Q1. Please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Chi Pham, and I am a 23-year-old exchange student from Norway. My home university is the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and I am a senior currently majoring in Business Administration at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU).
Q2. Why did you choose Korea and SKKU?
Before choosing what country to study in, I was stuck between Korea and Japan because I wanted to travel to Asia. Then, I decided to travel to Korea mainly because of the familiarity I had with its culture. Back in middle school and high school, I listened to K-pop artists like Big Bang and watched a lot of K-dramas. I also read Korean webtoons and enjoyed traditional cuisine like Japchae. I chose this university because SKKU had many relevant subjects that correspond with my major. Delving deeper into the university’s rich historical heritage and ingrained values, I grew to respect and love SKKU even more.
Q3. How is your life at SKKU?
My life at SKKU is delightful. Besides attending lectures and doing assignments, I usually spend the rest of my day exploring Seoul with my friends and roommates. The university further enriches my experience by hosting an array of various festivals and events for international students. Through HI-CLUB, a student organization that provides help and information for international Kingos, I have tried wearing Hanbok, tasted traditional Korean desserts, and enjoyed fried chicken. I also had a marvelous time making Kimchi and riding rollercoasters at Everland Theme Park! I will be looking back at these memories with fondness after I return home to Norway and feel relieved that I chose SKKU as my exchange university.
Q4. What growth do you want to achieve at SKKU?
Academically speaking, I would like to deepen my knowledge within the field of marketing by introducing myself to the Asian — more specifically Korean — perspective in the study of business. In terms of personal growth, I want to broaden my insight into Korean culture. Also, I would like to grow more as a person and see how far I can push myself in a foreign country compared to when I was back home.