Getting Ready to Go

Sun was shining beautifully above the clouds during the flight :)

I have just arrived in South Korea, Seoul, Incheon airport. Everything went fine without any bigger problems. However, the preparations for the trip weren't that easy.

The preparations for the departure to South Korea started by moving back to my parents’ house. We decided the easiest solution in my situation would be to move back to my parents’ where my belongings would be safe for the whole exchange year. My lease with HOAS (The Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region) for the student apartment was fixed-term and it would have ended in next February anyway.

         While packing my moving boxes I tried to write on the box as accurately as I could what the box includes so that once I return I would be able to find anything I need as easily as possible. In the case of clothes I already filled my suitcase with fall and winter season clothes I might need in Korea. I won’t need those anyhow during the summer so I thought it might not hurt to pack them already.

Spending the last days in Finland

This visa application caused some drama to my life because Korea University (KU) had sent alongside the admission letter a letter informing that the South Korean government is changing the visa application procedure in July so we were told to apply for the student visa by the 30th of June. For this reason those who would not be able to apply for the student visa in June should apply for it after entering South Korea. I picked the admission letter package on 22nd of June and didn’t notice the letter regarding the visa application. Lucky me, the other Finnish students going to South Korea started sending questions about the visa application to our whatsapp group and so I also heard the news. However, the situation seems to have changed and the application for the student visa could have been left to the embassy even in July.

          Oh well, at least the visa application is now done. Actually the application attachments were lacking a certificate proofing I will receive student allowance from the Finnish government during my stay in South Korea and so be able to pay all the living costs during the exchange year. However, I managed to receive an account balance report from my bank instead which was enough to proof I can afford the exchange year. After a week I was able to get back my passport with the visa. :)

         First I got a place in KU dormitory in a room for two people. Luckily, I was later offered a single room from a four room suite because they had few of them left in the end. Even though the rules of the dormitory are more strick compared to the private dormitories (goshiwon) I thought it would be worth trying and the money as the KU one is cheaper. If I don’t like it there then I can try to find a place somewhere else.

Winter scenery from last year

Regarding the vaccinations I contacted the Finnish Student Health Service’s (FSHS) travel advice service. They recommended receiving vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis, meningitis and typhoid. They recommended the meningitis vaccination especially for those who are going to live in a dormitory.

My departure date is the August 18 because all of the latter flights to South Korea were already booked. Since I managed to get a room from the university dormitory where I can move in on the 21st I booked myself a hotel room from the nearby hotel for couple nights. The orientation period starts on the 23rd so I have few days of holiday. :)

     Last things to do was to submit the notification of temporary change of address to Local Register Office and Kela (an independent social insurance institution supervised by the Finnish Parliament). Because I am going for the entire year I decided it would be for the best to simply take two suitcases. The first one has already been filled with outdoor clothing and other pieces I will need during the year but don’t need right now here in Finland.

Hometown scenery. Finnish summer at its best :)

I am polishing this post at the Incheon airport since I have couple hours to wait as the hotel check in starts at 2pm. The airport is surprisingly nice place to hang out and at least I will finally finish this post. :)

Next time there should be updates on the actual trip to Korea and my first days in the country. :)

Till next time!
xxx