Hwanil Ryu - Exchange Testimonial
Hwanil Ryu, from Yonsei ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ in South Korea,Ìýcompleted his exchange at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide in Semester 1, 2025. As a 2nd year Bachelor of Materials Science and Engineering student, Hwanil’s studies focused on Chemical Engineering during his time in Adelaide. Hwanil received funding from Destination ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Cheung Kong to support him during his exchange program.
What drove you to apply to be an exchange student?
Studying abroad was something I’d always wanted to try. Living in a new country, using English in daily life, and experiencing a different academic system felt like the right kind of challenge for me. It wasn’t just about academics—it was about pushing myself to grow.
I picked the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide because it seemed like a good fit in many ways. It’s a respected university, especially in engineering, and I’d heard it was a welcoming place for international students. Adelaide itself also appealed to me because it’s not too busy but still has plenty to do.
What do you like most about Adelaide?
What surprised me most about Adelaide was how peaceful the city feels. The streets are clean, people are relaxed, and nature is always nearby. I especially enjoy the beaches and the parks. It’s very easy to slow down and appreciate small moments here. It’s normal here for someone to say hi or smile at you on the street. That was new to me, but I quickly grew to like it.
In my free time, I like going out with friends—sometimes we explore different suburbs and go for hikes. Even just having coffee and chatting has become one of my favourite parts of life here. I’ve made friends from all over the world. Most of them I met through my accommodation, The Switch, or during orientation events. There are always small gatherings or cultural nights going on, so it’s easy to meet people if you make the effort.
Getting around is also simple. I mostly walk or take the tram, which is free in the city centre. When I need groceries, I usually go to Central Market or Woolworths. Rundle Mall is great for shopping, and there are lots of nice cafés and food places nearby too.
What did you enjoy about your academic experience?
I’ve really enjoyed the academic side of things. Classes here often involve more discussions and group work than I was used to. Compared to Yonsei, where lectures are more structured and focused on exams, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide gives students more freedom to manage their own learning. It felt a bit unfamiliar at first, but I got used to it. In fact, I came to appreciate how much the lecturers encourage questions and critical thinking. This helped me become more independent and taught me how to organise my time better.
What does the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide offer in comparison to your home university?
What stands out about the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide compared to my home university is the focus on student wellbeing. There are so many resources to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
I also really liked the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide campus—it’s right in the city but still feels calm and green. The mix of old and new buildings gives it a lot of character. I often study at the Barr Smith Library, which has a nice quiet atmosphere.
What are your top 3 favourite things about being a ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide student?
1. The multicultural environment
2. Easy access to both the city and nature
3. Supportive academic and social services
What type of accommodation did you choose to live in?
I’ve been living at The Switch Adelaide Central. It’s modern, clean, and very community-focused. I found it through the university’s recommendation list, and it’s been a great choice.There’s a strong sense of community here. We often cook together, join movie nights, or just hang out in the common areas. It makes a big difference when you’re far from home.
What has been the highlight of your exchange experience?
One of the best parts of this experience has been getting to know people from different countries. We’ve shared meals, gone on trips together, and had countless conversations about our cultures. Those moments have been the most meaningful.
Tell us about your most challenging experience since your time here. What was the hardest adjustment you had to make?
The hardest part was adjusting to the different pace of life. Things move more slowly here, and that felt strange at first. Also, cooking for myself every day was a big change—but now it’s something I enjoy.
How has your exchange prepared you for the future?
Living in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has definitely changed me. I feel more independent and confident now. I’ve also improved my communication skills, especially in English, just by using it every day.
This exchange has prepared me for the future by showing me how to adapt to unfamiliar situations and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Those are things I’ll carry with me into any career. Studying overseas isn’t just about academics—it’s about growing as a person. You learn so much by stepping into a new culture and figuring things out on your own.
Would you recommend an exchange experience at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide? If so, why?
If someone’s thinking about coming to South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, I’d say: do it, but come with an open mind. Be ready to experience a different rhythm of life, and don’t be afraid to talk to new people. I wish I had been more confident at the beginning.
I would absolutely recommend doing an exchange at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide. It’s a place where you can study, meet amazing people, and enjoy a different way of life—all at the same time.
The (DACKEP) is a joint funding initiative of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Government and the which aims to strengthen engagement between ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n universities and Asian counterparts and offer students the transformative potential of an overseas study experience.