Could you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Obatolani Lordsay Oladipo Alexandra, but most people call me Alex. I am from Nigeria and currently studying AI Management at Woosong University. The program was previously called Global Convergence Management. I am now in the first semester of my third year.
What first made you consider studying abroad?
I wanted to find better educational and career opportunities than the ones currently available to me in Nigeria.
The quality of education was an important factor, but I was also thinking about my future employment opportunities. Studying abroad seemed like a way to gain a broader perspective, receive a better education, and create more possibilities for my future.
Why did you choose South Korea?
To be completely honest, affordability was one of the main reasons. Compared with many other study-abroad destinations, Korea was a financially realistic option for me.
I was also already interested in Korean culture. I grew up surrounded by different forms of Korean popular culture, so Korea had always been one of the countries I was curious about.
At first, I imagined Korea more as a vacation destination than a place where I would study. But as I researched universities and life in Korea, I realized that studying here would allow me to experience the culture much more deeply.
What image did you have of Korea before arriving?
I did not have a very detailed image of Korea. I simply expected it to offer a better environment and more opportunities than the ones I had experienced before.
During my research, I also learned that Korea was considered a very safe country. That became one of the things I remembered most strongly.
I was particularly interested in Daejeon because it seemed calmer than Seoul. I prefer peaceful surroundings when I am studying, so Daejeon appeared to suit my personality.
First Impressions of Korea and Daejeon
What surprised you most after arriving in Korea?
The level of safety surprised me the most.
When I first arrived in Korea, I lost my phone at the airport. I did not have it for about a week. Someone eventually contacted my university after realizing that I was on my way to Woosong University, and I was able to collect my phone from the lost-and-found office.
I had already heard that Korea was safe, but that experience showed me what that could actually mean in everyday life.
What surprised you about living in Daejeon?
I was surprised by how accommodating many people were toward foreigners.
As an African student, I expected that I might experience a significant amount of racism. I have had some uncomfortable experiences, but not as many as I had initially expected.
Many people in Daejeon have been kind to me, and I generally feel safe here. The city is also calm, which is one of the things I appreciate most about living and studying in Daejeon.
Life at Woosong University
Why did you choose Woosong University?
An education agent in Nigeria recommended Woosong University to me. She told me about its academic reputation and, more importantly, its international environment.
I knew that I would feel more comfortable at a university where I could meet students from different countries rather than being surrounded only by Korean students.
Woosong also offered many courses in English, which was an important consideration for me.
What convinced you that Woosong was the right school for you?
The opportunities offered by the university played a major role.
Scholarships were important, and the possibility of paying tuition and accommodation fees in installments made studying here more manageable.
Class size was another important factor. At my previous university in Nigeria, I attended classes with as many as 1,000 students. I find it difficult to learn effectively in such a large group.
At Woosong, many of my classes have around 10 to 20 students. That environment feels much more comfortable and allows me to participate more actively.
How would you describe your campus life in three words?
Calm, peaceful, and sometimes fun.
I enjoy being in a quiet and serene environment. I do not like feeling overstimulated or being surrounded by too much noise all the time.
I have friends and enjoy spending time with them, but I also prefer keeping a small, close group. I value having time and space for myself.
What are you studying, and why did you choose that major?
I am studying AI Management, which was previously called Global Convergence Management.
I originally wanted to study global business management because I was looking for a broad and international field. I did not want to limit myself to only one narrow career path.
I wanted a major that could introduce me to different areas of business and provide a wider range of career opportunities.
Which class or university experience have you enjoyed the most?
One of my favorite classes was Presentation Skills.
The class was highly interactive, and the professor guided us step by step through the process of becoming better presenters.
Through that class, I also had the opportunity to participate in a presentation competition organized by the university. I won first place, so that became one of my most memorable experiences at Woosong.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually go to class, return to the dormitory to eat or rest, and then go back to class.
I also work part-time at the university’s International Office, so my daily schedule is generally divided between studying, dormitory life, and my work at the university.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My first answer would be my dormitory, especially my bed, because I really enjoy sleeping.
Joking aside, I also like the W19 building, where my department is located. I like its design and feel proud that it is my department building.
I especially enjoy the Idea Room, which has private study cubicles. There is also a study lounge on the upper floor with a grassy interior area. Those spaces are comfortable places to study or spend time between classes.
Adapting to Life in Korea
What do you enjoy most about being a student in Korea?
I enjoy trying new food, making new friends, and discovering cultural differences.
Living abroad constantly introduces you to things that are different from what you grew up with. Sometimes those differences are challenging, but they also make the experience interesting.
What has been the most challenging part of living in Korea?
Language has been the biggest challenge.
I can speak some Korean, but when someone suddenly speaks to me in Korean, I sometimes feel pressured. Even when I understand the situation, it can be difficult to respond immediately.
Another challenge is learning how to ignore the stares that you sometimes receive as a foreigner, especially as an African student.
Over time, I have become better at managing those situations without allowing them to affect me too much.
How did you make friends in Korea?
Making friends with other international students is usually easier because we share the experience of living outside our home countries.
Making Korean friends can sometimes be more difficult. Some Korean students seem shy or worried because they are not confident about speaking English.
I try to reduce that tension by showing them that my Korean is also not perfect. We can find a middle ground.
Sometimes we use translation applications such as Papago. In group projects, you have no choice but to find a way to communicate, so both sides make an effort.
My advice is to make the first move when you feel that the other person also wants to communicate.
What do you do for fun?
I am a very artistic person. I enjoy drawing, singing, and looking for inspiration in different places.
I have participated in the university’s art club and dance club. I also enjoy Noraebang(singing room), visiting restaurants, watching Korean dramas, and shopping—even when my budget tells me that I should not be shopping.
What is your favorite Korean food?
Buldak ramen is one of my favorites.
It reminds me of home because spicy food is an important part of Nigerian food culture. We have a high tolerance for spice, and Buldak ramen is one of the Korean foods that comes close to the level of spiciness I am familiar with.
Which part of Korean culture do you find particularly interesting?
I find Korea’s interest in MBTI very interesting. People seem to place a lot of importance on personality types and often use MBTI as a way to understand someone they have just met.
I also find aegyo interesting. Personally, I sometimes find it a little embarrassing, but it is entertaining to see how people enjoy using it.
What is one experience that international students in Korea will understand?
Trying to explain your destination to a Korean taxi driver.
You may know where you need to go, but explaining it correctly in Korean can become a completely different challenge. You just hope that you communicate well enough not to end up in the wrong place.
Personality, Identity, and the Future
How would your friends describe you?
They would probably describe me as responsible and independent.
I enjoy spending time with my friends, but I also need my own space. I like knowing that my friends are there while still having enough personal time to recharge.
What is one item you always carry?
Lip gloss.
For me, as an African girl, it is an absolute necessity. I cannot imagine leaving home without it.
If your life were a magazine cover, what would the title be?
“Somewhere in Between: A Work in Progress.”
I am still figuring things out as I go.
I am not completely adjusted to living in Korea, and I am still discovering who I am and where I belong. I think of myself as someone who is continuing to grow rather than someone who already has everything figured out.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to find work that I genuinely enjoy and that also provides me with a good income.
One of my biggest fears is ending up in a job that pays well but makes me unhappy. Even with a high salary, I do not think I could remain in that situation for a long time.
At the moment, I am interested in either human resource management or luxury brand management. I am still exploring both areas and trying to determine which path suits me best.
Why would you recommend Woosong University to another international student?
I would recommend Woosong because of its international environment.
Many Korean universities have international students, but Woosong has a particularly diverse community. International students are less likely to feel completely out of place because they can meet people from similar cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds.
There are also many programs taught in English, including some majors that may not be easily available in English at other Korean universities.
For a student who wants an international academic environment while studying in Korea, Woosong can be a strong option.
Alex’s Message to Future International Students
Studying abroad does not mean that everything will immediately become easy or perfect. You may struggle with language, cultural differences, loneliness, or uncertainty about your future.
However, you will also discover new parts of yourself.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes it is enough to remain open, keep learning, and accept that you are still a work in progress.