Last semester, I was fortunate enough to be selected by KAIST to go on exchange at the University of Toronto in Canada. When I was first thinking about applying, I didn’t have anyone to ask advice from; none of my international seniors had gone on exchange before, especially because the pandemic halted many exchange programs for the prior two years. Now, having come out the other side, I’d like to act as the guide I didn’t have — so if anybody out there is thinking about applying to go on exchange, or has already been selected and is wondering what to expect, read on!

Before exchange

If you’re still deciding whether to go on exchange, first think about possible reasons why. Some go for the academic opportunity; others do so to travel in a new country away from home. Both are valid, and my own motivation was a mixture of both. Clarifying your own reason will help you decide where to go on exchange. KAIST has an extensive list of partner universities. I decided to go to the University of Toronto for three reasons. Firstly, it was one of the best schools in the world, especially in my fields of interest. Secondly, it was far away, with a new environment and culture to explore. And thirdly, it was convenient: I had relatives in Toronto I could stay with, so I didn’t have to worry about accommodation or food.

That’s another thing you have to think about before deciding: how affordable is the cost of living in your country of choice? KAIST provides a certain amount of financial aid depending on the location of your host institution. For international students, you continue to receive your monthly stipend for the duration of your exchange as well. However, they won’t cover everything. In total, will you be able to afford your plane tickets, housing, and food? Does the host university guarantee housing and meal plans for exchange students? (Many don’t.)

Finally, plan out the courses you want to take. Keep in mind, you have to transfer at least nine credits from your exchange program to KAIST, including two major courses. Do your research in advance: have a list of courses you want to apply for, and a few backups in case you don’t get your preferred choices. And keep an eye on those deadlines; don’t leave things until the last minute!

During exchange

Say you’ve decided where to go, you got nominated by the KAIST International Relations Team (IRT), and you were accepted by your chosen host institution. You’ve reached the next step: actually going there! If possible, make sure to arrive at your exchange university a few days before the semester starts. This isn’t just to attend orientation programs; it’s also to familiarize yourself with the new environment you’ll be in. I gave myself a week in Toronto before classes began just to recover from the 13-hour jet lag.

(For international students: your ARC will become invalid because of your exchange, so surrender the card to immigration before leaving Korea. You’ll have to apply for a new student visa before going back to Korea.)

Once the semester starts, just enjoy the experience! It might be difficult to adjust at first, but the excitement will far outweigh the nervousness soon enough. Making friends isn’t always easy, but being the “new kid from out of town” gives you a certain quality that makes others curious. Don’t just wait for others to approach you, though; go out there, introduce yourself, get acquainted! Worst case scenario: you embarrass yourself in front of people you won’t have to see again after a few months. Best case scenario: you make new friends who can show you around and give the best recommendations for what to do while you’re in town.

Aside from going to classes, you should also attend and participate in as many activities as you can. Universities often have exclusive events just for exchange students, like welcome parties and cultural exchanges, and there will usually be games, food, and freebies. Don’t be shy to attend all the events: they’re for you to have fun! And you’ll get to meet other exchange students from all around the world, a.k.a. your fellow “fish out of water”. In fact, most of the friends I made in Toronto happen to be exchange students, too.

Make the most out of your exchange by doing some traveling in your free time. Whichever country you’re in, there’s always new things to do and new places to go. You can go solo, or you can make some unforgettable memories with your new friends, too. While I was in Canada, I went to Niagara Falls, attended an Elton John concert, visited Montreal and Quebec City, and watched the Toronto Blue Jays win against the Boston Red Sox.

Of course, don’t forget to do well in your courses! Your grades won’t count toward your GPA, but participating in class is a good networking opportunity to make a good impression on your classmates and professors. Not only will you learn about topics that will enhance your education, you can also form connections with people who can help you even after your exchange program.

After exchange

Leaving after your exchange program can feel bittersweet, but you have to go back to KAIST eventually. Before leaving, make sure you don’t have any outstanding tasks left at your host university. Take note of how you’ll receive your transcript — will they mail you a physical copy or send you an electronic one? The original copy of your transcript is important for transferring your credits.

Upon returning to Korea, inform the KAIST IRT. For international students, inform ISSS as well and apply for a new ARC as soon as possible. You also have to write a comprehensive experience report and upload it on the International Office (IO) website for future prospective exchange students to refer to.

You must process your credit transfer within one semester upon your return. For classes with corresponding courses at KAIST (i.e., similar course content), you need to have the approval of the KAIST professor who teaches the course to transfer your credits. (Pro tip: if the corresponding course is a major required course, it might be harder to convince the professor. Elective courses are easier to approve.) For classes without corresponding courses, simply talk to your academic adviser for their approval. Either way, start this process early! Don’t pressure your professors, adviser, or department head by doing it at the end of the semester.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the KAIST IRT or go to their office. Always check the KAIST Portal for announcements about requirements (like TOEFL scores) and deadlines. And remember: not everybody gets this opportunity all the time, so grab it while you can!