Stories from Abroad
On a personal level, living in a different cultural environment has taught me to adapt and resilience. Getting to know new social norms and overcoming language barriers has made me more open and empathetic.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
Preparing for the internship in Mongolia had its challenges. Securing a visa, arranging accommodation, and understanding local healthcare options required a lot of effort. Language preparation was another hurdle, as I had to learn basic Mongolian phrases, and adapting to different academic expectations was initially daunting.
Recommendations for Future Participants: Start preparations early to handle logistics smoothly. Learn basic phrases in the local language to ease communication. Research the academic environment to better adapt to new teaching methods. Stay flexible and open-minded to navigate unexpected challenges. Connect with others who have experience with the program for valuable insights.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Obtaining a visa for the internship in Mongolia was a detailed process that required careful planning. First, I had to gather all the necessary documents, including an invitation letter from the host university, proof of accommodation, and a valid passport. I then submitted these documents to the Mongolian embassy, along with a completed application form and a visa fee. The processing time took a few weeks, so it was essential to start this process well in advance. I also made sure to check for any specific requirements or updates on the embassy's website regularly.
Advice for Future Participants:Start Early: Begin the visa application process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
Gather Documents: Ensure you have all required documents, such as an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and passport.
Check Requirements: Regularly check the embassy’s website for updates or additional requirements.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Upon arriving at the host university in Mongolia, I faced a few challenges. The first was adapting to a new environment, including navigating the campus and the city. Language barriers made communication difficult at times, especially when dealing with administrative tasks or asking for directions. Additionally, understanding the local academic expectations and adjusting to different teaching styles took some time. Advice for Future Participants: Take time to explore the campus and city to get comfortable with your surroundings. Ask for Help. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local students or staff—they’re often eager to help. Embrace the differences in academic and cultural practices; it’s part of the learning experience.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
Visa Costs: The visa application fee was around $50.
Railway/Travel Costs: Round-trip to Mongolia cost approximately $300.
Insurance/Medical Services: Health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship was about $150.
Public Transport: Monthly transportation within Ulaanbaatar cost around $30.
Meals: I spent about $200 per month on food.
Accommodation: Renting a dorm near the university cost $40 per month
Internships offer opportunities to connect with professionals in the industry, which can be invaluable for future job searches and career advancement.
Achievable Results:
Project Contributions: Many students contribute to specific projects, which lead to tangible outcomes, such as improved processes or completed assignments.
Increased Confidence: Successfully navigating real-world tasks can boost confidence in one's abilities and readiness for full-time employment.
Resume Enhancement: Completing an internship often strengthens a resume, showcasing practical experience and initiative to future employers.
Impact on Academic and Personal Terms:
Exposure to real-world applications can deepen understanding of academic theories, often inspiring me to excel in relevant coursework.
Internships help me clarify career goals, leading a focus on specific areas of interest.
Internships challenge individuals to step out of their comfort zones, fostering independence, responsibility, and adaptability.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
Tips and Recommendations
Start Early: Begin your preparations as early as possible to allow ample time for each step, including applications, negotiations, and securing the necessary documents.
Stay Organized: Create a checklist of tasks that need to be completed and set deadlines to help manage your time effectively.
Seek Guidance: Utilize resources like your academic advisor or program coordinator for assistance with the application process and to clarify doubts about the program.
Research: Spend time researching your host country and organization. Understanding the cultural context and work environment can help you adapt more easily once you arrive.
Budget Wisely: Create a detailed budget that includes estimated costs for travel, accommodation, groceries, and leisure activities. Look for scholarships or financial aid that may be available to you.
Network: Connect with past participants of the program or alumni who can share their experiences and provide tips on preparing for the internship.
Be Open-Minded: Approach cultural differences and new experiences with an open mind. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Practice Language Skills: If applicable, practice the language of the host country before you go, even if just at a basic level. This can ease communication and help with social interactions.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
To obtain a study visa for South Korea, you will need to follow these steps:
1. **Acceptance fr om a Korean University**: First, you need to be accepted into a Korean university. You will receive an acceptance letter, which is crucial for your visa application.
2. **Prepare Required Documents**: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application. These typically include:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Acceptance letter from the Korean university
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements.)
- Visa application fee
3. **Submit Application**: You need to make an appointment in advance.
4. **Wait for Processing**: Visa processing times can vary, so it's important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Processing can take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks.
5. **Receive Your Visa**: Once your visa is approved, you will receive it in your passport. Make sure to check the visa details for accuracy.
To obtain a study visa for South Korea, you will need to follow these steps:
**Advice for Future Participants of the Academic Mobility Program**:
1. **Plan Ahead**: Start your application process early to avoid any last-minute issues. Ensure all your documents are in order and meet the requirements.
2. **Financial Preparation**: Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, and other costs. Look into scholarships and financial aid options.
3. **Learn the Language**: While many courses are offered in English, learning some basic Korean can greatly enhance your experience and help you navigate daily life.
4. **Cultural Awareness**: Familiarize yourself with Korean culture and customs. This will help you adjust more easily and show respect for your host country.
5. **Stay Organized**: Keep copies of all your important documents and correspondence. This will help you stay on top of your application status and any additional requirements.
6. **Health Insurance**: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your stay in Korea. Some universities may offer health insurance plans for international students.
7. **Connect with Other Students**: Join online forums or social media groups for international students in Korea. This can provide valuable support and information from those who have already gone through the process.
By following these steps and tips, you can successfully obtain your study visa and have a rewarding experience in South Korea. Good luck!
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.This internship is not my first, and thanks to our university, I have entered the academic exchange program for the second time. I have experience staying in South Korea, so I had no difficulties this time around. If you are not based in Seoul, I would recommend learning some basic Korean to help you communicate with locals (for example, ordering a taxi, booking a restaurant, and ordering food).
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
Visa costs range from $80 to 7,000 rubles. A one-way flight costs 25 to 32,000 rubles, while public transport from the airport to university costs 2,000 rubles for 2.5 hours. To get to Seoul using the subway, you will need to pay 250 rubles per trip for two hours. Foreigner's cards (ID cards) cost 30,000 won and take one month to produce. When shopping, save receipts to apply for TaxFree at Incheon International Airport and receive a refund. Mandatory Korean insurance for foreigners becomes valid after six months of stay, but your host organization can connect you to it immediately. Insurance costs 75,000 won or 5,000 rubles. If you don't have insurance during your stay, I recommend having a full examination at a Korean clinic after your stay. At the university wh ere I did my internship, I wouldn't recommend eating at the cafeteria. The food isn't very tasty and, as we're foreign students, we won't be able to choose between spicy or non-spicy options.However, there are some good and inexpensive cafes located just 100 meters away from the university. These cafes offer a variety of delicious dishes. The cost of meals at these cafes and at the university is approximately 5,000 won.
The cost of accommodation in the hostel is 720,000 won for 4 months. You will be accommodated in dormitories designed for foreign students. Although these dormitories are older, if you have the opportunity, I would recommend considering staying in a Korean dormitories (BLT) instead. These dormitories are completely new and offer clean rooms, gyms, convenience stores, and a nearby cafe. They are also close to the Institute of Economics and the Korean Language Institute.
I had an unforgettable experience and impressions. I was able to study Korean architecture, both traditional and modern, and immerse myself in the other culture. I learnt about how people interact with each other in an organised way. I became more flexible and adaptable thanks to the experience of living in another country. And the internship helped me to increase my practical skills and theoretical knowledge in my specialty.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
The most confusing and time-consuming was getting an apostille for the certificate that I am a university student, so I advise you to allocate a sufficient amount of time for this and do not procrastinate with the submission of documents.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
I filled out a visa application, which can be found on the website of the Korean Consulate in Irkutsk. There you can also find a list of required documents. The process of obtaining a visa did not cause any difficulties, except for the waiting time, so you should also submit the documents in advance and not procrastinate. If you have any questions, you can find out the details at the consulate itself by phone.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
In my case, I had to get from the airport to the university by myself. Therefore, if you need to get there yourself, I would advise you to find out all the details about the journey in advance or to pay extra for a taxi. Otherwise, we had an excellent tutor who helped us with adaptation and paperwork. You should also take cash with you to pay for your hostel accommodation and to live for the first two weeks until you get your foreigner registration card. You will not be able to get a Korean bank card without it.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
If we talk about expenses in Korea itself: the road from Gimhae international airport to the Changwon National University in Changwon city - 50 000 won; every six months we had a fluorography - with insurance about 16 000 won; monthly payment of insurance - 75 000 won and cellular communication - 52 000; for free travel on public transport in the beginning I advise you to buy a Tmoney card in a convenience store GS24 and top it up there in the shop at the cash desk. You need to ask the cashier to put cash on the card. The card also worked in the subways of Seoul and Busan.
A doctor's appointment without additional procedures with insurance cost 5,000 won on average, physiotherapy about 15,000 won. Due to sanctions, flying to Korea wastes a lot of time and money. I spent 2 days and about 65,000 rubles on the return journey.
The impressions are positive, new acquaintances, moreover, in other languages is a very valuable experience. I believe that my English level has improved, and I also continued to study Chinese at the host university. I think this internship has shown me new ways of learning, and interesting solutions for working on projects in the future.
What difficulties did you have during the preparation stages for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
Difficulties were with the correctness of filling out the papers for applying to the university. I advise you to make a clear list of the necessary documents.
Describe the visa application process. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Obtaining a visa was very easy, the main thing is to have the entire package of documents that are filled out correctly and meet the requirements presented on the embassy's website.
What difficulties did you have upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
The financial issue is one of the most pressing when traveling to China. He should be one of the first to be dealt with. Also, in the cold seasons it is very easy to get sick here, you can buy herbal medicines on campus, something more serious is available only by prescription, depending on your immunity, take medicines for 1-2 cycles of the disease
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees/ taxes/ deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your recommendations for cutting costs.
The visa is 2,500 rubles.
Round-trip flight – 25,000 rubles. Train to the destination city (round trip) - 17,000 rubles.
Medical insurance and contributions – 2,140 yuan (1,000 of which is a deposit for the hostel)
The dormitory is 1,500 yuan per a month
Meals (on campus) – from 40 yuan per day
Travel – 2 yuan (bus); 4 yuan (metro).
Cellular connection – 100 yuan for 4 months (45-50 GB)
The recommendations: make a SIM card as soon as possible and buy what you need in online stores.
My impressions of my internship at Shanghai University are extremely positive. During this time I learnt both spoken and written Chinese, deepened my knowledge of cross-cultural communication and gained valuable experience of living in an Eastern country. It has greatly improved my understanding of the culture and mentality of people in Eastern countries. By attending classes, I was able to look at education and learning from a different perspective, which broadened my horizons and promoted independence. In the curriculum, I have successfully studied Chinese language, Chinese history, cross-cultural management, scientific English and project activities.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
I had problems with the hostel: there was no information about its availability for a long time. I advise you to find out in advance about the availability of places in the hostel and eviction deadlines.
The processing times vary greatly, so I advise you to start the process well in advance, as sometimes it can take several weeks to check your documents.
Make sure you have health insurance, otherwise you will not be accepted.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
First you need to register on the website, submit documents and wait for approval. It is better to do it in advance.
After that, the university will send you an Admission notice and links to the Chinese visa website. Following the instructions, you need to download and fill out the required document format for your visa.
Then, together with your passport, completed visa document and Admission notice you need to go to the Chinese Consulate to obtain your visa. There you will also need to pay for your visa (usually payment is made at the nearest bank whose address you will be given), so it is recommended to have cash with you.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Culture shock may occur in the first few days. It is recommended to prepare yourself mentally for this. It is also helpful to know at least a little Chinese, as even in Shanghai many people do not understand English, which can cause some difficulties.
Shanghai University will assign you a student supervisor and a faculty supervisor who speak English and can help you with the paperwork. In case of questions, you should contact them.
Many social networks do not work in China, so it is worth preparing for this in advance.
In major cities in China, almost no one uses cash or physical bank cards. Alipay and WeChat are used everywhere, to which you can link a bank card (Russian cards will not work).
Many Russian bank cards do not work in China, even with the UnionPay system. It is recommended to check which cards are accepted in China and make several cards from different Russian banks, as they can be blocked at any time. Keep in mind that the maximum allowed cash currency when entering China without declaration is 20,000 RMB.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
The cost of the visa was about 4,000 RUR, insurance was about 4,000 RUR, the flight to Beijing was about 20,000 RUR, and the flight from Beijing to Shanghai was about 6,000 RUR (using Alipay).
Accommodation, not including meals, depends on the type of room, but averages about 40 RMB per day. One meal in a cafe costs about 23 yuan. To save money, it is better to choose a quadruple room and cook by yourself, buying only groceries.
The underground fare depends on the distance, averaging about 5 yuan. Given the size of Shanghai, the underground will be the main way of travelling. A bus fare costs about 3 yuan, and buses are mostly used for short journeys. Taxis in Shanghai are expensive, with a minimum fare of 70 yuan and an average of 100 yuan. It is recommended to use taxis only in case of emergency and on arrival/departure.
