Exchange Student Diary: A Filipino Student’s Life at Chonnam National University – March 2025

By Julienne Mei Magbanua

I had never imagined myself on an exchange program,  but the opportunity presented itself in 2023 at a fair at my home university in the Philippines. I applied and got accepted to represent the school in the program. It was a year-long process and the fruits of my preparation were about to unfold.

I remember being on the plane on my own, and my thoughts were trying to convince me to be anxious. After all, it was my first international trip by myself. But there was a gentle whisper telling me not to fear, and it overwhelmed me with peace. I knew at that moment that I was right where I was supposed to be. Nonetheless, having to discover how to live in a place I’d never been to before wasn’t an easy task. I thought that I would need extra time adjusting to the new environment, but I managed to get used to it quite quickly, special thanks to the amazing people I met who made it easier.

When I arrived at Chonnam National University, I couldn’t help but feel astonished. This was something I only used to see in pictures, and now I was there. I took five classes for the semester. All of them were very interesting and fun. In some classes too, students developed a strong connection with each other as well as with the professor. Some friends that I grew really close with were those that I met in class. We made and shared memories together. We went on trips and explored Gwangju and neighboring towns and cities. I love nature, so I was in awe of the beauty of South Korea’s countryside scenery. I remember thinking about how much I wanted to bring my family when I got the chance. Hopefully, I’ll get to visit those places again with my family someday.

My friend and I were able to witness the opening of the Philippines’ solo pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale – a historic first for our country. It was an honor to see the works of the hands of masters in the field of art and more so to be in their presence. Aside from what I’ve already mentioned, I had the incredible opportunity to become a volunteer as well, here at the Gwangju News and at UNESCO KONA. The Gwangju News introduced me to events happening in Gwangju such as the Fringe Festival and the World Human Rights Cities Forum. I saw wonderful performances at the festival and gained new insights at the forum. Through UNESCO KONA, I was given a platform to present about the Philippines at Gwangju International Community Week and also at a local daycare center. Seeing the children being so interested in my culture warmed my heart. What’s most memorable to me was when the students participated in dancing one of my country’s traditional dances called tinikling. It uses bamboo poles that were tapped and beaten during the dance. We didn’t have those in the classroom, but the teachers found a way and used some long sticks as an alternative. I demonstrated it and then allowed the children to try dancing tinikling as well. It’s definitely a memory I will always cherish.

“This was something I only used to see in pictures, and now I was there.“

Another highlight of my exchange program experience was having my first international stage performance where I got to sing an original song at the CNU Festival on my birthday. I’ve had a few gigs in the Philippines as a singer-songwriter, but this was something else! It was both a gift to me and the crowd. I had so much fun, and my friends played a huge part in it. They were so supportive of me. I felt fulfilled seeing my music cross borders.

Being a part of the exchange program definitely shaped my character. I became braver and more confident in trying out new things – some I never even considered when I was in the Philippines. I was surprised to see myself take on greater heights. As the program was coming to an end, I felt excited to go home to the Philippines. I already missed my family so dearly. After all, it was the longest time I had been away. Despite the homesickness, I knew that I would yearn for the time I had spent in South Korea as soon as I got back home. And so I did. There was grief in leaving the life I had lived in a land that was not my own. But even so, there’s also this joy in having experienced all those beautiful things in life in another part of the world. I am glad that I took that leap of faith and went on with this journey. I wouldn’t have known and experienced all these things if I hadn’t had the courage to try and the grit to move forward.

I do not know where life may take me in the future, but South Korea, especially Gwangju, will always have a special place in my heart.

Photograph by Julienne Mei Magbanua.