By Iffah Ramlan

Looking back on my exchange, I realised is that an exchange is so much more than just studying in another country. It is about the people you meet, the places you discover, the experiences you never expected to have, and the little moments that slowly become some of your favourite memories. When I first started my exchange, I was excited but also a little nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar environment. Now that I look back, I am grateful that I decided to take the opportunity.

One of the highlights of my exchange was definitely getting to explore Busan. Being able to experience a different side of Korea, from walking around the city to enjoying the coastal views, made the trip feel completely different from my everyday life in Seoul. I also loved exploring different parts of the city during my exchange, whether it was visiting popular places, finding little cafés, or simply walking around with friends and seeing where the day took us.

Of course, the food was another huge part of the experience. I got to try so many different Korean dishes, snacks and drinks that I probably would not have tried back home. Sometimes, trying something completely new became an experience in itself. There were definitely foods I loved immediately and others that took some getting used to, but I enjoyed being able to step outside my usual choices.

Another highlight was meeting new people. Making friends from different backgrounds allowed me to hear different perspectives and learn about their cultures and experiences. Some friendships started from something as simple as sitting together in class or going somewhere together, but eventually became memories that I know I will carry with me even after the exchange ends. It was also nice to realise that even though we came from different countries and had different backgrounds, we could still connect over similar interests and experiences.

However, the exchange was not always easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. Even though I had studied Korean, actually using it in everyday situations was very different from learning it in the classroom. There were times when I struggled to understand what someone was saying or felt nervous about speaking because I was worried about making a mistake. I also experienced differences in cultural habits and ways of communicating. Things that felt normal to me were not always the same for others, and I had learned to be more understanding and adaptable.

If there is one thing my exchange has taught me, it is to take opportunities when they come. It is easy to stay within your comfort zone because it feels familiar and safe, but some of the best experiences I had happened because I decided to say yes. Whether it was trying unfamiliar food, travelling somewhere new, talking to someone I had just met, or navigating a situation where I was unsure of myself, every experience helped me become more confident.

Most importantly, my exchange has taught me to be more open. I want to carry that mindset with me into the future and not only when travelling, but also in my studies, career and everyday life. I hope to continue meeting new people, learning about different cultures and being willing to experience things outside of what I already know.

My exchange may have only been one chapter of my life, but it has given me memories, friendships and lessons that I know will stay with me for much longer. I came to Korea hoping to experience something new, and I left with a much more open mind and a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone is exactly where you are meant to be.