2019 Summer Student Exchange Program Experience
Gulsah Adanir (TPA.YC_Turkey)
Chosun University, Gwangju, Laboratory of Biochemistry
I don’t know how to start this writing, so I’m going to start from the beginning. My classmate told me an exchange student was coming to our university in this winter. I was so happy to hear that I told him I wanted to host her at my house. That’s how I met Jiyeon. We visited a lot of places in 2 weeks, tasted Turkish foods, and had fun. I was sad when it was time to say goodbye. I said to myself this isn’t the end and we would meet again. That is one of the reasons why I chose South Korea. The other one is my interest in Korean culture and history.
After 11 hours of flight, I landed in Incheon Airport where Chief of Culture & Information Team, who kindly helped me get a SIM card, was waiting for me. Then I went to Gwangju by bus and stayed at Jiyeon’s house for two weeks. During this time, I had the opportunity to get to know Gwangju and Korean culture closely.
I started my internship at Chosun University College of Pharmacy at the biochemistry laboratory run by Professor HongSuk Choi. I met my colleagues at the lab, Kim Garam, and Muna Paudel. With their help, I had a chance to observe different lab processes and to do some experiments. We always had lunch together and went to beautiful historical places. I learned a lot about Korean culture and foods. Telling the truth, it was my first trip abroad, so I was a little nervous before the program. However, I felt like I was at home because everyone was so friendly (So it was hard for me to say goodbye).
I boarded the KTX train to Seoul and was greeted by Lee Seungwoo. On the first day in Seoul, we went to Gyeongbokgung Palace (where I wore hanbok), Bukchon Hanok Village. We had dinner with Haneen, who is an Exchange student from Egypt, and bought some souvenirs in Insadong Street. At night we enjoyed the view of Cheonggyecheon together. On the second and last day, we rode a bicycle along by the Han River.
I'm so grateful for the staffs and the people I met, sacrificing their free time to make this trip unforgettable. I had a great time, made lots of friends. Thank you for making me feel at home even though I was miles away. I hope I can come there to meet with you all again and attend this laboratory.
