Russia

South Korean tourists have recently become a common sight in Russian cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg, marking the success of the no-visa regime that began on January 1, 2014. But even before that date, Korean students could be found walking through corridors of some of the best Russian universities or in coffee shops nearby. Why is that?

Though many Korean university students are interested in studying abroad in the USA, many others are interested in study programs throughout Russia. These students have stated that they would like to move their perceptions of Russia away from Cold War stereotypes and experience what the country is really about.

If Korean students study in the U.S. or Australia to improve their English, those who choose Russia have different plans. Their goal is to study Russian oil and gas policies and take their chances to get a job in this field, either in Russia or back in Korea. Economic cooperation between Russia and Korea is currently gaining strength because of President Park’s Eurasia Initiative plan. An impressive number of students take their time to learn the Russian language in order to get better promotion opportunities upon arrival back in Korea. Some of the careers for these individuals include energy researchers at universities, police officers, professors, managers and economists.

One of the most surprising things for Korean students studying in Russia is the realization that there is actually a summertime in Russia. During the summer months, temperatures can rise up to 35 degrees centigrade in Moscow and even higher in the southern part of the country. Another thing Korean students find interesting is that Russia provides them with a comfortable atmosphere that promotes deep, profound and thought-provoking studying as university and state libraries offer a wide range of books. Moreover, they are pleased to get the same advantages that Russian students have, such as discounts on transport and cultural experiences, such as museums and art galleries.

Though there are many new things to experience as a student studying abroad in Russia, many students from Korea travel to Moscow with a few comforts of home. Rice-cooking machines are a popular item to bring, as well as 5-kg kimchi jars. Having the opportunity to cook such comfort foods as kimchi bokkeum-bab can make all the difference in the world while living away from home.

The most common inconveniences that Korean students suffer from have to do with everyday tasks like shopping and navigating public transportation. Many Russian people in shops do not know English. Rather, a common second-language among the Russian people is German. There is also a noticeable absence of English signage in the Moscow subway system, and some find it hard to get used to living away from campus. Another difference is that of cost. On average, the price of a cup of coffee in Russia is double that found in Korea, with the average up to $8-10  for a mochaccino.

An important thing to note, however, is that Korean students have noticed a difference between the USA and Russia on a social level. Some of these students studying abroad have pointed out that, “If the USA is all about individualism, Russia is all about egoism.” They are referring to the Russians’ perceived indifference to strangers, although most Russian people will disagree with this statement. It seems more likely that the Korean students were unprepared for some of the cultural differences that one inevitably faces when first moving to another country.

Still, the underlying theme expressed by most Korean students was the amazing social life they had with their Russian friends and the historical sights they were able to witness. These things made up for the challenges each had to face in everyday life. “It was a challenge,” they say, also noting that, unlike Americans, Russian people are like coconuts: hard on the outside but soft inside. And these Korean students love coconuts.