Yonsei University 2022-23 Study Abroad Q&A

Summary

Jamie shares essential study abroad tips, focusing on the year-long application process, particularly for Arizona State University students. She advises on the D2 student visa, emphasizing the importance of consulate communication and required documents. Jamie also discusses her unexpected dual citizenship discovery and its visa implications. She provides practical advice on transportation to dorms, recommends essential apps, and suggests items to bring or buy in Korea, ensuring a smooth transition for future study abroad students.

Takeaways

• 📚 The study abroad application process typically takes about a year, involving discussions with academic advisors and understanding the criteria for acceptance at both the home and host universities.
• 🏫 Jamie is a student from Arizona State University (ASU) and has experienced a unique application process, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific requirements of your home institution.
• 🔍 The D2 student visa process requires attention to consulate instructions, which may vary by location. Jamie suggests contacting the consulate directly for faster responses.
• 📑 For the visa, documents such as a completed visa form, passport-sized photo, bank statement, and visa fee are necessary. Jamie emphasizes the importance of receiving admission and business registration certificates from the host university.
• ⏳ Jamie's experience shows that the host university may not send out important documents until close to the deadline, which can cause time pressure for visa applicants.
• 🔄 As a Korean-American, Jamie faced complications with dual citizenship that led to a stressful visa application process, advising others in similar situations to research thoroughly and contact embassies for guidance.
• 🚌 There are multiple ways to reach on-campus dorms from the airport, including bus 6011, the airport subway, and taxis, each with different costs and conveniences.
• 📱 Four essential apps for living in Korea are Neighbor Maps, KakaoTalk, a translation app, and Units Plus, which helps with currency conversion and unit measurements.
• 📋 Upon arrival in Korea, Jamie recommends having the Keta paper, health declaration QR code, arrival card, and customs declaration card prepared to facilitate the immigration process.
• 🏠 Dorm residents may need a TB test, while Airbnb guests do not. The cost of a chest x-ray for the TB test in Korea is significantly cheaper than in the US.
• 🧳 Packing light is crucial, as students are likely to purchase many items during their stay, including K-pop merchandise and skincare products. It's also advised to bring certain items from home, such as prescription medicine, vitamins, and specific hair products that may be difficult to find in Korea.

Q & A

What is the estimated duration of the study abroad application process according to Jamie?

The study abroad application process takes about a year to complete, including talking to counselors and academic advisors about class requirements and credit transfers.

How does Jamie describe the application process for studying abroad at Arizona State University?

Jamie mentions that the application process at Arizona State University is relatively easy, but the acceptance depends on the home University and the host institution's criteria.

What are the key documents required for the D2 student visa process according to Jamie's experience?

The key documents for the D2 student visa process include a completed visa application, a passport-sized photo taken within six months, a bank statement, and the visa fee. Additionally, a Certificate of Admission and Certificate of Business Registration from the host institution are required.

Why did Jamie have a stressful experience with the visa process?

Jamie had a stressful visa experience because she was unknowingly a dual citizen of Korea due to her mother's citizenship at the time of her birth. This required her to obtain a Korean passport and register with the Korean family registration system before her student visa could be accepted.

What are the three main ways to get to the dorms from the airport as suggested by Jamie?

The three main ways to get to the dorms from the airport are taking the 6011 bus, using the airport subway, or taking a taxi.

What are the recommended apps Jamie suggests for a study abroad student in Korea?

Jamie recommends four apps: Neighbor Maps or Cacao Maps for navigation, Kakao Talk for messaging, a translation app for document scanning and voice recording, and Units Plus for unit conversions.

Why does Jamie recommend getting a TB test done in Korea instead of in the US?

Jamie recommends getting a TB test in Korea because it is cheaper and more convenient, with immediate results available at some testing centers.

What are some items Jamie suggests bringing from the US to Korea for a study abroad experience?

Jamie suggests bringing prescription medicine, vitamins, outlet adapters, large bath towels, specific hair products, deodorants, and clothing for three seasons, emphasizing the need to pack light due to potential purchases in Korea.

What are some items Jamie advises not to bring from home and instead purchase in Korea?

Jamie advises not to bring basic toiletries and stationary items from home, as they can be easily and affordably purchased in Korea at places like Daiso or Artbox.

How does Jamie recommend obtaining a SIM card in Korea?

Jamie recommends purchasing a prepaid SIM card online or at the airport. She suggests using a service like Coupon or Single Mobile, which offers good deals for longer stays and unlimited data.