Siyeon Kim studies Fashion Design and Textile at INHA University, Korea. She joined the study abroad Fashion Business Semester at London College of Fashion.
"While spending one semester at LCF, I learned how to express myself. London is the best area to study fashion and especially at UAL there are lots of students from all over the world and tons of different styles."
How was studying abroad in London?
At first, I was quite nervous about this journey. I travelled a lot before, but never lived in the other country. My English was not perfect and I was a complete stranger in the UK. However, as the semester starts I realised my concerns were not needed at all. All courses were interesting and I met such great friends in London.
Before the course begin, I was wondering what ‘British Cultural Studies’ was. It was one of the mandatory unit classes and I was not sure how British Culture can be related to the actual Fashion Business. Actually, it turned out it was the most fun, alive class ever. We visited meaningful places that contain old and contemporary British culture. Also, it was basically running together with another class called ‘Fashion History and Artefacts’, so every time when we visited the Historical areas, the place also had a sense of Fashion and art. Our tutor Michael gave us an assignment of making our own journal; and now at this moment, the ‘London journal’ I built through those classes is the best thing that describes my whole London life. Inside it, I recorded all the spots I have visited in the UK and all the good memories created by spending time together with my new friends.
Besides, other lectures which were not mandatory were also very helpful. I chose ‘Creative Visual Communication’ and ‘Fashion Entrepreneur and Luxury Brand Management. Through CVC class I learned how to visualise my ideas and how to build concept and share it with others. Not just sitting down in the class and listening to the tutor, we visited several fashion exhibitions by graduating students and made our own version of stop motions as our last project.
For the last, in the Fashion Entrepreneur class, our tutor was an actual Fashion Brand’s marketing consultant so we could listen to various cases that are currently happening in the real fashion Industry. We also had a chance to visit Fashion Textile Forum. There were definitely differences between my home university and LCF. At LCF, students can more focus on their own ideas. The tutor helped students develop their concepts and show the example cases as a reference.
Together with the theoretical lectures and practical projects, my studying experience in London for 4 months was amazing. I assure you this was the top 1 unforgettable memory in my life until now.
What is the best memory of studying abroad at UAL? What do you most enjoy about your classes?
While spending one semester at LCF, I learned how to express myself. London is the best area to study fashion and especially at UAL there are lots of students from all over the world and tons of different styles. Not only learned from our tutor I learned from my classmates and friends who are from various continents. In every class, we had enough time to share our work with other students. There is no particular style and all students have their own individuality. By combining my idea and their ideas, we made a team. In the ‘Fashion Entrepreneur and Luxury brand Management' class we were told to build our own fashion brand and make a marketing & business plan. I really enjoyed the project and at the end of the class, students were familiar with Fashion Brand’s annual marketing plan and how this industry is in the reality and how can we react to unexpected situations while running our own fashion business.
Why did you choose UAL Study Abroad?
I always had a dream of studying at UAL. London College of Fashion is a globally well-known fashion school and I am sure all fashion students have a fantasy studying at this college. In my own opinion, after spending time here it turned out it was not just a fantasy. Through the university, I had so many chances to visit interesting fairs and shows. In addition, I made such a great connection with other students who can be my future co-workers.
How did your study abroad experience help with your future?
During this experience, I could narrow down what I want to do in the fashion industry. While taking different types of courses I experienced a variety of fields directly and indirectly, so I found out what I more enjoy. Also, I was interested in working in the UK after graduation, so living in London for one semester helped me to recognize what this area is like.
Is there anything you want to share with other Study Abroad students/ future applicants?
Along with university life, Halls life was also amazing. I shared a flat with 5 other students and with them I had a good time. We cooked dinner together when we had time and every Friday we went out and had a drink. London is a perfect area to make new friends so I would like to recommend sticking together with your flatmates and enjoying your London life. Let yourself experience as much as you can in this interesting area!
Follow Siyeon Kim on Instagram: @siyeonvv