At Hanyang University, she took the following courses:

1. Aesthetic Awareness in the Modern World, which explores art and its applications in modern life, including music, food, clothing, and even video games.

2. History of Korean Cinema, which discusses the history of Korean filmmaking from its early days to the present.

3. Media Communication in Korea, which examines the development of media in Korea, covering production, distribution, and consumption. The course focuses on the evolution of media communication, including newspapers, public and private broadcasting, as well as the impact of social media and streaming platforms.

4. Cultural Industry and Data Analysis, which delves into the importance of the cultural industry and its role in enhancing Korea’s global influence.

“I chose these courses because the IISMA program provides an opportunity to explore fields beyond my major in Indonesia. My interest in Korea’s technological advancements motivated me to take Media Communication in Korea and Cultural Industry, which discuss the evolution of media and the creative industry in the country. Additionally, as a fan of Korean films and dramas, I wanted to delve deeper into the history of Korean cinema through History of Korean Cinema, to understand how this industry has developed and gained global influence,” she said.

The courses she attended were conducted in English, and she studied alongside other international students. “The learning system is quite similar to that in Indonesia, but there is more discussion between professors and students compared to what I’ve experienced back home. The professors there are also highly dedicated and focused on their students. One of my professors even provided personalized video feedback for each student on every assignment we submitted,” she explained.

During her time in South Korea, she encountered many unique differences between the country and Indonesia, particularly in work culture and education, which are highly competitive.

“At Hanyang University, there is an entire building dedicated solely to study spaces. These study rooms come in various types with strict regulations. Some rooms are designated for studying with books and pens only, while others allow the use of laptops and mice. This distinction exists because laptop and mouse usage is assumed to generate typing sounds, whereas book-and-pen study rooms remain completely silent. Inside, there are numerous small desks and chairs, and students can reserve a seat for several hours using their student ID. During exam periods, these study spaces are packed with students studying tirelessly, sometimes even overnight,” she explained.

Additionally, Korea has a unique food culture, characterized by a variety of small side dishes known as banchan and the ever-present kimchi. In terms of transportation and infrastructure, the country is highly advanced, with well-integrated intercity connections, making it easy to travel between cities. Furthermore, South Korea is home to the globally popular K-pop industry and numerous pop-up stores.

Living in a country with four seasons, Fynca faced several challenges, including learning to be independent and fully responsible for herself, socializing with friends from various parts of the world, adapting to different academic demands, and transitioning from summer to winter. Despite these challenges, she took pride in sharing Indonesian culture with her international peers. She also had the opportunity to introduce aspects of Indonesian culture in Korea, such as wearing batik, teaching her Korean friends how to play the angklung, and sharing Indonesian cuisine with friends from different countries.

Through the IISMA program, she gained valuable experiences beyond academics. In South Korea, she learned to navigate public transportation on her own and made the most of her time by exploring as much as possible. “The IISMA exchange experience at Hanyang University was truly unforgettable for me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where I made many meaningful memories and met incredible new friends,” she said.

Reporter: Devi Berliana Pratiwi (Sains dan Teknologi Farmasi, 2021)

Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri