KUT Virus: My KUT Experience

"You must have a boyfriend before going back to the Philippines."

These were the last words of the staff in charge of exchange students in my university a day before my flight to Korea. She knew that I never had a boyfriend in the past and she kept on teasing me on having one from KUT: a university packed with handsome guys. That became one of my first impressions on KUT: a university of fine men.

Frankly, I was not disappointed. And it WASN'T only because of the dazzling men I've met but mainly because KUT gave me an impression deeper than what the naked eye can see.

Spell ‘BUSY’

KUT life can be spelled in two ways: B-O-R-I-N-G or B-U-S-Y .

I visit Seoul every weekend to attend an English Worship Service. I am often asked, "Where do you live?" And I answer, "In the mountainous area of Byeongcheon, Cheonan, two hours away from Seoul where the weather is exceptionally unpredictable." Then the person will ask again, "So do you always feel bored there?" To which I will reply, "Not really. There are no interesting places to visit but there's so much classworks to do, job to carry and friends to have fun with."

KUT life, sure is busy. This semester, I enrolled myself in six subjects: Korean Language for Foreigners, Trade English, English Presentation, Photography, Drawing and Taekwondo classes. My Korean friends often tease me that I am just playing around because my classes are nothing compared to their major course subjects. Little do they know that I'm also having a taste of "difficult" or rather "crazy" KUT academic life trying to keep up with all the assignments, presentations and exams. There were times when I couldn't recognize the night from day anymore because I get caught in the epidemic of studying beyond 2 o'clock in the morning. I also find myself often pulled by the magnetic force of Dasan where I frequently get my planning and homeworks done .

Most of the time I ask KUT students why they are “too much addicted” to studying. I often brag about how we Filipinos can get smarter even without studying past 12 midnight everyday. I couldn’t believe how much time Korean students spend in studying when they can allocate their time into other meaningful things too. But as time went by, I discovered two things: (1) It’s hard to change their study habits which have been firmly shaped by their strict middle and high school system; and (2) Every student has a certain goal and he/she will always make sure his/her energy is focused on achieving it. I am humbled by this kind of discipline. I may find their study routines ridiculous but I know I couldn’t match up with how they can focus their life into finishing what they have started.

Focus and discipline. These are really worth admiring. Except for FAKE ones. NOT all KUT students are truthfully focused, disciplined and busy. Some are busy dating their partners while most are busy watching Korean dramas or gag shows and playing computer games. Not to mention the busyness of drinking soju with friends.


Photo Collage

But KUT is not all about studying. This small university was the first picture of KOREA for me. It is more than just an academe. It was the first to provide me a “Korean home.”

KUT has filled my mind with a gallery of photographs. Every corner of this campus tells a story that I will never forget for the rest of my life—stories about success, failure, language, money, food, fun, pain, love, family and friendship.

I only stayed here for less than a year, but I felt like five years have passed by already. I will always be thankful to all the people I’ve met here: the International House students, co-workers, House Managers and Managing Director (Mr. Yong Suk Kim whom I fondly call “Daddy”), the very accommodating professors (mainly Professor Gyeong Min Yu), my Korean classmates who struggled every time they try to speak English with me (I appreciate their translation skills so I can understand our Professors’ instructions), the foreigner friends I’ve come to value (especially Beibei) and my favorite ahjummas serving around KUT. Each one of them gave me a flavor of Korean life.

And if I were to choose three places around KUT to store in my brain’s archive of special photos, I’ll pick out the International House, Byeongcheon market and the Noraebang across the university entrance. The International House was where I spent 80% of my life here in Korea as a Resident Assistant working to help students improve their English. I can say that the work was both very tiring but incredibly rewarding too. It was where I met my “twin brother” (who was often alleged as my boyfriend. He is a very close friend and I hated how “pairing” culture in KUT can actually be disturbing). It was also where I learned how to value work and relationships more than I did before.

Meanwhile, Byeongcheon market gave me space to breathe freely. I often walk or take a bicycle ride to Byeongcheon market when I wish to clear my mind. I love the fields and the bustles of people during market day. On the other hand, I would often go to Noraebang (with my Filipino and Korean friends) every Friday and let my stress out through screaming my songs. (I wonder if I ever improved my singing skills?!).

KUT virus

It’s almost time to go back to the Philippines. I wasn’t able to find a boyfriend, but I’m glad to take a special bug back home: the “KUT virus”!

Yes, KUT made a big impact in my life and I guess I would carry the “infection” forever. I’m not talking about “Byeongcheon virus” or any disease caught from eating spicy food from the university cafeteria.

I’m referring to the contagious attitude of having passion to study, work and express one’s creativity. I’m thinking about the value of kindness to strangers. I’m talking about building long-lasting friendships.

To me, these things are far more worth than a handsome Korean boyfriend.