As a 4th-semester international student in Busan, South Korea, Iโve been through a couple of midterm exam seasons already. But trust meโeach one still feels intense, especially when youโre juggling major subjects, the Korean language course, and helping juniors who are new and stressed about everything.
This time, midterm week is from April 21 to 25, and almost every university in Busan is on the same scheduleโTongmyong, Kyungsang, Dong-Eui, you name it. Since I live in a gosiwon (a small dorm-style room), Iโm surrounded by students from all over, and these days, the air here is thick with exam tension. ๐
ย My Midterm Subjects โ The Big One: Big Data Analysis with Python
My exams start on April 22, and I have 3 exams on the same day. Yes, three! But the one everyoneโs really sweating over is our Big Data Analysis class. It's a major subject, and the professor is known for being very strictโespecially when it comes to grading and expectations. This course includes content from NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas. Iโve made notes from both our e-campus system and a reference book.
Helping Juniors, Especially with Korean Language Course
A lot of juniors and freshers from my gosiwon (from Tongmyong, Dong-Eui, even Kyungsang) come to me for advice. They're especially nervous about the Korean language courseโwhich is totally understandable. Iโve been there. I still remember how it felt not knowing what the professor was saying or what kind of questions to expect.
So, Iโve been sharing:
Past question types
My handwritten notes
How I prepared for Korean reading, writing, and speaking
And, of course, some motivational words to ease their stress
๐ฅ๏ธ Using eCampus & Professor Support
One really helpful thing that I always recommend to my juniorsโand use myselfโis the eCampus system. It's not just for uploading homework. Many professors post slides, past papers, sample questions, and even chat options where you can ask questions directly.
Pro tip: Donโt hesitate to ask professors for clarification through eCampus. Some students feel shy, but Iโve learned that professors (even the strict ones!) appreciate students who show effort.
๐
My Study Routine
With three exams on Day 1, I had to get organized early:
I divided my time: Morning for Big Data, afternoon for Korean language, and evening for revision
Made a mind map of important NumPy/Matplotlib/Pandas functions
Practiced reading and translating Korean vocabulary from my coursebook
๐ The Pressure Is Real โ But Youโre Not Alone
Midterm week always comes with pressure, especially when youโre an international student away from home, dealing with language, culture, and academic stress all at once.
But if youโre reading this, youโre not alone. Whether itโs your 1st semester or your 4th like mine, weโre all in the same boat. Letโs study smart, help each other, and most importantlyโbelieve in ourselves.
As a 4th-semester international student in Busan, South Korea, Iโve been through a couple of midterm exam seasons already. But trust meโeach one still feels intense, especially when youโre juggling major subjects, the Korean language course, and helping juniors who are new and stressed about everything.
This time, midterm week is from April 21 to 25, and almost every university in Busan is on the same scheduleโTongmyong, Kyungsang, Dong-Eui, you name it. Since I live in a gosiwon (a small dorm-style room), Iโm surrounded by students from all over, and these days, the air here is thick with exam tension. ๐
ย My Midterm Subjects โ The Big One: Big Data Analysis with Python
My exams start on April 22, and I have 3 exams on the same day. Yes, three! But the one everyoneโs really sweating over is our Big Data Analysis class. It's a major subject, and the professor is known for being very strictโespecially when it comes to grading and expectations. This course includes content from NumPy, Matplotlib, and Pandas. Iโve made notes from both our e-campus system and a reference book.
Helping Juniors, Especially with Korean Language Course
A lot of juniors and freshers from my gosiwon (from Tongmyong, Dong-Eui, even Kyungsang) come to me for advice. They're especially nervous about the Korean language courseโwhich is totally understandable. Iโve been there. I still remember how it felt not knowing what the professor was saying or what kind of questions to expect.
So, Iโve been sharing:
Past question types
My handwritten notes
How I prepared for Korean reading, writing, and speaking
And, of course, some motivational words to ease their stress
๐ฅ๏ธ Using eCampus & Professor Support
One really helpful thing that I always recommend to my juniorsโand use myselfโis the eCampus system. It's not just for uploading homework. Many professors post slides, past papers, sample questions, and even chat options where you can ask questions directly.
Pro tip: Donโt hesitate to ask professors for clarification through eCampus. Some students feel shy, but Iโve learned that professors (even the strict ones!) appreciate students who show effort.
๐ My Study Routine
With three exams on Day 1, I had to get organized early:
I divided my time: Morning for Big Data, afternoon for Korean language, and evening for revision
Made a mind map of important NumPy/Matplotlib/Pandas functions
Practiced reading and translating Korean vocabulary from my coursebook
๐ The Pressure Is Real โ But Youโre Not Alone
Midterm week always comes with pressure, especially when youโre an international student away from home, dealing with language, culture, and academic stress all at once.
But if youโre reading this, youโre not alone. Whether itโs your 1st semester or your 4th like mine, weโre all in the same boat. Letโs study smart, help each other, and most importantlyโbelieve in ourselves.