Student report
Name of Host University: Yonsei University – Yonsei School of Business (YSB)
Exchange Semester: Fall 2013
I. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
Yonsei University is a private research university, located in Seoul, South Korea. Established
in 1885, it is one of the oldest universities and is widely regarded as the top private school in
the country. Yonsei is one of Korea's three "SKY" universities. These are the most prestigious
universities in the country, with the other members being Seoul National University and
Korea University. Admissions are extremely competitive and domestically, admission to a
SKY school is widely considered as determining one's career and social status.
Among others, YSB is one of the faculties specialized within the fields of Business and
Administration. The Global MBA Program (only MBA program taught in English) has
become the first MBA program in Korea to be ranked in the “World’s Top 100 Full-Time
MBAs” by The Economist magazine (It was ranked the 76th), and was positioned 4th among
Asian business schools included in the ranking.
II. PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
Information before you left
 The Fall-semester at YSB starts on the 2nd of September (keep in mind that the
orientation day takes place earlier than the given date). It meant that general
information from YSB came both electronically and by mail during the spring/summer.
Visa Procedure and travel experiences
 You need a student visa in order to stay in Korea. YSB will send you more
information about the visa application process. It took about a week from I delivered
the visa application until it was approved and returned. It costs 300 NOK for singleentry visa. However, you need to apply for an Alien Registration Card if you are
staying more than 90 days in Korea (done after you arrive to Seoul). More information
is given at  http://botheringseoul.blogspot.kr/2011/04/alien-registration-card.html

In terms of plane tickets you can find many agencies offering plane tickets to Seoul –
Incheon International Airport. I chose Qatar Airways, as it offers a cheaper price and a
better route.
Academic Calendar
 I arrived on the 22nd of august and had a couple of days in Seoul before the semester
started on the 2st of September (you need to arrive earlier if you have applied for oncampus dorms). The semesters are shorter (divided into two quarters, called Modules)
and are a bit more intense than at BI. Once the semester starts everyone is working at
full steam, so don’t miss the orientation day!

The first day of the semester is a classic introduction day with info from the
international office, campus guide and meeting with buddy organizations. Also, tickets
for tours and events are sold on the same day. Again, “the first come first served basis”
is crucial, as the tickets will be sold out very quickly (and only pay with Korean won,
since bank cards and foreign currency are not accepted). The orientation day for the
undergraduate and graduate exchange students differ, but not for the trips and events.
Choosing city tours are absolutely recommended!

Classes lasted until the very end of each Module, around one week before the exams
started. Since the classes starts later that in Norway the examination period is shorter
(could be more than 3 exams during a week).
Reception
 Yonsei offers a Pick-up service for international students from the airport to the
campus. But if you want to explore the city, I would recommend you to take the
Airport Limousine Bus, it is cheaper and more convenient. More information can be
found here  https://sites.google.com/site/modelseoul/.

When arriving the dorms, you will receive information about the housing rules and
regulations. If the rules are violated, you might end up losing the room.
Housing
 There are two types of dorms on campus, International House and SK Global house.
SK is newer than the I-house, and it offers more facilities (such as multi-media room,
fitness, etc.) than the I-House. At SK you can either apply for a single room or a
double room (share room with another person) and you share bathroom only with your
roommate; while at I-house, you can only apply for a double room and you also share
bathrooms and kitchen with several other students. In order to get a place, you need to
apply fast, as it is very competitive, and almost everyone prefers SK. But all in all it is
quite different from European standards. I got a place in SK Double room. The
housing price is almost the same as in Norway.

In terms of private housing you get no or very little help from the school.
Food and beverages
 Coffee is quite expensive (almost the same as Norway), food is very cheap so you
basically eat every meal out (costs around 10-20 NOK depending on type of food and
where you eat). Transport is also cheap (approx. 4 NOK for a 30 min ticket) and taxis
are much cheaper than here (depending on the type of taxi you choose).
The International Office
 The YSB/GMBA coordinators are very helpful and fluent English speakers. They are
responsible for the course registration and other issues regarding the exchange
program.

At Yonsei, there is a “Global Lounge” in which Korean students organize events and
parties. The aim of this group is to unite Korean and international students to interact
and become friends. Also, language exchange programs are arranged. It is highly
recommended, especially if you are not taking any Korean Language Course(s).
Exchange promotion
 During the time I was in Korea there were no exchange fairs and thus, I did not have
the possibility to promote studying at BI. However, I talked to Korean and
international students that wanted to become more familiar with foreign countries.
Social Activities at YSB

The GMBA exchange students have a different orientation day than the
undergraduate/graduate students. Basically, the events and parties are only arranged
through the undergraduate’s orientation day. Therefore you need to attend to their
orientation day in order to get access to the tickets for trips and other events.
Culture and Language
 Professors, students and other staff members on campus often speak English at an
understandable level, but once you go outside campus you cannot expect to be
understood speaking English. However, many signs and some menu’s are in English
and with some basic Korean phrases and knowledge you usually get what you want.
There are several possibilities to take a Korean language course, which I recommend.
For one semester you don’t have the time to learn Korean, but it makes it easier just to
order a coffee or taking a taxi.
Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience
 From an academic perspective, Asia is a key growing market and as a successful
businessman you should be able to fully understand the existent potentials in the Asian
market. The exchange program gave me the opportunity to enhance my knowledge
and develop business-related skills associated with Asia.

Spending a semester in Korea was a valuable journey to me, as it allowed me to
improve my skills in coping with cultural differences and other challenges. Also, I got
the ability to become more independent and confident.
Other:

Your phone will work in Korea if it has 3G, (like iphone 4, 4s and 5, as well as
Samsung galaxy S3 and S4). You can also buy/rent second hand phones if your phone
doesn’t work there (can be done on campus). If you have a smartphone you might be
able to get a Korean SIM-card, it is cheaper and more convenient.
III. ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Description of Courses
 I chose the following elective courses (each elective course gives 1.5 credits,
equivalent to 3 ECTS credits):
Module 1 (2.9.2013 – 26.10.2013):
MBG6114-01 Global business strategy
MBG7193-01 Managing in Asia
MBG7513-01 Business Presentation and Case Competition  I strongly recommend
you to take this course, as it allows you to improve your presentation skills within a
professional setting.
MBA7305-01 New Product Marketing  gives 3 credits (i.e., 6 ECTS) and it is taught
throughout the semester.
Module 2 (28.10.2013 – 21.12.2013):
MBG7116-01 Supply Chain Management in Asia
MBG7128-01 Brand Management
MBG7131-01 Human Resource Management in Korea
MBG7305-01 New Product Marketing

Most of the courses require previous knowledge within fields such as Statistics,
Economics and (International) Business. My course schedule was very well planned,
having only 3-4 days of lecture and long weekends.

These courses were mainly focused on subjects like strategy/management regarding
Asian progress and in particular, the future development of Korea.
The Teaching situation
 The professors at YSM speak English very well.
 In class it’s usually a mix of lectures, presentations and homework/assignments. I did
MUCH MORE presentations at YSB that I do at BI. Also, you do get more mileage
out of being a good English speaker and being used to talking in class. Koreans
seldom participate in class and our studying culture is therefore an advantage. The
workload is pretty similar to that of BI, but it depends on the courses you choose.
 There’s a more formal relationship between students and the professors and the faculty
staff than in Norway. You need a good reason and an appointment to get a meeting
with a professor, but there is teaching assistants in every class and they are easy to talk
to and often very helpful.
Required Literature
 The literature is in English, but most of the courses are based on various articles and
journals. Therefore it is not crucial to purchase the books.
Exams
 Exams are similar to that at BI, but less formal. Exams were based on the literature
and on the lectures.
 For the given courses, most of the exams were given through presentations and class
participation.
Other
 Library, computers and WiFi can be found all over campus; in many aspects it’s more
modern than in Norway (except for the copy machines).

The IT department does not speak English so again it’s helpful to have a Korean with
you if you need to talk to them.
IV. MISCELLANEOUS:
Korea is a unique country, being a mixture of traditional views and modern development. In
general, Korea is a well-developed country in which there is low criminality. Also, it is a
clean and safe environment and the local food is delicious. People are very friendly and
helpful even if they don’t speak English. My overall impression is very positive and I hope
you would experience the same!
Feel free to contact me through the International office at BI if you have any further questions.