No.

On site

What formalities have to be completed after arrival? You have to go to the immigration office to register. You will receive support on site.
Where is the best place to live and what are the average housing costs? Everything is organised in advance and is part of the scholarship.
What is the average cost of living? The price level is generally more favourable. However, the study abroad lifestyle is slightly more expensive.
What is cheap/expensive? Eating out is cheap. Cheese and sausage are very expensive. Entrance fees and services are generally cheaper. This also applies to public transport.
What are the shopping facilities like? There are traditional markets, shopping is difficult and most of the goods require explanation. There are also supermarkets within walking distance. They are quite expensive, depending on the goods.

About the host university

Briefly describe the host university! The structure of the university was very American. It is located very high up outside the city centre. In a nice change from Aachen, the campus was very small and lively.
How was the quality of the courses? The degree programme itself was not that demanding and there was not much choice of subjects. The programme was very geared towards exchange students. There were two compulsory courses that I had to take: Cross Cultural Communication and Ari Leadership.
How are the facilities at the host university? Sufficient for all purposes.
What are the opening hours on campus, how are the libraries, are there lecture notes? All important lecture notes can be purchased in the university shop. Everything else is provided.
How many hours a week did you work on average? 35 hours on paper. In reality maybe 25 hours.
Did the professors prepare you well for exams? Did they also help you outside of the lectures? Generally depending on the subject. Preparation was never a problem.
Are there special introductory courses for visiting students ? An introductory event is offered. The personal buddy can answer almost all questions.
What do I need to bear in mind when the certificate is issued at the foreign university? I did not have any credits recognised.
Who was the contact person at the foreign university? Steven Ahn.
What did you like / dislike about the campus ? Everything is very close together.
How are the transport connections? What do you need to consider? It takes 50 minutes by underground to get to the centre of Seoul. From Anyang station it is a 15-minute walk to the university. The hall of residence is right next to the university.

About the courses and lectures attended at Anyang University

Course attended: Beginning Korean (Conversation)
Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Beginning Korean (Writing)
Is this course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Cross Cultural Communication
Is this course recommended? Compulsory
Course attended: Korean Society
Is this course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Ari Leadership
Is this course recommended? Compulsory
Course attended: International Trade
Is this course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Korean Tourism
Is this course recommended? Yes

Leisure activities

What sports facilities are available on campus? Fitness centre, sports field, table tennis
Do I have to pay for the sports facilities? No.
What leisure activities does the campus offer? Hiking, climbing, baseball, swimming
What sights are there on site? Seoul and the surrounding area
What tourist attractions does the surrounding area have to offer? Suwon World Heritage Site, DMZ ...
Are there organised (possibly subsidised) excursions for visiting students? There are numerous (commercial) offers. It's best to go with other visiting students at the weekends.
Are there many good restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood? What is recommended? Almost everything. Ask Koreans, because the neighbourhood is very dynamic. Everything is also delivered.
Are there any specialities to look out for in the local cuisine? Try it out!
Where do you go in the evening (pubs, bars, discos, cinemas) and what do you recommend? Anyang has a very lively city centre. There are numerous clubs there.
Are there any special customs/customs among the locals and what is an absolute taboo? Try it out!

Final considerations - Conclusion

How would you rate your stay abroad overall? As the programme content was not compatible with my normal studies, I can only include this in my assessment with reservations. Overall, the stay abroad was a great enrichment for me personally, which is why I can recommend a semester abroad without reservation. The confrontation with (several) foreign cultures, the friendliness shown and the framework conditions of the programme create a good and reliable basis for fulfilling all the requirements that are generally placed on studying abroad. The community with other exchange students from all over the world and the central location close to Seoul have proven to be a great advantage.
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad? As I no longer had to register for written examinations, the last semester was a good choice to do a semester abroad at all. I don't have the feeling that I "wasted" time, a semester in Anyang can hardly be planned "efficiently" into the study progress. However, I would generally recommend doing a semester abroad earlier.
What were the high and low points of your stay ? You can experience highlights every day there. Holidays and celebrations that you usually spend with your family and (local) friends were rather low points.
What will remain unforgotten? Buddha's birthday. Fantastic food and lots of incredibly friendly Koreans.
What advice would you like to give to other students on your degree programme who decide to spend a semester abroad at this foreign university? The scholarship is very convenient, but of course it also comes with responsibilities. In order for the semester in Anyang to be a complete success, you should also (be able to) fulfil these with pleasure. In addition, due to external conditions, you should be very cautious about your own expectations regarding the success of courses and lectures.
Any criticism or suggestions? It is best to send this questionnaire before you start your trip and then again soon after your stay. It is best to approach a semester abroad with as few expectations, open-mindedness and interest as possible. I have kept my report on Anyang rather brief because I see the danger that individual experiences will be seen as the "norm". This is not helpful in this dynamic environment and may also raise false expectations. I can fully recommend a semester abroad and am happy to pass on my personal experiences to anyone interested.