From Uzbekistan to Seoul National University — Alisha's Story

Before Coming to Korea — Starting in Tashkent

Alisha (pseudonym) was an ordinary high school student in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She developed an interest in Korean after watching K-dramas and began studying Korean for the first time at age 18.

"I started it as just a hobby. It took me 2 weeks to memorize the Korean alphabet. The grammar was really different from Russian, so it was difficult."

Step 1: 6 Months at a Local Korean Language Institute

She studied basic Korean at the Sejong Institute in Tashkent, 3 times a week for a total of 6 months. During this period, she passed TOPIK Level 1.

Alisha's advice: "Building a foundation locally is really important. Starting from scratch in Korea is too hard."

Step 2: 1 Year at a Korean Language School in Korea (D-4 Visa)

She enrolled in the regular program at Yonsei University Korean Language Institute for 1 year. She spent approximately KRW 15,000,000 in total for living expenses including dormitory.

• Semester 1: Level 1 → Level 2
• Semester 2: Level 2 → Level 3
• Semester 3: Level 3 → Level 4
• Semester 4: Attempted TOPIK Level 5

"Classes every morning from 9 to 1, homework and self-study in the afternoon. Practiced conversation with Korean friends on weekends."

Step 3: Preparing to Apply to Seoul National University

After obtaining TOPIK Level 5, she applied to SNU's International Studies department through the special foreign student admission track.

Submitted documents:

• High school transcript (apostille)
• TOPIK Level 5 score certificate
• Personal statement (in Korean)
• Study plan
• 2 recommendation letters
• Proof of financial ability

Interview Preparation — The Hardest Part

SNU holds interviews even for the special foreign student track. Alisha practiced mock interviews with a Korean friend every day for 3 months.

Frequently asked questions:

• Why do you want to study in Korea?
• Why did you choose your major?
• What are the differences between Uzbekistan and Korea?
• What are your post-graduation plans?

Admission — And New Challenges

After 2 years of preparation, Alisha was admitted to SNU's International Studies department. She is currently a 2nd-year student studying international relations.

"Looking back now, it was really hard, but the most important thing was not giving up. There were many moments when Korean was difficult, but I kept making small progress every day, and eventually I got here."

Alisha's 5 Key Pieces of Advice

1. Build a foundation locally: Obtain at least TOPIK Level 1 before coming to Korea
2. Make Korean friends: Your conversational skills improve outside the classroom
3. TOPIK Level 5 or higher is a must: Essential for applying to well-known universities
4. Plan finances thoroughly: Calculate costs for 2–3 years in advance
5. Manage your mental health: Moments of loneliness come when living alone. Find a community