Have you ever heard about “credit exchange” system in our school?
Under this system students can take classes in other universities during a regular semester or winter session. Students can get credits for major or general courses from schools which made an agreement with our school.
Grades for the courses are marked as P for pass or NP for non-pass, except on a regular semester. You have to get 60 points out of 100 in order to pass. Basically, the courses you take are described as “free choice” subjects in the report card. However, the subjects you take in other universities are completely the same with our school. They are recognized as your majors.
Dong-A University has made agreements with Sookmyeong Women’s University, Kyungsung University, Dong-Eui University, Busan University of Foreign Studies, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Yeungnam University, Chosun University, Dongseo University, Silla University, et cetera.
Some universities allow students to stay at their own dormitories, but some schools don’t. If you are considering going to other areas, not Busan, you should check first whether you can use the dormitories.
I have a couple of reasons why I chose Sookmyeong Women’s University. First, our school does not offer a major course I want to take during the winter school. That’s why I had to turn my eyes to other schools. Second, my brother lives in Seoul, and I could ask him to share the house for a month to study there. Third, I have been pretty much eager to live in Seoul since I was little. These reasons made me move to Seoul without any worries.
The first thing I really like is the state of the art library. I used to feel so stuffy in the library of our school and it was hard to walk up the stairs. Unlike our school, inside the library, I can feel so comfortable and the accommodation is spacious. It reminded me of the time when I was at an American university as an exchange student a few years ago. There are also a lot of places for girls who want to take a break, whether studying or eating. I think I spend most of my time chilling out here.
The main street of Sookmyeong Women's University is also very attractive to me. There are many restaurants, unique cafes, and drugstores side to side from the station. I think I always hesitate when deciding what to eat every day.
The professor's teaching method is almost the same as ours. and students should check their attendance by their smart phones like our cyber system on the internet. It seems that smart phone is essential for attending school.
Overall, it is a great experience for me to study in other universities. It makes me think I was just a big fish in a little pond of Busan. If you want to get new perspectives and feel a different atmosphere, not in the same school, I strongly recommend you sign up for the "credit exchange" program next semester.