How He Became an International Student in Korea

I interviewed my friend Forrest about how he learned Korean and became an international student at Sogang University, and what it’s like attending school in Seoul - both the pros and the cons.
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Music by Kevin MacLeod: "Beachfront Celebration," “MJS Strings,” and “Brightly Fancy.” (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)

[@melissat9120]

"It really depends on your...Oh, there's a cat!" 😂

[@melissat9120]

I liked this "Bottle With Billy" episode haha. I completely agree that people should think about what it might mean to work in Korea, and that the longer you live here, the more problems you see. The working culture here is INTENSE. Especially when he mentioned figuring out how to take care of yourself when you get sick. Everyone expects that you will still function at 110% even if you feel like you're dying inside. My husband and I will be having a baby in a few weeks and having to go to work while barfing along the side of the road, dealing with several infections, fevers, you name it... Let's just say it was another level of difficulty for me that I had never experienced before.

[@ltmaverick5210]

Lived there for 2 months (Jan Feb 2024). I plan on studying the Korean Language starting in winter or spring terms coming up! Can't wait. BTW the only thing I knew how to say in Korean was hello :)
I found it extremely easy to make friends in Korea. Get involved. You won't make friends keeping your head down and doing just your job. Find a hobby or explore. The point about making friends in group projects is valid.
Something I would recommend is to find other foreigners. It may not be what you went to kora for, but often they will have connections and hobbies that you could join. A great way to meet new people through and established foreigner.

[@csoph550]

I was in Seoul for just 10 days and I felt so alone and handicapped without any language skills. I made some “gyopo” friends and going back there again soonish, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can and as fast as I can. Also planning to rent a car and drive around the country next time so yeah, I guess I better understand those street signs and not find myself in North Korea or something 😅

[@mariamoldrickx]

Solid tips! I did one year at a language school in Busan and am one year into my Korean second language education major in Seoul. On things to add on to the list of preparations I'd add research of the 수강신청/course registration system. I'm not sure about other countries but in Sweden you do NOT have to fight for courses like concert tickets ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@mexicancat6463]

I had lang courses when I went to Korea as an exchange student (I was literally watching Billy's videos in class because the teacher thought that 2 minutes' worth of explanation would make the students understand new grammar), and next month I will be applying for Yonsei grad school. Life in Korea is sometimes troublesome but if you are a third-worlder it is 💯% worth it.

[@marie1nwonderland]

Forrest forgot to say something that is quite important regarding language classes: if you take classes at the university you are interested in, you will get accustomed to the place (so less stress when starting your "actual" degree) AND most of the universities offer scholarships for students that do 2 semesters or more in their language program!!!

[@user-cv4fd4wo7x]

Can you explain which grammar forms can be used together in korean?? I've been doing your begginer course and it's truly a game changer I can understand what idols say!! Thanks

[@khenwithh]

❤❤❤

[@chops2013]

How do I get interviewed by Billy!??? (based in seoul)

[@GoBillyKorean]

Either have been born as Forrest (who I meet occasionally anyway) or start a RUclips channel :D

[@chops2013]

@@GoBillyKorean 그렇군요 🤔

[@search4blue815]

I also wonder about the programs that say they're all in English (specifically Id do an MBA). How much English is really English?

[@marie1nwonderland]

I dont know for every university but at my university, the amster degree is divided in an english track and a Korean track but we can take english classes AND korean classes. In English classes, the professors start with the idea that we don't know any korean so it's as english as if we were not in Korea x)
What is your question?

[@rotu.regino]

Omg sorry for a moment I got distracted by the guy behind you two who suddenly tripped at minute 4:41 AHAHAH

[@kimtaejan]

Second one here

[@user-nc5yc9es6j]

It's definitely not a good idea to live in Korea. This country won't last longer than three decades.