The Experiences and Attitude toward the Exchange Programs in Korea Among Burapha University Exchange Students

Abstract

This study is analyzing Burapha University exchange students in Korea in order to explore their attitude towards the exchange programs and the way they adjusted their life in Korea. The samples are 15 Korean language major students who had ever been in Korea during their fourth year as Exchange Students. Questionnaires, consisting of 12 questions for checklist and 12 questions for writing, were used to collect data. According to the findings, the opinion about the students’ life in Korea was rated good (4.22). Convenience in transportations was rated highest (4.80) but the higher standard of living cost was rated lowest (3.67). The outcome expected by most exchange students before going to Korea was ‘Korean language skills (48%)’ and the least was ‘sightseeing & shopping (31%)’. The best final outcomes were ‘listening-speaking skill (29%)’ and living by oneself (29%).  The most adaptable experience in everyday life was ‘Korean living style (25%)’. ‘Tolerance and openness’ is considered as the important keys to live successfully in Korea. To understand more the lifestyle of Korean people, students are recommended to learn more about Korean living style expressed in food and  drinking culture.