Why Chung-Ang University?
First of all, Chung- Ang University is a partner with my home university - Kaunas University of Technology. Also, the communication with the staff of the university was very efficient regarding the concerns about life on the campus, dormitory, life in Seoul and Korea in general. Which helped in terms of choosing a university for upcoming exchange studies.
Also, it highlights enormous goals regarding its future in the worldwide market: "Chung-Ang University (CAU) is now aiming at becoming a prestigious global university by the year 2030 based on its proven leadership in Korea. To achieve the vision, it has already set an innovative pace in internationalizing its campus. Chung-Ang University (CAU) is widely recognized as the center of the "Korean culture wave" inside and outside Asia. Its unique strength of international programs comes not only from its wide spectrum of excellent academic curriculum but also from the diverse culture-related educational programs which are ranked as the best in Korea. Chung-Ang University (CAU) will be continuously devoted to open a new horizon and set a global standard in education to foster global leaders of the future as a rising global education hub." It showed the enthusiasm of the community to be well known in a worldwide academic environment. More about Chung-Ang University and their vision towards education you can find here.
Seoul - the capital of the never-ending movement
Perhaps, I wouldn't have wanted to experience my first exchange period in such a city, where the city never sleeps. This is especially efficient for those, who like to explore the nightlife. From bar areas to modern art galleries, from karaoke bars to K-Pop concerts or street performers, musicians. It's up to you, what you prefer to see, do, and explore - Seoul can suggest you, perhaps, everything. Convenience stores work 24/7, so it's ideal for late-night food cravings, which was a way too commonly visited place during my stay (oops). Also, clubs, (karaoke) bars work almost 24/7. And those captivating city lights on the streets that you might usually see on the Internet, it's almost in every street or district. Just the perfect place for students.
Campus
The campus is located in Dongjak district, from where it is very convenient to reach Gangnam - the luxurious area of Seoul, Hongdae, Itaewon, and other well-known areas by the locals.
The campus itself is considerably new as it has modern faculties, one of them containing 17 floors, including 5 basements (where you can find convenience stores, post office, cafes, ATMs, a fast food restaurant Chung-Ang Burger), Chung-Ang Hospital, and other older constructions. Did I mention that there was a building where you could get your make-up or hair done? Yes, you've read that correctly. Perhaps, every girl's dream. Chung-Ang has a little building called Green Lounge where various products from moisturizers and primers to nail polishes. Also, there were hair straighteners and curlers. And you could use them all for free! Very efficient for the night out.
Perhaps, the main symbol of the campus is the Dragon pond. It is literally a pond in the middle of the campus, which has the main symbol of the university - blue dragon. Why this spot is so special? Well, the university has a tradition to make a student, who has a birthday on a certain day, to take a swim. It's very funny to watch it from the side until you have to try it yourself. I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday during my exchange period in Chung-Ang, therefore I knew, I had to try it as well. It wasn't that bad as I expected because it was already warm and didn't need to jump into cold water but after that, I really felt like Shrek who had just gotten out of his area.
Perhaps, the main symbol of the campus is the Dragon pond. It is literally a pond in the middle of the campus, which has the main symbol of the university - blue dragon. Why this spot is so special? Well, the university has a tradition to make a student, who has a birthday on a certain day, to take a swim. It's very funny to watch it from the side until you have to try it yourself. I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday during my exchange period in Chung-Ang, therefore I knew, I had to try it as well. It wasn't that bad as I expected because it was already warm and didn't need to jump into cold water but after that, I really felt like Shrek who had just gotten out of his area.
But the main disadvantage of the campus was that it was located on the mountain, so it was so frustrating to come back from the city to the campus, but especially the dormitory, which was the highest point of the campus. You can imagine, how fun it was to go up there with the heave suitcases full of clothes and essential belongings. It was THE exercise. But hey, at least it makes you toned.
The dormitory was a considerably new, two-bed room with a toilet and shower room. A shared area on each floor which included a fridge and ironing area. Our dormitory also had a cozy cafe, cafeteria (where you can eat using meal plan), study room, lounge (for group projects and chit-chats with friends), a convenience store for quick snacks. Ohhh, and the park nearby! During the cherry blossom season, it was hard not to go through there at least a couple of times a week.
But the main problem of the penalty program, which didn't let the students come to the dormitory from 1am until 5am. That means if you accidentally partied a bit too long, you'll have to search for a place to stay for a few hours (McDonald's on the campus was a life savior). It also had various restrictions and if you do not follow them, you might collect penalty points and that can end up being kicked out of the dormitory. Seems a bit harsh? Well, it actually isn't that bad. The penalty points don't get collected that easily and, as at any place, (even if sometimes you don't want to) it is essential to follow the rules and to not cause any issues for the local workers.
But the main problem of the penalty program, which didn't let the students come to the dormitory from 1am until 5am. That means if you accidentally partied a bit too long, you'll have to search for a place to stay for a few hours (McDonald's on the campus was a life savior). It also had various restrictions and if you do not follow them, you might collect penalty points and that can end up being kicked out of the dormitory. Seems a bit harsh? Well, it actually isn't that bad. The penalty points don't get collected that easily and, as at any place, (even if sometimes you don't want to) it is essential to follow the rules and to not cause any issues for the local workers.
Difficulties in Chung-Ang
As many exchange students expect others to speak mostly English on the campus, that is one of the misconceptions that students have. Even though Korean students know English pretty well, they are not comfortable in speaking another language. The learning was based on theoretical knowledge which was uncommon. It wasn't easy to find local friends, as most Koreans are pretty shy when it comes to communication in English. Also, most of the signs, posters on campus, faculties, and dormitories were mainly in Korean, so it was a bit difficult to catch up with what was going around you.
Even though it wasn't easy to find friends and get out of the comfort zone, there were a lot of super friendly and humble exchange students from various parts of the world, and we've got to skim numerous areas of Seoul together. And how I could've forgotten Nicole and Minchae, my classmates, who were the sweetest souls and helped me a lot during the lectures and my days in Seoul.
Even though there was a language barrier, it was easier to know the alphabet of Korean and the basic phrases. It really helps when you want to order something in a restaurant, as mostly everything is written in Korean. Or just getting acquainted with new areas, signs, bus stops, metro stations. So, I would highly suggest spending some time learning at least the basics of the language. It doesn't matter if there are some mistakes in pronunciation or grammar, your effort will be highly appreciated and encouraged by the locals.
Even though there was a language barrier, it was easier to know the alphabet of Korean and the basic phrases. It really helps when you want to order something in a restaurant, as mostly everything is written in Korean. Or just getting acquainted with new areas, signs, bus stops, metro stations. So, I would highly suggest spending some time learning at least the basics of the language. It doesn't matter if there are some mistakes in pronunciation or grammar, your effort will be highly appreciated and encouraged by the locals.
Spring festival
As a tradition to celebrate a university's birthday, this year was Chung-Ang's 101st celebration. And the name of the festival was LuCAUs. It also incorporated a slogan: Wonderful CAU, which according to pronunciation would also transmit a message One The Full CAU. This signifies the period of the university's birthday celebration, which happens to be during the full moon, therefore, we were surprised by the originality and creativity of the organizers. During the festival, there are numerous events like fairs, where you can win prizes if you perform well in certain competitions, also the evenings of performances of super talented university students. And the festival was closed with a two-day concert. But if you wanted to get the tickets for the best places, you had to stand in an enormous line in an unbearable heat (it was also the same for free exclusive T-shirts). We waited for, I believe, a half an hour, and we've got the places not in right in front of the stage, but still a great area for a concert. The concert included DPR Live, Red Velvet, Hyolyn, and other well-known artists. It was super fun, even though the majority of students preferred filming. The second day presented different artists, and the viewers got custom exclusive light sticks, which made the evening even more magical in the light of the full moon.
However, not only in Chung-Ang you can enjoy the spring festival. Almost every university has an annual celebration of their birthdays which include many famous Korean artists and groups, such as PSY, Mamamoo, Red Velvet, iKON, and others.
To conclude, Chung-Ang University gave an amazing opportunity to enjoy and explore Korean culture despite the difficulties that came during the adaption period. During my exchange, I felt that there wouldn't be a better place for the experience of studying abroad. Such a variety of activities, places to see and opportunities to take. I am more than grateful to the people I've met, the delicious food I've tasted and the beautiful places I've seen. If you're looking for a place where you can learn a lot and also enjoy adventures in Seoul, Chung-Ang is the best place to be, especially for the exchange period. More about Chung-Ang and useful tips for exchange students you can find in the guide CAU Exchange Blog. And more about CKEP (CAU Exploration Program) and other programs provided by Chung-Ang you will find out in the upcoming posts, so, keep an eye on Beyond The Flatlands!
P.S. I am so sorry this post came out considerably late as there was lots of university work that kept me captured. Otherwise, I hope you found this post interesting and useful. Write a comment on what do you think or share your experience in Chung-Ang with me. See you in other posts!
Photos from https://fmskorea14.weebly.com/articles/chung-ang-university-cau https://newsbeezer.com/ and Beyond The Flatlands personal archive.
To conclude, Chung-Ang University gave an amazing opportunity to enjoy and explore Korean culture despite the difficulties that came during the adaption period. During my exchange, I felt that there wouldn't be a better place for the experience of studying abroad. Such a variety of activities, places to see and opportunities to take. I am more than grateful to the people I've met, the delicious food I've tasted and the beautiful places I've seen. If you're looking for a place where you can learn a lot and also enjoy adventures in Seoul, Chung-Ang is the best place to be, especially for the exchange period. More about Chung-Ang and useful tips for exchange students you can find in the guide CAU Exchange Blog. And more about CKEP (CAU Exploration Program) and other programs provided by Chung-Ang you will find out in the upcoming posts, so, keep an eye on Beyond The Flatlands!
P.S. I am so sorry this post came out considerably late as there was lots of university work that kept me captured. Otherwise, I hope you found this post interesting and useful. Write a comment on what do you think or share your experience in Chung-Ang with me. See you in other posts!
Photos from https://fmskorea14.weebly.com/articles/chung-ang-university-cau https://newsbeezer.com/ and Beyond The Flatlands personal archive.
