Study Abroad - SOUTH KOREA SPRING 2019 - CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION - UW-Eau Claire
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Study Abroad SOUTH KOREA SPRING 2019 Program Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Food .............................................................. 9 Bringing Medications to South Korea ...... 9 General Information ....................................... 3 Safety in South Korea ............................... 10 The Program ................................................ 3 Tensions between the Two Koreas ......... 10 The Location ................................................ 3 Travel to North Korea ............................... 10 The University .............................................. 3 Emergency Contacts ................................. 10 Academic Calendar ..................................... 3 911 Equivalent in South Korea ................ 11 Tentative Dates for Spring Semester 2019 Special Note for Korean Adoptees ............. 11 ....................................................................... 3 Military Duty for Korean Adoptees......... 11 Academics ........................................................ 4 Required Documents ................................... 11 Credits and Course Load ............................ 4 General Information on Visas .................. 11 The Academic Program .............................. 4 Visa for South Korea ................................. 12 Student/Professor Relations in Korea ...... 4 Collection of Biometric Data ................... 12 Grades........................................................... 5 Alien Registration ...................................... 12 Transcripts .................................................... 5 Packing Tips................................................... 12 Money Matters ................................................ 5 Climate ....................................................... 12 Estimated Costs Paid to UW-Eau Claire ... 5 Clothing ...................................................... 13 Personal Travel ............................................ 6 Shoes .......................................................... 13 Currency Exchange ..................................... 6 What to Pack ............................................. 13 Cost of Living in South Korea .................... 6 Appliances .................................................. 13 Credit Cards ................................................. 6 Arriving in South Korea................................ 13 Debit Cards .................................................. 6 Travel Arrangements ................................ 13 Traveler’s Checks ......................................... 7 Immigration/Customs .............................. 13 Health and Safety ........................................... 7 Arrival Information .................................... 13 Immunizations ............................................. 7 Early Arrivals .............................................. 14 Malaria .......................................................... 7 Orientation ................................................. 14 Medical Care in Suwon............................... 8 Getting Involved ........................................... 14 Mental Health Care in Suwon ................... 9 Activities ..................................................... 15 Water ............................................................ 9 Korean Buddy ............................................ 15
Housing .......................................................... 15 Housing Application ................................. 15 Housing over Break .................................. 16 Meals .............................................................. 16 Communication ............................................ 16 Snail Mail/Mailing Address ...................... 16 Cell Phone .................................................. 17 Computer Technologies ........................... 17 Language.................................................... 17 Culture Notes ................................................ 18 Language.................................................... 18 Food ............................................................ 18 Religion ...................................................... 19 General Attitudes of Koreans .................. 19 Family.......................................................... 19 Travel While Abroad ..................................... 20 Field Trips ................................................... 20 Additional Travel ....................................... 20 Sites in Seoul ............................................. 20 Contact Names & Addresses ...................... 22 WEB RESOURCES: South Korea .................. 23
CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted to the UW-Eau Claire semester or year exchange program with Ajou University in Suwon City, Republic of Korea (South Korea). Living and studying in a foreign culture is both an exciting and a challenging experience. Past participants of study abroad report that the many advantages of international study include: Building upon existing foreign language skills Gaining new perspectives on a chosen academic field Increasing understanding of different cultures Getting to know oneself Developing different perspectives on U.S. culture Gaining self-confidence and independence Learning skills for the future international job market It is up to you to determine how you can best benefit from these possible advantages. This is your experience! This program guide is to be used together with the general Study Abroad Handbook. The handbook has information that is valid for all UW-Eau Claire study abroad programs. This guide will provide you with information specific to the South Korea exchange program. It is designed to complement the study abroad orientation and your individual pre-departure preparations. Please realize that although this guide was written to help you better prepare for your time abroad, and that all of the information available at the time of publishing has been used, it is impossible for any single resource to answer all of your questions. Your peer advisor will email additional information throughout the semester. We also strongly encourage you to contact your peer advisor and South Korean students on campus with your specific questions. You should also make use of the additional written and web resources listed towards the end of this guide. Basic questions only you can answer include: 1) What are YOUR goals for this experience? Common goals of student travelers include advancement in a future profession; desire to expand personal and academic horizons; need for a change; and wish to challenge oneself with immersion in a new culture. 1
2) Given the way the program is set up; how can you best prepare to meet your goals? The information in this guide was current at the time of publishing, though changes may occur at any time. 2
GENERAL INFORMATION Academic Calendar Ajou University's academic year consists of The Program two semesters. Generally, each semester The Ajou University - UW-Eau Claire consists of 16 weeks. The normal academic summer exchange program began in year at Ajou runs from March to December. summer 2005, and the semester/year Semester one runs March to June and program began fall 2012. Ajou is one of the semester two runs September to December. top ten universities in South Korea. They have an extensive network of exchange However, Ajou allows their North American partners around the globe. Not only will and European exchange students to study you have the opportunity to learn from on the western academic calendar from South Korean students, you will be September to June to accommodate the interacting with other exchange students differences in academic calendars. Students from around the world. studying on the western calendar will study September to December (semester two), The Location stay for winter break, and study from March The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and to June (semester one). Students studying the surrounding area is a region of growing on the western academic calendar must economic and geopolitical importance to apply for housing during the break after the U.S. and the world. South Korea is now they arrive at Ajou University. the United States' sixth-largest trading partner and the 12th largest economy in the Please do not book your flight until you world. have been accepted by Ajou University and the finalized calendar is available. Suwon, a city of approximately 1.2 million people, is located in northwestern South Tentative Dates for Spring Korea and is only a half-hour drive from the Semester 2019 capital city, Seoul. Arrival February 25 Orientation February 27- The University 28 Since it was founded in 1973, Ajou Semester Begins March 4 University has been nationally recognized Mid-term Exams April 22-26 for its excellent programs in engineering, Final Exams June 17-21 medicine, business, computer engineering, Semester Ends June 21 and international studies. The University Move out of June 22 provides a cozy academic and residential housing atmosphere for its roughly 14,000 students on the main campus of 130 acres with 35 * These dates are NOT confirmed and buildings. Visit the Ajou website at only an estimate. You should not book https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/ your flight until Ajou officially accepts you and sends you the final dates. 3
For the full schedule visit the Ajou site: The Academic Program https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/international/ The language of instruction at Ajou is inter19.jsp Korean or English. There is a list of courses offered in English and the list is distributed ACADEMICS to foreign students before arrival and on orientation day. Please refer to past lists of There is additional information on academic "Courses Offered in English" at topics such as eligibility, registration, class https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/international/inte attendance, credits and course load, grades, r21.jsp These lists will give you an idea of transcripts, and accessing the UW-Eau Claire the courses that will be offered while you library while abroad in your Study Abroad are there since the same courses tend to be Handbook. offered each semester. Students with high Korean language proficiency may, with Credits and Course Load permission, can select courses offered in UW-Eau Claire policy requires study abroad Korean. The final list of courses for fall students to take a minimum of 12 semester semester will be posted to Ajou’s website in credits and a maximum of 18 credits. Please late spring. The final list of courses for be aware that Ajou University rules are spring semester will be posted to Ajou’s different. Ajou has no minimum credit website in late fall. requirements but recommends that students take a minimum of 12 credits. Ajou Registration: You will receive a confirmed allows students to take a maximum of 19 list of courses prior to the start of the credits (usually six courses) during the semester. You will fill out an online course regular semester. You are required to application form within a given period. follow UW-Eau Claire guidelines for your credit load. Going under 12 credits could Assessment: Assessments usually include require you to pay back your financial one or two exams and a paper or aid. Going over 18 credits will require presentation. Exact requirements will vary you to pay additional UW-Eau Claire by class. If you have concerns or questions tuition. in any of your courses, ask your professor. They are more than willing to help. Any change to your credit load must be approved in advance by the CIE at UW- Student/Professor Relations in Eau Claire. Korea Most of the professors teaching in the The credits you earn abroad are considered program are Korean but have studied in an UW-Eau Claire resident credits. The classes English-speaking country. Koreans follow you take abroad will count towards the total Confucian principles, and one of the most credits needed for graduation, and grades important aspects of this is respect to will be figured into your UW-Eau Claire elders. At UW-Eau Claire, if you disagree GPA. with a professor, you might raise your hand and express this disagreement openly. 4
Students never challenge professors in C+ C+ Korea; it simply is unacceptable. Co C D+ D+ Regular attendance is expected, and eating Do D is not necessarily allowed in the classroom. F F Beverages, if brought, usually sit on the floor. When you hand in your assignments, Note: UW-Eau Claire students abroad are hold the paper or notebook by TWO hands. not allowed to take classes pass/fail, and Holding it by one hand and just sticking that grades from Ajou are included in your arm out, though completely your UW-Eau Claire GPA. acceptable and normal here, is very rude in Ajou. Transcripts IMPORTANT: at the end of the program, Korean professors generally assume that you must request that Ajou University foreigners, especially Westerners, do things send your transcript to the CIE. They will differently and will not immediately correct also send one to your home address if you them. They will, however, be very like, but the Registrar's Office at UW-Eau appreciative of your efforts to be culturally Claire cannot accept transcripts directly appropriate. More than anything, the from students. Transcripts will be sent Korean professors want to impart on the approximately 4 weeks after the end of the students a sense of Korean culture. They are program. excited to teach and will help students in any way possible. Unlike professors at UW- Eau Claire, they do not hold regular office MONEY MATTERS hours, but there is time during breaks and Information about how payments are made, after classes to ask questions. when they are due, withdrawal/refund deadlines, financial aid, scholarships, Grades budgeting, and how to bring money abroad Ajou awards letter grades A+ through F. is in your Study Abroad Handbook. Ajou grades are transferred to UW-Eau Claire as they appear on the Ajou transcript, Estimated Costs Paid to UW-Eau except that Ajou awards A+ grades and Claire UW-Eau Claire does not. An A+ from Ajou You can find the most current Cost Estimate will be posted as an A on your UW-Eau for your program, in easily printable format, Claire transcript. Here is how Ajou grades on the CIE South Korea - Semester webpage. will appear on your UW-Eau Claire Be sure you are looking at the correct term. transcript: Remember that the cost estimate includes Ajou UW-Eau Claire what you pay to UW-Eau Claire, what you A+ A pay to Ajou University, and what you pay Ao A directly to other vendors. B+ B+ Bo B 5
Personal Travel from the U.S. will be as expensive, if not Personal travel varies greatly from student more so, than they are here at home. to student. It depends on your budget and your priorities. Students who want to be Credit Cards involved in their host community generally In South Korea, credit cards are accepted spend less time (and money) traveling. throughout and at most major hotels, larger Others travel every weekend with restaurants, department stores, and at big correspondingly high costs and fewer close retailers such as Costco. Visa and connections in their new home. MasterCard are the most widely accepted. Past participants reported spending $200 - Not all ATM’s will accept foreign cards. To $2,000 on additional travel. In addition, one use a Visa or MasterCard at an ATM, you student took trips to Japan, Hong Kong and must find an ATM that displays both the Macau. This person reported spending credit card logo and a "Global Service" logo. closer to $2,500. You will need your PIN (personal identification number). Be sure to bring it Currency Exchange with you and be sure it is valid in South Korean money comes in these Korea. Most ATMs have instructions in denominations: Korean, but there are several in small 10,000 ₩ (won) convenience stores around campus that 5,000 ₩ have instructions in English. 1,000 ₩ and various coins. Debit Cards Again, be aware the not all ATMs will accept The exchange rate as of July 2018 was $1 foreign debit cards so be sure to look for USD = 1,116 won. You can check current the “global” sign on the machines. ATMs exchange rates at may also have a button that says "Foreign http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/. Card" among its options. If you stick your card in and get an error message, that Korea is a cash-oriented society meaning means it doesn’t accept foreign cards. that a lot of places will only accept cash (no credit/debit), especially market, some public “Global” machines are difficult to find transport and food stands. It is outside of major cities. There are a few near recommended that you always have cash the Ajou University campus, including one on you. Most merchants won’t accept a in Family Mart. There is one bank on credit card for a payment less than 10,000₩ campus with an international ATM that (about $10USD). accepts foreign cards. There is an employee with minimal English to help you out if you Cost of Living in South Korea have problems with the ATM. Most ATMs In general, you will find prices for food and shut down after 11pm, so be sure to plan in local transportation in South Korea to be advance. cheaper than they are in the U.S. Products 6
Please note in the past, we have had immunizations with your doctor. The reports that Royal Credit Union (RCU) current CDC recommendations for South debit cards do not function in South Korea can be found here: Korea. It is very important to check with http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/tr your bank to see if your card will work in aveler/none/south-korea. South Korea and/or have a backup plan in case one doesn’t work. CDC immunization recommendations should be taken very seriously since there Traveler’s Checks are very few required vaccinations anywhere Traveler’s checks are increasingly rare and in the world for travelers. Requirements can difficult to use. They generally must be only be placed by the government of the cashed at a major bank, although in some particular country, and because such countries, post offices offer this service, and requirements often discourage tourism, you must have your passport with you. governments are reluctant to establish Most banks charge a fee for cashing the them. checks; it can vary widely. Before cashing a check, ASK what the fee is. Since many of the recommendations depend on the type of travel you anticipate Make sure you record your check numbers doing, or the length of time you are staying, and keep the numbers separate from the you need to meet with a doctor to checks, in case you need to get them determine what's best for your individual replaced. situation. Make sure to bring your itinerary with you to the appointment. You can also visit UW-Eau Claire's Student Health HEALTH AND SAFETY Services, which offers immunizations (IG, Additional information on these issues, as tetanus, Hepatitis B, etc.) and health well as on CISI insurance, is included in the education on international travel. Student Health Issues and Safety Abroad sections of Health Services can be reached at (715) your Study Abroad Handbook. 836-5360. Immunizations Malaria You received an update on health and Per the Center for Disease Control, malaria safety through the Learning Content section risk in South Korea is limited to the months of your BlugoldsAbroad account. You were of March–December in rural areas in the encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease northern parts of Incheon, Kangwon-do, Control (CDC) site to learn what and Kyônggi-do Provinces, including the immunizations are recommended for travel demilitarized zone (DMZ). While you will to South Korea. not be living in an affected area, you may visit the DMZ on a brief field trip or during In addition to having all routine personal travel. You should therefore immunizations up-to-date, you should consult with your health care provider for discuss the CDC recommended recommendations. 7
fever in a malarial area to be malaria until You should discuss your malaria prevention proven otherwise. strategy with your doctor. The decision about what you will do about malaria risk is Common symptoms of malaria include one you must make yourself. Neither the fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, CIE nor Ajou University can make this headaches, and dizziness. See a physician decision for you. If you decide to take anti- promptly! Delay in seeking medical care malaria medication, follow the instructions and delay in diagnosis increases the from your physician carefully. Remember chances of complications. Per the CDC, that malaria is rarely acquired if you've "Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 taken the proper precautions. days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; getting bitten by mosquitoes! To minimize however, you should see a doctor right mosquito bites: away if you develop a fever during your trip. • Cover up with clothing. Wear garments Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. with a high neckline (or a bandana Malaria infections with Plasmodium around the neck), long sleeves, and long falciparum, if not promptly treated, may pants. cause kidney failure, coma, and death. • Use a DEET-containing insect repellent Despite using the protective measures on exposed skin AND permethrin, an outlined above, travelers may still develop insecticide, on clothing. malaria up to a year after returning from • Avoid shiny jewelry and perfumed a malarious area. You should see a doctor cosmetics, as they attract mosquitoes. immediately if you develop a fever anytime • Remain indoors at dusk or after dark. during the year following your return and • When traveling on your own, choose tell the physician of your travel." accommodations with tidy grounds and air conditioning or with windows having Medical Care in Suwon well-fitting screens. Use mosquito Adequate medical care is available in South netting elsewhere. Korea. If you have health problems, you • Check that bed netting has no holes or have two choices. For minor health rips. Tuck netting under your mattress. problems such as colds or indigestion, the • Avoid local preventatives. Many are Ajou international staff strongly unproven, such as mosquito coils or recommends you visit the infirmary located Avon Skin-So-Soft. While these are in the student union building. There you popular folklore insect repellents in the can see the pharmacist during office hours U.S., they perform poorly in scientific and buy basic medicine. studies. For serious health problems or medical If you become ill: check-ups, you can go to the Ajou Early treatment is essential if you do acquire University Hospital, one of the top five malaria. Consider any flu-like illness with hospitals in South Korea. Visit the Office of 8
International Affairs before you go to the Don't take unnecessary risks with your hospital. They will make the proper health. You may find yourself in a situation arrangements with the hospital for you. where it would be culturally offensive not to eat something that is offered to you. You Mental Health Care in Suwon will have to decide what to do in those If you would like to see an English-speaking situations on an individual basis. There is no therapist while in Korea, it is best to work one right answer, but one suggestion might with CISI insurance and the CIE to help be to say that you like something ELSE that identify those therapists. The CIE can obtain is being offered better than the dish you a list of English-speaking therapists and think would be unsafe to eat. That way, then you can directly contact those people you'll be given more of the dish that you do and inquire about services. It is best to start like. Just be careful! this process before you go, but if you are abroad and want these services, you can Bringing Medications to South either directly contact CISI or the CIE and Korea they can assist. Per the U.S. State Department, you should be aware that South Korea's customs Water authorities enforce strict regulation about Tap water is not safe to drink in South importing and exporting items such as Korea. Although it is chlorinated in major narcotics and prescription drugs as well as cities, there are still many reports of non-prescription health supplements. These stomach upsets. There are water purifiers in regulations apply to prescription and non- the Ajou dormitory kitchens, academic prescription medications that are brought in buildings, in restaurants, etc. Most people with travelers as well as those sent through do brush their teeth with tap water, but you the mail. Since the same strict regulations may wish to use bottled water for this as apply to items mailed to and from the well. There are conflicting messages as to Republic of Korea, several U.S. citizens whether or not the water is safe to drink but have been prosecuted for participation in when in doubt, we suggest you drink drug smuggling via international mail. bottled/filtered water. Amphetamines are illegal in Korea and even Food prescription amphetamines and other Generally, food in Suwon is safe. You should prescription narcotics will not be permitted be sure to eat hot foods hot, and cold foods into the country without advance cold. Fresh fruit is available cut up and is permission from the Korea Food and Drug generally safe. If in doubt, buy fruit that is Administration (KFDA) in the form of a not yet peeled. While most food is safe, use “bring-in permit letter.”. your judgment, is the vendor's cart clean? Do they have the food kept cold until it is Please work with CISI insurance to cooked? Etc. determine what you must do to bring your prescriptions into South Korea. 9
Safety in South Korea peninsula because of an agreement that has The crime rate in Korea is low. However, lasted for close to 60 years. There are ever pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assault, changing dynamics of the Korean peninsula. hotel room and residential burglary, and At the time of editing, the relationship residential crime occur more frequently in seems to be mending and looking up, but major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul you should always be aware how quickly and Busan. Itaewon, Shinchon, relations can change. In 2017 tensions Myeongdong, and Hongdae are well-known between North and South Korea flared entertainment and shopping districts in again due to North Korea testing nuclear Seoul in which crowds, alcohol, and a higher weapons. In August 2015, tensions flared as prevalence of drug activity can also present North Korea fired shell on the city of a higher risk for crime. Please use caution in Yeoncheon. While they were no causalities, all crowded entertainment, nightlife, and both sides went into pre-war status and shopping districts throughout Korea. began talks. Talks ended after a few days and tensions eased. In February 2013, North Recently, a small number of incidents Korea conducted a nuclear weapon test that involving U.S. citizens have included was widely condemned internationally and allegations of physical and sexual assault, set off a series of threats from North Korea. drugs slipped into drinks, and thefts of purses or wallets. Bar and street fights, as At the time of publication, the U.S. State well as occasional harassment of Department has not issued any travel Westerners, have also been reported in advisories discouraging travel to South nightlife districts in Seoul. Exercise caution Korea. when traveling alone at night and use only legitimate taxis or public transportation. Travel to North Korea Reduce the likelihood of becoming a crime As of January 2018, the US State victim by exercising the same type of Department has placed a Travel Advisory, security precautions you would take when Level 4: Do Not Travel on North Korea. The visiting any large city in the United States." CIE strictly forbids any UWEC student traveling to North Korea. The complete Consular Information Sheet with information on crime, road safety, drug The State Department lists that US passport penalties, and terrorist activity in South are not valid for travel to, in or through Korea is found here. More information North Korea, unless they are specially about safety will be covered upon your validated by the Department of State. arrival in Suwon. To read the full travel advisory, see here. Tensions between the Two Koreas The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Emergency Contacts (also known as North Korea or the DPRK) General emergency procedures are and the Republic of Korea are legally still in described in the Study Abroad Handbook a state of war. There is peace on the Korean and Ajou staff are available if difficulties 10
arise. You received an emergency contact Korean Military Manpower Agency from card at orientation; be sure to keep it in mistakenly imposing conscription, these your wallet at all times. The information is individuals must register the loss of their also on the Contact Names and Addresses Korean nationality in their own family page of this guide. register through the Korean Consulate General. 911 Equivalent in South Korea If you are in an emergency situation in If an individual was not naturalized before South Korea, you will need to know how to the age of eighteen, he must apply to reach the local police, fire, or ambulance postpone his military duty. services. The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in South Korea is 112 for For further information on the the police and 119 for ambulance or fire. postponement process and the registration We suggest you save these numbers in your of the loss of Korean nationality, please cell phone in case you need to use them check the website of the Korean Consulate quickly. General in each area according to jurisdiction: The U.S. State Department also provides a http://usa- list of 911 numbers abroad. Please note that chicago.mofa.go.kr/english/am/usa- in some countries there are different chicago/visa/issuance/index.jsp numbers for fire, police, and ambulance. Plan ahead and research numbers before you go. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS General passport and visa information is SPECIAL NOTE FOR found in your Study Abroad Handbook. KOREAN ADOPTEES General Information on Visas A visa is official permission to temporarily Military Duty for Korean Adoptees reside in another country and is granted by The Korean government requires that all the government of that country. The CIE will Korean male citizens serve military duty provide you with information regarding when they are between the ages of entry requirements and visa regulations. eighteen and thirty-five. However, there are However, it is ultimately your exceptions for certain cases, one of which responsibility to keep up-to-date about involves Korean male adoptees. student visa requirements for your host country, and if required, to apply for and Men who were born in the Republic of receive a visa from your host country’s Korea but adopted by parents of United consulate or embassy. Please read the States citizenship are not subject to military “Visa” section of your Study Abroad duty in the Republic of Korea, but only if Handbook for more information about what they were naturalized before the age of eighteen. However, in order to prevent the 11
you should do to keep up-to-date on visa officials and their accompanying immediate requirements. family members are exempt from this requirement." If you have any questions or Visa for South Korea concerns about this requirement, please U.S. citizens do not require a visa for a stay contact your study abroad coordinator. of up to 90 days in South Korea. Since the Alien Registration semester and year programs at Ajou will Foreigners who want to stay in Korea for exceed 90 days, you will be required to more than 90 days needs to register with apply for a visa. You will receive a handout the local immigration office to receive an from your Study Abroad Coordinator, Jenna Alien Registration Card (ARC). It is illegal to Krosch, with information about how to stay in Korea for more than 90 days without apply for a visa. You cannot apply for your being registered, regardless of your visa. visa until Ajou officially accepts you. There will be a fee of about 30,000 won. You will need to do this shortly after you If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, contact the arrive and the Ajou international office will Consulate-General of Korea for provide more information during your on- instructions on how to apply for a visa. It site orientation and in pre-departure is your responsibility to obtain a visa from materials they send you. Just note that the South Korean government, the CIE when you go through this process, you will cannot advise on that process. need to leave your passport with the immigration office, which will prevent you If you plan to travel to other countries while from exiting the country, so be sure to plan you are abroad, you should verify visa any optional travel around this process. requirements for each country by PACKING TIPS contacting the nearest consulate or a travel agency. In addition to the general packing Collection of Biometric Data information in your Study Abroad Handbook, Per the U.S. State Department, the Republic you should know the following about South of Korea began collecting the biometric Korea. data of foreign visitors at ports of entry (international airports and seaports) Climate effective January 1, 2012. "U.S. citizens South Korea has four distinct seasons: entering the Republic of Korea will have spring from mid-March to the end of May; their two index fingerprints electronically summer from June to August; autumn from scanned at the same time a digital September to November; and winter from photograph is taken of their face by a Korea December to mid-March. Of course, the Immigration Service inspector. This process actual weather does not always fit these will take place while the traveler’s passport neat categories. is being inspected at an immigration booth. Children under the age of 17 and foreign Temperatures vary hugely between mid- government and international organization summer and mid-winter, with August being 12
very hot and sticky (71 °F to 90 °F), while razor, etc., with you from the U.S., you will December and January are literally freezing need to buy a voltage converter and plug (19 °F to 33 °F). Winters in the north are adapter to bring with you. The other colder than in the more southerly Busan or option, of course, is to buy the necessary Jeju. Heavy rainfall always arrives with the appliances after you arrive. summer monsoon season (late June to mid- ARRIVING IN SOUTH July), but you can expect some heavy rain in March-May. Clothing KOREA In general, take clothing that is washable There is also information on student-oriented and does not wrinkle easily. Because of the travel agencies, instructions for booking a temperature variation, bring garments that flight, and other travel information in the can be worn interchangeably and that you Study Abroad Handbook. can layer. Past participants suggest choosing one color scheme and note that Travel Arrangements dark colors show less dirt and are warmer. It is your responsibility to make travel arrangements to Suwon. See "Academic Avoid clothes that are too revealing. In Calendar" for the arrival date. There are two particular, tank tops and short shorts or airports in Seoul. Ajou University expects short skirts are not appropriate for women. students to arrive at Incheon Airport as Also, you don’t need to bring a lot of dressy this is the international airport in Seoul. clothes with you since it is okay to go out at Kimpo (sometimes spelled "Gimpo"), the night wearing regular clothes. other airport, is largely used for domestic flights. Shoes Bring a good pair of walking shoes, one Immigration/Customs pair of good sandals and a pair of When you arrive in South Korea, you will comfortable "dress" shoes. Men's size 9 clear immigration where you will have your and larger, and women's size 6 and larger passport stamped. Clearing customs is a are hard to find in South Korea, as are tights straight-forward process. Remember, South for women taller than 5'5". Korean immigration officials will require you to submit your biometric data upon arrival. What to Pack Please refer to the "Required Documents" Your peer advisor will give you a suggested section to learn more about what biometric packing list at our program group meeting data will be collected upon your arrival. later in the semester prior to departure. Arrival Information Appliances When you arrive in South Korea, you will The standard electric current in South Korea first arrive in Seoul. In the past, Ajou is 220 volts. If you plan to bring a hair dryer, University has had an airport pick-up service for students arriving on the 13
designated arrival day. In the event they 1. Arrival at Incheon Airport (International have it again this year, Ajou University will Arrival, 1F) arrange for Korean buddies (Ajou students) to meet students at the airport holding a 2. Go to EXIT No.7 (International Arrival, 1F) sign labeled "Ajou University" so that you will recognize them. They will be located 3. Take the airport limousine (Suwon) at 7A inside Exit No. 7 on the first floor. Note that Bus Stop (Gyeonggi) (12,000 won/US $12) after your Ajou acceptance, Ajou will send you additional pick-up information 4. Stop at East Suwon (Hotel Castle, the last that you will need to complete in a bus stop) timely manner. Airport pick-up is only available for students who apply for it in 5. Take a taxi to Ajou University from Hotel advance. Castle (about 4,3000 won/US $4) All students need to have 20,000 Korean The bus from Incheon to Hotel Castle leaves won for transportation from the airport to every 15-20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 Suwon and about 4,000 won for a taxi from p.m. The bus ride takes about 90 minutes the bus stop to the university dormitory and costs 12,000 Won. whether you request a pick-up or not. From Hotel Castle, you should take a taxi to Early Arrivals your hotel. Taxis should be available at any If you arrive early, you will need to make time. The taxi ride from the hotel to Ajou your own way to Ajou University and stay in University is about 5-10 minutes and costs a hotel until the dorms open. Ajou has about 4,000 won. indicated that there is an inexpensive hotel near the university where international Ajou will send you information on how to students sometimes stay while they are arrange your own transportation to campus waiting to check into their housing. Ajou if you do not utilize the pick-up service. may be able to help you make a reservation at this hotel if you want. If you come to Orientation Ajou University by yourself, please go You will have a two-day mandatory directly to the International Dormitory and orientation right away. During orientation, contact the dormitory officer at the important information such as academic entrance of the hall. They will assist with schedules, tips for living in Korea, alien your dormitory check-in. registration, etc. will be discussed. A campus tour and welcoming reception will You can also make your way to Ajou by also be held. following these directions provided by Ajou: From Incheon International Airport by GETTING INVOLVED bus: 14
Activities sheet and one heavier blanket are provided In addition to the formal orientation at the on a temporary basis to use when you first beginning of the program, the International arrive, but then you will need to purchase Office hosts a number of special events for your own. Towels are not provided. Wireless exchange students such as International Internet is available in the study room and Day (traditional costumes and food festival lobby. - Ajou recommends that you bring a "traditional costume" or artifacts from your You will share shower/bathing and kitchen home country for this day). There are also facilities on each floor. There are also trips to a variety of cultural places and an common computer rooms; study rooms; a optional temple stay. During field trips, you work out area with treadmills, weights and a may need to purchase your own meals. ping pong table; and TV lounges. Korean Buddy There is a little convenience store in the Once at Ajou University, you can sign up to lobby of the hall. You can buy sandwiches, get paired with a Korean buddy. The ice cream, drinks, and candy, as well as buddies are students who volunteer to be more common things like school supplies, paired with an international student, so you Ethernet cords, and cleaning supplies, will have a better chance to learn more including laundry detergent. There are about Korean culture with your buddy. They washers, dryers and an ironing board in the may take you to visit places, eat with you, or basement but you will need pay to use and help you work on your Korean language provide your own detergent. skills. In addition to assigning your official buddy, Ajou will host gatherings for The dorms differ from American dorms in international and Korean students. that males and females are not allowed into one another’s wings. If you need to get a hold of a member of the opposite sex, HOUSING it is recommended that you call them. There International students studying for the are common rooms that you will be allowed semester or year at Ajou, as well as a few to meet in, but they are not open all the Korean students, typically live in a double time and you must follow the rules. There is occupancy room in the new international also no alcohol and no gambling allowed in dormitory. the dorms. Each room in student housing is equipped A security guard walks the halls, and he is with a bed, desk, chair, and closet for each known to be especially vigilant when he student, as well as a telephone. Each room suspects the rules are being broken. also has an Ethernet hook-up, so you can bring your laptop if you feel it is necessary. Housing Application A LAN cord can be purchased at the After you are officially accepted by Ajou, convenience store in the hall (wireless they will send you a pre-arrival packet of internet is not available in your room). One information that contains how to compete 15
the dormitory application. There will be a student cafeteria located just in front of short window of time where the Hwa-Hong Hall or in other cafeterias application is open, and you MUST around campus. Dasan Hall has a cafeteria complete the application at that time. in it where you can find classic Korean food. Failure to do so could result in you not Another dorm on campus has a cafeteria receiving housing and you would need to that has American classics like spaghetti, find your own. The housing application French fires, and burgers. You can also grab usually opens in January (for spring quick snacks from the dorm convenience students). You usually don’t find out your store or go into the city, onto “the street” placement until February, shortly before outside of campus where there are many you depart. restaurants. On your application, if you want to have a Normal meal prices range from 2,500 to Korean roommate, you will need to note 4,500 won (approx. $2.25-$5) per meal at that. While it isn’t guaranteed, Ajou will do campus cafeterias and about 7,000 won their best to accommodate. In general, any (approx. $6.25) per meal at off-campus preferences you request may not be restaurants. Students pay individually in accommodated. Korean won for each meal they purchase (note that Korea is a cash-oriented society, Housing over Break so you will want to always have some won If you are planning to stay for the academic available). year, you are required to pay extra for housing over the break. For a two-person See the Cultural Notes below to learn more bedroom in the international dormitory, you about Korean Food. can expect to pay around $690 USD for the break housing. Many past academic year students have opted out of this housing COMMUNICATION and instead used the time to travel around Information on accessing/forwarding your Asia. Either way, you are responsible for UW-Eau Claire email address, which you paying for your housing expenses (either in need to check while abroad, is in your Study the hall or elsewhere traveling) over the Abroad Handbook. break. Snail Mail/Mailing Address Snail mail between the U.S. and South MEALS Korea generally takes 7-10 days (or more!). Students can buy various styles of meals on When you need to receive or send and off campus, and also cook some instant something in a hurry, you can use express snacks in the shared kitchen in the mail (DHL) or a fax at a private dormitory. Students usually use the kitchen telecommunications center. Friends and to cook noodles, toast, and small snacks or family should send mail to: to keep their own food in the refrigerator. You may purchase meal coupons to eat at a Student's Name 16
Office of International Affairs Internet access: Korea has Internet just Ajou University about everywhere, so Internet Yulgok Hall 152 communication will be easily facilitated, 206, Worldcup-ro, although you will need to pay for it. Each Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749 room is equipped with Ethernet hook-ups; Republic of Korea however, you will need to buy a LAN cable when you arrive (the convenience store on Packages which are sent through airmail campus has them). Wireless Internet is take approximately the same amount of available on campus, so you will be able to time as letters to arrive. Be advised, access it with your laptop computer or however, that the package will probably be smartphone. You will be given an Internet opened, and its contents examined, by ID once you arrive at Ajou and you will use customs. that to access the wireless. Cell Phone Language South Korea is known for its cell phone English is used in the classroom and usually usage. Most local students your age will for socializing with other international have a cell phone and want to use that to students. You will encounter Korean and communicate with you. You can purchase a international students with varying levels of cheap pay-as-you-go phone when you English. It will be interesting for you to arrive, or you can have your U.S. phone observe how speakers of English as a unlocked and then purchase a new SIM second language use words. You'll find that card abroad. communicating across cultures, even in English, isn't always easy. KaTalk (Kakao Talk) is a popular, free text messaging app (similar to WhatsApp) that As you might have guessed, the main you can download and use to communicate language in Korea is Korean, or Hanguk. If with your friends. It is used by over 93% of you have the opportunity to learn some cell phone users in South Korea. basic Korean phrases before you go, take it! Or make the opportunity by connecting Computer Technologies with some of the Korean students on Skype: Skype is a computer-based phone campus for language exchange. service that can be downloaded for free off the Internet. All you need to make a phone The written alphabet is called Hangul. The call is your computer, a headset, and a alphabet is phonetic. If you want to look at microphone. You can call anywhere in the it and practice before you go, here is a world for about two cents a minute. Plus, if helpful website with language lessons in you call another computer that has Skype, general: http://korean.sogang.ac.kr. the call is free. If you have a camera for your computer, you can also video chat. Before you go, it might help you to learn a few common phrases. 17
• Hello: annyunghaseyo (on nyung ha say see the choices before you buy a meal o) coupon. • Thank you: kamsahamnida (kahm sa CULTURE NOTES ham nee da) • Goodbye when you are leaving: annyeonghi gyeseyo (An-nyeong Hi-gye- Language se-yo) "The Korean language plays an important • Goodbye when someone else is leaving: role in the identity of the Korean people. annyeonghi gaseyo (Annyeong Hi-ga-se- Korean is spoken in both North and South yo) Korea and is written in Hangul, a phonetic • I am American: Miguk Salem (mee gook alphabet created in 1446 because classical sah lam) Chinese (the only written language • Please give me: juseyo (chu say yo) Use it available) was difficult to master....Hangul with food, at a restaurant also instilled a national pride in Koreans • How much: olmayeyo (ole ma yay yo) that helped them preserve their culture usually the response is typed out on a during long periods of foreign occupation." calculator - don't worry if you haven't got the numbers figured out! Food • Student: haksein (hock sane) Korean food is generally spicy. Rice and • Ajou University: Ajou Tehakyo, or just kimch’i (a spicy pickled cabbage) are staples Ajou Te (pronounced “tay”). This is useful at almost every meal. Various soups are when you get into a taxi and need to get common. Rice is often combined with other back to campus. ingredients, such as red beans or vegetables. Bibimbap is rice mixed with bits Even if you learn a few phrases before you of meat and seasoned vegetables. Chicken go, you won't be fluent in Korean. But don't and beef are common meats. Koreans also panic - some of the basics will be easy. eat large amounts of fish and dok (pounded rice cake). Barley tea is served with most Most public transportation, such as buses meals. Soju and magulli are common and subways, have English translations on alcoholic drinks for socializing before meals. the signs. Taxi cabs in major cities have free Fruit is popular as a dessert. English translators via phone, so foreign travelers can easily communicate with the Korean meals (including breakfast) are driver. almost always accompanied by a bowl of rice and bowl of hot soup or stew. A Some of the bigger restaurants will have traditional meal contains a variety of English menus. T.G.I. Friday’s and Outback vegetables. Korean foods are seldom deep- Steak House are also big chains in Korea. At fried; they are usually boiled, broiled, stir- the school cafeterias, there are usually three fried, steamed, or pan-fried in vegetable oil. dishes you can choose from. Also, there are food-of-the-day displays so that you can Koreans use a spoon to eat rice, soups and stews, and chopsticks for rather dry side 18
dishes. They do not use a spoon and social behavior, stressing righteousness and chopsticks simultaneously, nor do they hold filial piety (family relationships) especially their bowls and plates while eating. between father and son. More than one- quarter of the people follow the traditions Koreans generally believe that sharing food of folk religion called Shamanism. Important from one bowl makes a relationship closer. to Shamanism are geomancy, divination, However, if you are not comfortable with avoiding bad luck or omens, warding off this, you can politely ask the host for an evil spirits and honoring the dead. Nearly individual bowl or plate. 30 percent of the population is Christian. More than 15 percent of Koreans practice A few dishes you will encounter: Buddhism." Bap (boiled rice): Boiled rice, or rice mixed with barley, corn or other grains, is the General Attitudes of Koreans staple of the Korean diet. There are many "The Confucian ethic is evident in the ways to cook rice, and different ingredients general attitudes of Koreans. Many rituals of can be added to it. courtesy, behavioral formalities, and customs regulate social relations. Hard work Kuk or T'ang (soup): Soup will be served and filial piety are valued. Koreans often use at most Korean meals. Ingredients extreme modesty when speaking about commonly used in soup include meat, themselves. They are reluctant to accept vegetables, fish, and seaweed. honors and graciously deny compliments. Open criticism and public disagreement are Bulgoki (barbecued beef): Barbequed considered inappropriate because they can beef is one of the most popular dishes in damage another person's reputation. Out of Korea. Bulgoki literally means "fire beef," respect for the feelings of others, Koreans but it is generally called "Korean barbecue." may withhold bad news or adverse opinions Thin, tender slices of beef are marinated in or express them in an indirect way." a sauce and cooked over a hot charcoal grill. Family "The family is the foundation of society and Kimch'i: Kimch'i is Korea's staple side dish, is bound by a strong sense of duty and which along with rice, accompanies almost obligation among its members. The father is every meal. It is a salted, pickled vegetable the head of the family; he and the oldest dish, often including cabbage, cucumber or son receive the greatest respect. In the radishes. It is hot and spicy, and often an extended family, the oldest members are acquired taste for foreigners. paid the greatest honor. Although, the nuclear family is now more common, Religion especially in the cities, sons still expect to "Confucianism permeates all aspects of care for their aging parents." Korean society. It encourages such practices as worshipping at shrines and ancestral All information in these sections above tombs. In addition, Confucianism orders (Population, Language, Religion, General 19
Attitudes of Koreans, Family) were taken there, a past participant recommends the from Sims, S. M,; Ralph, L. M.; and Bay, A.T. following sites: (Eds.) (2000). South Korea. 2000 Culturegram. Brigham Young University. The National Folk Museum of Korea (http://www.nfm.go.kr/language/english/ma TRAVEL WHILE ABROAD in.jsp), the only national museum in Korea devoted to the history of traditional life. A In addition to the general travel information must-go place! in your Study Abroad Handbook, you will want to know the following. Coex Mall is one of the fanciest shopping malls, and it has big theaters, restaurants, Field Trips and game places. Ajou University offers a number of field trips to international exchange students. For Another popular shopping area in Seoul is a tentative list of the field trips, please visit Myeongdong Shopping District. It’s the #2 the Ajou website: most tweeted location in the world! https://www.ajou.ac.kr/en/international/inte r22.jsp The Blue House (Korea’s White House) is a beautiful building. Day-pass tours are held Additional Travel every Friday and Saturday. Before or after the program, you may want to take advantage of being in South Korea If you’d like a taste of home/anything and do some traveling. Please note that international, Itaewon is the you should not plan weekend trips and expat/international district of Seoul. You will activities until you arrive in South Korea find most everything in English and the only and receive your schedule, as Ajou may Taco Bell! require activities on the weekend. North Seoul Tower is a communication The Korea National Tourism Organization tower that rises 479.7 meters above sea (KNTO) has a useful website in English at level and has a revolving restaurant and http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto good views of the city! The KNTO also operates a telephone information service in Korea, which can be Korea has been invaded many times and reached by calling 1330 (02-1330 from the War Memorial of Korea is the best place mobile phones) anywhere in the country. to learn about its troubled history, This telephone service has English speakers especially its relationships with its near and is available 24 hours a day. neighbors. Though it calls itself a war memorial, this is really a huge military history museum ($3 admission), with tanks, Sites in Seoul planes and guns on display. Given that the You can get from Ajou University to Seoul peninsula is still technically at war with in about 30 minutes by bus. Once you're 20
North Korea, this place seems very relevant. Take subway line 4 to Samgakji Station. Read more: Seoul: 10 Things to Do - TIME http://content.time.com/time/travel/citygui de/article/0,31489,1848378_1848364_18482 80,00.html#ixzz2oh77hdUx 21
CONTACT NAMES & ADDRESSES GENERAL UW-EAU CLAIRE & CISI CONTACT INFORMATION IS IN YOUR STUDY ABROAD HANDBOOK. Ajou University University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Ms. Gloria Seo Center for International Education Incoming Program Manager Jenna Krosch Tel.: 011-82-31-219-2923 Study Abroad Coordinator incoming@ajou.ac.kr kroschjm@uwec.edu 3 Schofield Hall Office of International Affairs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Yulgok Hall 152 Eau Claire, WI 54702 Ajou University Phone: (715) 836-4411 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-Gu UW-Eau Claire After Hours Numbers Suwon 443-749 (715) 577-9045 Republic of Korea South Korean Consulate in the U.S. Fax: 011-82-31-219-2924 NBC Tower Suite 2700 455 North City Front Plaza Drive Your Mailing Address at Ajou Chicago, IL 60611 Student's Name Phone: (312) 822-9485 Office of International Affairs Fax: (312) 822-9849 Ajou University http://usa- 206 Worldcup-ro chicago.mofa.go.kr/english/am/usa- Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749 chicago/main/index.jsp Republic of Korea U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea Other Resources 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu The U.S. Department of State offers useful Seoul 110-710, Rep. of Korea travel information on the “Travel and Living Phone: 011-82-2-397-4040 Abroad” section of their website: After-Hours Phone: 011-82-2-397-4114 http://www.state.gov/travel/. Check the Fax: 011-82-2-397-4080 “Highlights” section. https://kr.usembassy.gov/embassy- consulate/seoul/ seoulinfo@state.gov 22
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