When I entered University, I was always craving for great opportunities that are given to me as a university student. That is also the reason why I joined L.L.F. I wanted to make unforgettable memories with my peer reporters and motivate myself to become better in my field. Then I saw the notice on the school website of this foreign exchange program going to the United States for two semesters. I thought it would be a big turning point of my student life and help me gain a much broader perspective of the world. Prior to making up my mind, I asked my senior students who’ve been to the school that I wanted to apply for helpful advice. Now, I want to share my unforgettable experience with you and give helpful tips or advice to students who are interested in applying for this program.

I was in the moment of considering what things I could learn in the United States for almost a year as an exchange student. I thought it was important to set a specific goal that you want to achieve during this program. My significant goals were to improve my English skills, to achieve my dream, and have precious experiences that I could never forget. I strongly wanted to become more professional when using English and gain better speaking ability. Furthermore, I was fascinated looking forward to making new friends listening to professor’s lectures in English, and travelling. As you prepare your mind for the new experience, I hope you make a list of goals that you want to achieve during the trip. When you stay in a foreign country as an exchange student, sometimes you may feel you are in a stump and feel unmotivated to do things actively. When you feel those kind of negative feelings when you’re in a foreign country, you should think of your goals that you set before you went there.

This foreign exchange program offers an opportunity of studying abroad on condition of providing accommodation, tuition fees of foreign school for one or two semesters while they get a full semester approval and credit exchange. But you should not forget to enroll at the main school. Students could get a chance to study at a foreign school with a major related to his or her major at Daegu University.

To begin with, let’s talk about the preparation prior to the trip. To take regular classes in the United States, you need to have a certain proficiency of speaking, and listening ability to adapt. I took the TOEFL test two times to achieve my score. I had felt big pressure taking the test since the cost of taking the test was quite expensive, but I tried my beest to reach a good score. The reason why you take this TOEFL test is to make sure that the student is able to take classes in a foreign country and prepare for the real-life conversation. If you want to be dispatched as an exchange student like me, I strongly suggest you to prepare yourself by studying TOEFL listening which is composed of university lectures and real life conversations or other sections that you consider you need to put more effort in.

It is important to open up your mind toward new things you encounter and always be aware of your objectives. Plan to walk forward. The nine months that I spent in Murray State University was a grateful time for me that let me learn in many ways. I will never forget the precious memories I had with my friends in the US.

L.L.F reporter Da-Won Ryu