Angel Davila Carrera studies mechatronics at the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico. Last year, he came to SNU as an exchange student for one semester, but decided to stay longer, which makes this spring semester his second and last one at SNU.What led you to come to Korea, and SNU specifically?
First of all, I met some Korean friends from SNU when I lived in the US, and they told me SNU was a good school. Also, I am studying mechatronics, especially in renewable engineering, and Korea is really advanced in that field compared to Mexico. In fact, the Korean government has specific goals set out till 2030.
You have extended your exchange program. Tell us more about why.
I just like it too much here, especially the social life. Unlike my hometown in Mexico, Seoul is a huge city and you can always meet new people from all over the world. I go out quite often with my friends and that is so much fun. Also, when people ask me where I am from, they try to say "Hola" or any other words they know in Spanish. I can tell people here try to learn about my culture. I really appreciate that. And all of my classes are very well-organized, and the professors are extremely intelligent, well equipped and dedicated. I am getting everything I wanted here, even a job at a local company. Overall, SNU is an exchange student’s paradise. I am even considering doing my Ph.D. in energy policy in Korea in the future.
Tell us more about your job.
I was really lucky. A friend from the Netherlands told me about this job opening at a company developing navigation systems for Kia and Hyundai automobile corporations. Everyone at the company speaks English, and I am helping them design a Spanish version of the navigation system.
Is there anything about Korea that surprised you?
For one thing, here, you can just leave your stuff in plain view and don't have to worry about getting it stolen, which is not possible in Mexico. All you have to do is find someone nearby and say "Can you watch my stuff?" I just like the fact that I don't have to be that paranoid.
And I love Korean food so much. I am like overwhelmed. Dongdongju [Korean traditional drink], cocktail soju, kimchijeon [kimchi pancake], kimchi ramen, you name it. It is so sad that there is no Korean mart in my hometown. I will miss Korean food a lot.
Now that I think about it, I've had some interesting experiences on the subway. Certainly the crowdedness and some rude people who don't say sorry after bumping into someone surprised me at first. But there was this one time when I offered my seat to a senior citizen who didn't want it. I had to offer it to three different people. It might be that people are being nice to me because I am a foreigner, but now I don't know what to do on the train anymore. It's become so tricky.
Another thing is that Mexicans are closer to each other, physically, compared to Koreans. We kiss on the cheek when saying hi, which is like the French thing but only on one side. And in Mexico, it is common to throw your arm around friends real close, but when I first did it here to a Korean friend, he pulled away. However, when they are drunk, they don't care.
Have you noticed anything unique about SNU people?
Even compared to my home university which is the best school in Mexico, SNU people study a lot, all semester. They are always in the cafeteria and library, studying. I guess SNU people care a lot about their future in general, so when I ask people to go out and have some fun the usual reply I get is "Sorry, I have an exam." I met some people from Korea and Yonsei University, and unlike many SNU students, they seem to be more eager to get out and party. But I should say SNU people are exceptionally nice. When you ask, they are always willing to help, and I really appreciate that.
Now that you are in your second semester at SNU, how do you feel?
Interestingly, though I really like it here, I can't wait to go back to Mexico. I want to see how the new me will interact with people in Mexico. After more than 6 months in Korea, I now know more about the country and have even learned some Korean, which is not really common in Mexico. Also I am hoping to meet Korean exchange students who are studying in Mexico.
Have you any advice for people who are interested in doing an exchange at SNU?
Knowing the language would be very nice. During my stay, I have picked up a bit here and there and have also been taking a Korean course in Sinchon. I am at the intermediate level now and it is really challenging but very helpful as well.
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