On August 30, 2017, Ajou University’s exchange students had an Orientation and Welcoming Party. This event was held in Yulgok Hall and about 170 exchange students participated. They received information about Ajou and had time to get know each other. After briefing, the exchange students had time for a campus tour with some Ajou Global Ambassador (AGA) students. They visited many buildings, including the Library, Dasan Hall, and Seongho Hall. Because the AGA students gave them a lot of information about what they would really need at university, it was a chance to acquire real life knowledge.
The welcoming party for exchange students also ended successfully, with the students experiencing Korean-style pub and drinking culture, which involves playing games while drinking. As the students were seated at random, they had a chance to meet and get to know new people. The AGA students introduced them to Pepero game as a nice way to break the ice. By playing this game, the exchange students were able to relax and get acquainted.
On September 2, 2017, they took a trip to Seoul to learn more about Korean culture and to enjoy a different atmosphere from their own countries. Most of them visited landmarks and attractions that featured traditional Korean style, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, and various museums. Some of the students who went Gyeongbokgung Palace had a chance to put on the Hanbok, which is a traditional Korean garment. It was a unique and special experience for them to wear the traditional outfit of another country.
This semester, about 170 students from 27 countries are come to Ajou. It is quite a large number compared with other universities. The highest proportion of exchange students are French and second highest, Chinese. The most popular major is Business Administration, with Software and Computer Engineering in second place.
Some students choose to come to Korea because they are interested in Asia, and particularly in Northeast Asia. Other students come because they are interested in K-pop and Korean dramas. Students also look forward to the party lifestyle, because Korea is safer than other countries at night and there are lots of pubs and clubs. Many exchange students also want to travel to China and Japan, which is easy to do from Korea as they are not far away. The Ajou Globe hopes that all of the exchange students will achieve their goals and have a wonderful experience in Korea and in Ajou. Students, you are very welcome!