When I was leaving for a journey towards Korea to start a career in researching as a PhD student, the last parting words of my mother were take care! There were mixed emotions in her words depicting happiness for the achievement and opportunity received by her son with worry about his wellbeing abroad. I know it might be the same for you and your family. Thus we can analyze that health care abroad is a prominent concern regarding not only your well-being but also for education and a research career as a person with good health and mental stability will be able to achieve utmost performance.
    There are some quite basic precautions and changes that can keep you safe in South Korea. Before arriving in Korea, it is good if you visit a family doctor and discuss health concerns with them. You may bring some medicine related to common diseases which can be caught due to environmental changes in Korea like a cold, fever etc. which often happens with lot of students because of the drastic difference in weather and air. Along with this, be prepared for chilly winds and weather in Korea. I had to cover myself from head to toe with everything from a jacket to boots when I stepped outside Inchon airport. Until you become familiar with your surroundings, do not hesitate to take precautions.
    There is a proverb that says that there is no color to life without friends. Health not only deals with physical fitness but also mental and your friends become the backbone for your mental health like insulating yourself from homesickness and culture shock. Be active in various student groups or in your self-approach to socializing because it is the fourth pillar for mental stability in line with good sleep, food and exercise. On the other hand, South Korea has a very effective and beneficial health insurance policy so that you should always renew your health insurance for the sake of your health.
    Last, after looking back at my journey until now, I clearly understand the importance of keeping healthy, safe and consistent for maintaining academic work and enjoying every little bit of life. If you have health in hand, then there is a sea of opportunities from going hiking, enjoying kimchi with friends to dedicating yourself to your work to achieve and live here. Get up and be ready to rock the world!
 

By Vijay B. Patil, Guest Reporter