From Yonsei to Flogsta

What was your first impression of Uppsala?
– As I arrived there in July, everyone was enjoying their summer vacation so Uppsala was literally empty. ‘A calm and bright city’, that was my first impression. The sun didn’t set till almost 11 PM.

How much did you know about Sweden before you moved there?
– Not much, all I knew was that Sweden had a well-developed social welfare system and harsh weather

What was your experience with the courses you took?
– Business classes were plain. They were not very impressive and basically consisted of several team projects and presentations. Swedish languages courses were satisfying though, professors were nice and they made sure we understood that day’s lecture thoroughly.

Did the university greet you properly on arrival and did you feel like you got the help that you needed regarding your education and housing for example?
– The people in charge at the university were really nice and willing to help whenever I went to them and asked questions. They were great help during my initial stage in Sweden.

Was it easy to find new friends? Both regarding other international students and Swedish students?
– I took a summer language course before regular semester started, where I could make friends with other exchanges students who studied Swedish. Also, I met other new friends during the events and festivals provided by Uppsala University. I think international students had proper chances to meet new people at the beginning of semester.

Would you recommend your friends studying in Uppsala?
– I would recommend it. Uppsala provides good conditions for one’s staying, which include decent housing facilities, reasonable grocery shopping prices, various events planned by the university for exchange students, and a good number of libraries with nice atmospheres to study.
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Would you consider studying here as a freemover by paying the tuition fee?
– I might consider studying for a master’s degree in Sweden, but not for a bachelor’s. Most Koreans think earning a bachelor’s degree in certain prestigious universities in Korea really counts in a job market, so many high school students might feel reluctant to apply for universities in Sweden instead of those in Korea.

Why do you think so few South Korean freemovers come to Sweden to study?
– South Koreans generally have a good feeling about Sweden, but many are unaware of what the educational conditions are like there. Also, South Koreans in their late forties and fifties have a strong fondness of USA in terms of education. So when speaking of studying abroad it’s highly likely for them to let their children, who are probably in their teens or early twenties, apply for universities in USA.
– Also, people might just assume that the tuition fee would be far more expensive than that in Korea, because Sweden is generally known for its high price level. Personally, I don’t know how much foreign students should pay if they want to get bachelor’s in Sweden.

Is there anything you wish would have been different during your stay?
– Maybe I would choose another dormitory instead of Flogsta, because I didn’t really enjoy sharing the kitchen with twelve different people. I would try to get an apartment in town if I could go back to those days.

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