Martin Fasel (24) studies business and administration at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is spending his 6th and last undergraduate semester as an exchange student at SNU. He grew up in Switzerland, but has enjoyed a global lifestyle, having lived in London, Singapore and Korea before he came to SNU. On March 22, Martin shared his thoughts and feelings about being an exchange student at SNU.What made you decide to come to Korea and study at SNU?
I have always wanted to see how other people live beyond the Western cultural boundary, within which I grew up. What is the point of going to Britain or America when you are already familiar with their culture? They are all similar more or less. Besides, I had already visited Korea twice to see my Korean friend whom I met in London, and I liked the country. Compared to Singapore or some other Asian countries, Korea is not massively international, which helps you get to know more about the country's native culture and people.
As for SNU, I saw it placed pretty high in the university world rankings. I remember my Korean friend half-jokingly saying"Are you smart enough to study at SNU?" when I told her I was going to do an exchange at SNU. And I liked the idea of paying less for more, since I only have to pay my home university's tuition, which is considerably lower than SNU's.
How have you found your time at SNU so far?
Everything has worked out pretty well for me. Unlike some exchange students, I got all my courses, a dorm spot and so on. In addition, through the SNU Buddy Program, I got to meet local Korean friends as well as those from all over the world. And in class, because I am usually one of the very few Caucasian students and many of my classes are relatively small, I feel like I am getting more attention from the professors than in Switzerland. Overall, I feel very warmly welcomed.
Is there anything unique about SNU?
The work ethic is very different. I think people at SNU study a lot, maybe like ten times more than students in Switzerland. I would say that the level of competition and commitment is higher and the amount of energy people use to study is greater and I like that. Here, you have to actually read the books, do the assignments and get familiar with all the facts like everyone else does even before class. In Switzerland, it is more about listening to lectures and participating in class discussions. Furthermore, I think people are proud to be here and study a lot, while Swiss students put more emphasis on balancing academic work with life off campus.
Are there any challenges in being an exchange student in Korea?
Not so much, except the severe language barrier. I sometimes feel like a baby. But I think it is my turn to experience this kind of challenge. I don't expect anyone to speak English, because I am the guest here. That is why I am taking a Korean course at the language center, where I can get to learn more about Korea with a highly motivated teacher, though I wish there were more morning classes offered instead of evening ones. I believe I should find a way at least to order my meals and read bus stop signs.
What have you gained from doing an exchange in Korea?
I am not planning to work in Korea, so I can't say I've earned something material. However, in a personal sense, it has been very rewarding. I got to meet a lot of people from around the world, which has greatly broadened my thinking about the world and improved my understanding of other cultures. In addition, thanks to the language barrier, I realized that I am the one who'd better do something about it, learning the language and culture and so on. It is a very good experience. On the contrary, when I was in Singapore, everything was much easier for me, but I never really connected with the country and its people.
When are you leaving, and do you have any special plans in the meantime?
August 5, so I will have about two more months in Korea after the semester. For the first month, I have absolutely no plans. I will just be on my own and explore the city, doing some touristy stuff. In July, after a few days in China, I will come back and travel around Korea with my friends. I am very much looking forward to it since I haven't had a chance to travel outside Seoul.
"Of course you can find McDonalds everywhere in Korea. But I feel Korea has a very unique culture and lifestyle, which is precisely what I came to experience as an exchange student. I like it." Martin said.
Written by LEE Sukyoung, SNU English Editor, sukyoung123n@gmail.com
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com