From Singapore to Seoul: An NUS student’s transformative semester at Korea University

Name: Yunci Ho 
Faculty: NUS Business School 
Host Country/University: South Korea, Korea University 

What was your first week like in South Korea?

My first week in Korea was a mix of excitement and adjustment. As it was my first time in the country, I was grateful to have my mum with me for the first few days. Saying goodbye to her was when it truly sank in that I would be living on my own in a completely unfamiliar place for the next few months.

Suddenly, even the simplest tasks felt daunting — from getting a SIM card and navigating the university shuttle bus to using local taxi and food delivery apps, and even finding my way around the dormitory.

What made the biggest difference was the kindness of people around me. My international roommate patiently helped me settle in and even lent me toiletries because I had arrived without them. A local ahjumma (Korean for “middle-aged woman”) also introduced me to hidden eateries known among the locals I would never have discovered on my own. These small acts of kindness stayed with me, reminding me that even in unfamiliar places, people can quietly make a place feel like home.

Why did you choose South Korea and Korea University for your exchange?

I chose Korea University for three reasons: cultural experience, academic fit, and accommodation.

First, Seoul offers a unique blend of modern city life and deep-rooted traditions, making everyday life both dynamic and enriching.

Secondly, as a Human Resource major, I was curious about how Korea's emphasis on hyo (filial piety) shapes leadership, teamwork and organisational culture. Exploring these ideas gave me a deeper appreciation of collective and respectful leadership styles.

Finally, secure student accommodation was important in helping me transition smoothly into a new environment. Overall, Korea University offered the right balance of cultural immersion, academic relevance and practical support.

What are some of your key learning experiences during your exchange?

One of my biggest takeaways from SEP is that growth often comes from uncertainty, rather than certainty.

Before going on exchange, I viewed learning as something structured, with clear plans, goals and outcomes. Living in a new environment challenged that mindset. I had to adapt to unfamiliar systems, navigate language and cultural differences, and make decisions without always having all the answers.

Through these experiences, I realised that learning is not only intellectual but also deeply personal. It is about how you respond to uncertainty — whether you retreat into your comfort zone or choose to embrace the unfamiliar. Over time, I became more comfortable with not having everything figured out and developed greater confidence in trusting my own judgement.

What are some of your fondest memories?

One of my fondest memories was hiking a challenging mountain with an experienced friend. The terrain was demanding, and the winter air made it even tougher, turning the experience into as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

There was also a humorous — but slightly stressful — moment when a bee hovered near me at the edge of a cliff, forcing me to stay calm and move carefully. Looking back, it is one of those stories that still makes me laugh.

Beyond that, snowboarding for the first time was such a memorable experience. I struggled at the start (and fell more times than I could count), but slowly getting the hang of it and making it down the slopes was incredibly rewarding. It was something completely new to me and made my exchange feel even more adventurous and unforgettable.

What did you learn from interacting with students from different cultures?

Interacting with students from different cultures taught me that perspectives are deeply shaped by our upbringing, values and communication styles.

Through group projects and everyday conversations, I encountered different approaches to teamwork, decision-making and even expressing opinions. These experiences taught me to listen more intentionally, clarify assumptions and communicate more thoughtfully.

Most importantly, I came to appreciate the importance of humility. There is no single “correct” way of thinking or working. Effective collaboration comes from adapting, finding common ground and respecting differences. These experiences strengthened my ability to work in diverse teams and made me more open to perspectives that differ from my own.

Any tips for NUS students interested in going on exchange?

My advice is simple: prepare well before you go, then embrace the unexpected once you arrive.

From your first semester at NUS, develop a rough study plan. It will help you stay on track academically and identify which modules are best suited for exchange. Making good use of the Pass/Fail system can also ease academic pressure, giving you more freedom to immerse yourself in new experiences without constantly worrying about grades.

Once you are there, don’t limit yourself to what feels familiar. Talk to new people, join activities and say yes to opportunities — even if they feel slightly uncomfortable at first. Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you least expect them.

SEP is most rewarding when you strike a balance between preparation and openness: be organised enough to feel secure, but curious enough to grow beyond your comfort zone.

After returning to NUS, I continued supporting exchange initiatives by sharing my experiences with prospective exchangers at events such as the Go Global Fair. I was honoured to receive the Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award, but what meant even more to me was the opportunity to give back to the exchange community that had shaped my own journey.