Study Abroad - SPRING 2019 SOUTH KOREA - UW-Eau Claire
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN EAU CLAIRE
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Study Abroad
SOUTH KOREA
SPRING 2019
Program GuideTABLE 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 ............................................ 15Housing .......................................................... 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.
12) 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.
2GENERAL 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.
3For 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.
4Students 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
MONEY MATTERS
any way possible. Unlike professors at UW-
Eau Claire, they do not hold regular office
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
5Personal 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
6Please 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
HEALTH AND SAFETY
visit UW-Eau Claire's Student Health
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.
7fever 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
8International 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.
9Safety 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
10arise. 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
11you 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
12very 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
13designated 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:
14Activities 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
15the 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
MEALS
Snail mail between the U.S. and South
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
16Office 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
18dishes. 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
19Attitudes 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/home/index.do), the
TRAVEL WHILE ABROAD
only national museum in Korea devoted to
the history of traditional life. A must-go
In addition to the general travel information 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
20North 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
21CONTACT 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
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