Balamurugan Priyadhakshini
Lady Doak College, India
2024 Fall Semester

I am Priyadhakshini B from Lady Doak College, Madurai. I was selected for the ACUCA SMS Student Exchange Program for the year 2024, which gave me an incredible opportunity to be an exchange student at Keimyung University, South Korea. I reached Korea on 13th September 2024 for the fall semester, and I instantly fell in love with the country and my host university. 

From the very first day, I was in awe of how expansive and sophisticated the campus was. The university was well-equipped with modern facilities that made it a perfect environment for learning. During my time there, I took four courses: Korean Language Practice, Advanced English Conversation, Advanced English Writing, and Worship and Praise, totaling 11 credits. 

The fall semester was filled with exciting events. One of the highlights was the University Festival Week, which took place from 23rd to 27th September. The festival featured food stalls offering cuisines from all over the world, traditional Korean craft stalls and mini concerts, including performances by K-pop idols like LIGHTSUM, Kim Seung-min, CAMO, Woody, and Bang Yedam. 

On 2nd October 2024, the International Affairs Team organized an excursion to Gyeongju for all exchange students. We visited significant cultural sites such as Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb, and Hwangnidangil Road. For lunch, we enjoyed Bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. Halloween was celebrated in the International Lounge on 30th October, where I had the chance to enjoy some festive activities. On 6th November, as part of my Worship and Praise class, I attended a Thanksgiving service. 

In October, I applied for the Cross-Cultural Awareness Program (CCAP) and was selected for an amazing opportunity to visit a Korean school. On 11th November, I had the privilege of visiting Haksan Middle School in Daegu (학산중학교), where I shared aspects of Indian culture, including language, cuisine, festivals, clothing and interesting cultural practices. 

On 20th November, I attended a special Human Rights lecture by North Korean defectors, where I heard their tragic stories of escaping North Korea and the struggles they faced. Their experiences were both eye-opening and deeply moving. 

Through my Korean language class, I was able to immerse myself in Korean culture by wearing the traditional Hanbok dress and participating in games such as Yutnori and Gonggi at the traditional Korean village, Hanhak-chon, located in the heart of Keimyung University. 

My time in Korea was made even more special by the international friendships I forged, connecting with students from various countries. I had the chance to explore South Korea on my own, visiting cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Pohang. Each city offered its own charm, from the vibrant energy of Seoul to the coastal beauty of Busan and the peaceful atmosphere of Pohang, all of which made my time in Korea truly unforgettable. 

In the end, I completed my midterms and finals, achieving a distinction with a 4.5 GPA. On December 20th, we gathered for a farewell party to mark the end of the semester. The evening was a beautiful reminder of the friendships we’ve formed and the experiences that have shaped us, knowing that this chapter will always hold a special place in our hearts. I returned to India on 30th December 2024, filled with gratitude for the wonderful experience. I thank God Almighty for blessing me with a safe journey and for guiding me every step of the way. I am deeply thankful to Lady Doak College, the International Study Centre, the ACUCA organization, and Keimyung University for providing me with this amazing opportunity to study in my dream country, South Korea.