My research tactic is to hit five knowledge sections. The sections are Culture; to lessen culture shock as much as possible, Academia; visualize going abroad in South Korea, Finance; Information regarding recommended Credit/Debit Cards, T-Money, etc.., SIM Cards; what would be the ideal SIM card plan? & Living Situation; recommended places to live in.

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1. ) Culture 

Once I solidified that I would be going to study abroad the first thing that I did was research the customs and behavior of the local population. I think this is an important step as we are coming in as tourists so it is important to be respectful of the culture and the residents. Last Fall of 2023 I spent about 1-2 weeks watching travel vlogs and infographic videos so that I can visualize what is considered good/bad to do in South Korea. I highly recommend using platforms such as YouTube as a research outlet as well as making small notes on your phone of certain rules that are highly valued in the culture. As an example, I wrote "Slightly face away from the older demographic when drinking." as the drinking culture in South Korea is huge. I would also write down important social Korean terms such as 고시원 (Goshiwon) -- small room apartment, 노래방 (Noraebang) -- Karaoke, and the honorifics as South Korea has a system of addressing someone respectfully in terms of age. So research these terms so that you are not as confused during social situations. 

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2.) Academics 

Using the app YOUTUBE ! I spent about 1-2 weeks watching vlogs of exchange students from when they depart from their home country to arriving, processing at Incheon International Airport (main airport hub near Seoul), to going to their Goshiwon or Dorm situation. That way I was able to visualize what my first steps would be when I arrived in South Korea as well as make me feel less anxious about dorm life and living in a foreign country. During this, I would also take notes of the academic structure of my host university as the education structure is a bit different as an exchange student. I would also recommend referring to past Freeman, Johnson, and International scholar blogs on the Shidler website as they have a list of tips and recommendations already implemented. I highly took advantage of this as I copied and pasted their blogs on my notes apps so that I can refer to them once I arrive in South Korea, so HUGE THANK YOU! to all the past Scholars that came before. And don't be afraid of contacting last semester's scholars as I was able to reach out to these people through the International Business Organization (IBO) at Shidler! as well as through social media. 

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3.) Finance Info

I utilize apps such as Reddit and YouTube! to find out what would be the ideal travel card (such as mastercard/visa) . I will say that as long as the card has NO foreign transaction fees, I would say it would be good to use. In addition here are two credit/debit cards that people recommend but I would also try to research on your own to see what fits for you: 

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Charles Schwab Debit Card: https://www.schwab.com/checking/debit-card

Wise Currency Card: https://wise.com/us/card/

SavorOne CapitalOne Credit Card: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savorone-dining-rewards/

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Please note that you have to notify your bank that you are going to a different country so that they would not lock your card. There is travel cards in South Korea such as the WOWPass or the Climate Card but again I would suggest you do your own research. On top of knowing what travel card to use, research the exchange rate and the form of currency used as it may differ due to inflation. So for me it was WON and as of Fall 2024 it was about $1 USD = range of 1,280-1,350 WON. I would also look up the function and how-to-use a T-Money card as this is the ideal card to pay for transportation

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4.) About SIM Cards

I say that this research was overwhelming as SIM Cards can come in a variety of ways and can be bought in a variety of ways!! From my experience I will be getting an Electronic-SIM card as my model iPhone 15 did not have a physical SIM card slot so E-Sim was my only option & I will be purchasing it through the website TRAZY about 2-3 days prior to my arrival. Alternatively, you can buy a physical or an electronic SIM cards at the Incheon International Airport, however, I would note that it might be more expensive due to tourist prices but you will get a free T-Money card! So, same as the travel cards, research what plan, type, and method fits your phone. To note: you do have to pay or repurchase the SIM card as they do have a expiration trial (avg. 30-90 days; 120 if you want to pay extra) and make sure to call your phone company before going abroad to unlock your phone for service outside of the USA

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Other recommended website to purchase an SIM Card: https://chingumobile.com/ | https://www.klook.com/en-US/

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5.) Living Situation 

This was my initial inner-conflict as I struggled if I wanted to dorm, use a Goshiwon, or an AirBNB. At the end of my decision I would choose to dorm as it would be more convenient to get to school and to meet new people! The only area that I was worried about is having a roommate and a curfew hence the Goshiwon option -- as I have never shared a bedroom with anyone before and as an introvert I highly prioritize my privacy! and for my dorm there is a 5:00 PM curfew time. BUT! I would recommend to not let these thoughts hinder you from experiencing dorm life! and each living accommodation has their own shares of pros and cons. Just be sure to remember the rules and regulation regardless of where you choose to live. If you are arriving in South Korea prior to your dorm move-in date, I would recommend booking a hotel or an AirBNB as soon as you book your flight.  

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If you are deciding to use a Goshiwon here is a website that most exchange students use: https://goshipages.com/

For AirBNB & Hotel use websites such as: https://www.airbnb.com/ | booking.com | agoda.com | https://www.expedia.com/