INRTU students participated in the summer language program at Kangwon National University (Republic of Korea)

Evgenia Turuntseva, Egor Zykov and Bogdan Sarikiakhov participated in summer language program of Kangwon National University (Chuncheon, Republic of Korea).

Egor Zykov, a 3rd year student of the School of Aircraft Construction, Mechanical Engineering and Transport, began his acquaintance with a foreign university in January 2024. Then the student together with 111 participants fr om other countries took a free online language program. The main conditions for participation were the mastery of English not lower than B1 and an interview with a representative of KNU. Egor learned Hangul (Korean alphabet) and, in order to expand his vocabulary, applied for a summer full-time intensive from Kangwon National University. Participation in the January training was an advantage in the selection process. After writing a motivation letter, the student was included in the list of 28 people who received an invitation to Korea.

The duration of classes at the full-time school was 2.5 hours with two breaks of 10 minutes each. A spacious and comfortable classroom was prepared for foreign students. In the room there were individual workstations, large interactive screens, one of which is intended for the lecturer.

“Prof. Shin Mi-young worked with us. She is a professional linguist and an attentive teacher. In addition to Korean and English, Shin Mi-young speaks Chinese, a little Russian, Japanese and French. She knows how to convey the material to listeners from different countries, for which she uses abstract concepts and gestures.

Lessons were conducted in a logical order, from the alphabet to the tones of the Korean language. We worked with worksheets and exercises, practiced dialogues. At the end of the lessons we repeated the material, Shin Mi-young did not reprimand us for mistakes, on the contrary, she tried to explain the rules that caused difficulties.

I liked the internship, so I am considering Kangwon National University for an exchange program and a master's degree,” said Egor Zykov.

Two-week stay in Korea was remembered by the student as a time of acquaintances and business communication.

“Back during the winter program I met a girl from China, in the summer I met her in person. It was nice to see a Russian-speaking student from Kazakhstan in the group. I also managed to communicate with the staff of KNU, for example, with a teacher who 20 years ago studied at Irkutsk State University. We exchanged contacts and told each other about our research projects,” Egor Zykov added.

According to the student, the Kangwon National University campus has its own learning culture. Two libraries are open to the public, and all students and staff can borrow paper books without restrictions. Classes are held in the morning so that students have time for homework, hobbies and recreation. The student kitchen is not open during the summer, but there are self-service convenience stores on campus.

KNU provides international students with double rooms with everything they need, including lockers, computer desks, and air conditioning. Students can enter the rooms with a key card.

In his free time Egor Zykov attended taekwondo lessons, ceramics painting, tea ceremonies, museums and temples, such as Naksansa temple, and traveled around Korea. Having independently studied the peculiarities of Korean culture and mentality, the Irkutsk student identified the pros and cons of living in the country.

“The Republic of Korea has a well-developed transportation system, you can travel the whole country in four hours, paying 2000 in rubles. Cities are connected by high-speed trains and subway branches, buses run on short routes. After leaving public transportation you can change to the next bus within half an hour with free travel for the rest of the day. Cabs are cheap in the country, allowing you to get to the most remote and specific places. I liked the city of Chuncheon, which is wh ere the university campus is located. It is a quiet and very beautiful city, attractive for permanent residence. If you follow a healthy lifestyle, you will have to make an effort to find fruits and vegetables in local stores. Usually people use delivery for this. Korea is a country of umbrellas and air conditioners, so you need to prepare for very hot and humid weather in the summer. Clothes should be light, loose, an umbrella with a black lining to protect you from the scorching sun,” Egor Zykov shared his impressions.

You can read more about expenses and Egor Zykov's advice to those who are just going to visit the Republic of Korea in the special section on the INRTU website.

BACKGROUND:

Kangwon National University is one of the 10 flagship universities of the Republic of Korea, founded in 1947. It is a multidisciplinary educational institution.