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안녕하세요, 저는 2019-2학기 미국 Washington University in St. Louis에 파견되었던 경영학과 17학번 서천함입니다.
1. Mini Pre-Arrival Guide
- WUSTL key & WebSTAC
After you are officially accepted to the Olin Business School exchange program, you will receive several important emails from your advisor (for your reference in April), including instructions about getting WUSTL key, accessing WebSTAC to view classes and apply housing. So just chill, everything will be settled if you follow the emails up step by step.
- Visa
In May(just for your reference), WashU will mail your visa eligibility document(Form DS-2019) to KUBS International Office, with a pre-arrival guide. International Office will call you immediately once the documents are arrived. The pre-arrival guide provides detailed instructions about how to obtain an J-1 visa, how to check in after arrival, housing, orientation, immunizations and so on, which you may refer to. Note to schedule the appointment with U.S. consulates as early as possible.
- Health Insurance
No worries for the insurance because you will be billed automatically for the cost of the insurance along with mandatory Health and Wellness Fee. Just remember to check your bill on WebSTAC Billing and it should be clear to you. You will be asked to submit your immunization record via Student Portal and physician signature will not required.
- Housing
WashU’s dorms rank #1 in the U.S.! Remember to check the housing application open date on the websites and don’t miss it. I lived in a four-person suite at Lopata House. I summarized the pros and cons here just for your reference.
/*Advantages of Lopata House*/
(1) 2-minute walk to the Village House (** where the canteen/café/convenience store is and where you can pick up your delivery)
(2) 5-minute walk to the gym (aka Recreation Center)
(3) 10-minute walk to Olin Business school / Simon Hall
(4) provides a number of quite study spaces / computer labs (with printers) on the lower level, where you can utilize during the exam period instead of going to the crowded library
(5) yoga courses open on the lower level so you don't have to walk far carrying your yoga mat
/*Disadvantages of Lopata House */
Cannot cook. There’s only one shared kitchen on the lower level. I cooked only once throughout the whole semester. I don’t recommend you to cook in the shared kitchen because I put my stuff there once and surprisingly found they had been used or taken by someone without my permission. Afterwards I only walked to the Village House cafeteria to have lunch/ dinner and it’s just convenient.
- Meal Plan
Various meal plans have different points. You may use the points at all Dining Services locations on campus. You can to The minimum requirement of meal plan may vary from Bronze Meal Plan to Apartment Meal Plan depending on where you live. When the housing application result comes out, it should be clear to you. At least Bronze Meal Plan was a perfect fit for me. Even if you have used up all the points, you can still purchase food and beverages using Bear Bucks account so no worries.
- Airline Ticket & Check-in Date
Be sure to confirm twice regarding your official housing move-in day and check the housing application result before booking your airline ticket. You may be required to check in on a specific day. Due to the error of the official guidebook, I arrived 3 days earlier than the check-in day so that I had to book a room via Airbnb outside campus and stayed there for 3 whole days.
- Orientation
The Exchange/Transfer Orientation will last for about a week and exchange students are required to participate in it. Even you don’t participate in it, you still have to pay $500 for the pre-orientation fee ( it will appear on your bill at the end of semester). You will meet your WUSA (a student organization similar with KUBA in KU). They are all fun, passionate and kind. You will also visit City Museum and the Gateway Arch with other exchange students.
2. Course Registration & Courses
Tips:
1. When you have completed your Registration Worksheet, think twice before you send it to your advisor. Because he/she will help register courses for you once registration is open and you are guaranteed to register the courses you want. Be sure to make wise use of this opportunity. Once the add/drop period begins, you will be only eligible to add courses with available seats.
2. Note to check the final exam schedule in case of any conflicts and arrange them well.
a) Intermediate Financial Accounting II - Mark Soczek
Instead of using ppts, Prof. Soczek will distribute lecture notes at the beginning of each class. All the study materials will be posted on Canvas site, including sample quizzes and exams as well as solutions. Do remember to utilize these resources when preparing for quizzes and exams because they are extremely helpful. The quizzes are overall easy while you have to prepare well enough for the 2 exams.
b) Financial Statement Analysis - Mark Soczek
Personally I enjoyed this class because it is about training you to be able to analyze any available information regarding a company, in addition to use the information making inferences and decisions. It had been great fun learning various valuation models as well as how to utilize them in real life. In the end of the semester, we had a valuation-related group project, which is about analyzing an S&P 500 company and ultimately providing our own recommendations. I suggest that you get an early start on forming your group in case you might be left.
c) Advanced Financial Management – Taylor Begley
This class was probably the most advanced course of corporate finance in Olin and for that reason the workload was quite heavy. Through the semester we had six case studies, most of which were over 10 pages long and included quantitative analysis. Reading was the easiest step and next we had to write case reports and do calculations using financial statements via excel. Only if you truly master each topic and do actively participate in each case study you will be able to pass the exams. Prof. Begley is a brilliant teacher who makes tedious theories clear and simple. I would recommend this class with no doubt.
d) Auditing - Richard Palmer
Basically I took this graduate class because I was an audit intern at Deloitte and had gained some related working experience. I wanted to learn auditing in a more systematic way and to develop professional judgement and become familiar with assurance processes. We had to pay around $ 100 for McGraw-Hill Connect software to do pre-class readings of each chapter as well as quizzes. In addition, we learned how to use IDEA and Tableau to analyze data and visualize them. Overall the class is well-organized and is greatly helpful for preparing AICPA exams.
e) Mind Body Movement: Yoga and Pilates – Susan Volkan
Taking this class was such a great enjoyment. Thanks to this amazing course, I truly found inner peace through yoga and meditation. Highly recommended!
3. Life in WashU
- Sports : Recreation Center
My favorite spot on campus. It’s just 5 minutes away from my dorm so I went there a lot. The Olympic Studio provides all kinds of dancing/ yoga classes on every single day and for free :) I tried Zumba, Energy Step, South Asian Grooves, Hip Hop Groove etc. The classes and instructors were just amazing! I still remember how the Zumba instructor taught us to be aware of our surroundings and focus to be present. What’s more, there’s a swimming pool(named Millstone Pool) located on Level 1 of the Athletic Complex. Swimming in winter was totally a new experience for me and I loved it.
- Extracurricular Activities: Activities Fair
Academics is not everything about college. Over 380 clubs and student-run organizations will recruit new members in this fair. Before that, you may get to read the introductions of these organizations on WUGO (grouporganizer.wustl.edu) / Facebook. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in campus life and make new friends. I joined a community service group which aimed to improve local health education and help raise awareness of health among local elementary students. Every week we volunteered to teach some important wellness topics through presentations and interactive activities in local elementary schools. Teaching kids made me feel even more fulfilled than learning. Every child was so adorable that their smile could light up the world.
4. Life outside WashU
- Tivoli Theatre
Tivoli Theater is a old-timey and gorgeous theater with around 100-year history. It shows varieties of nice independent movies you don’t see in the mainstream theaters at times. I watched here and it had been such a magical and interactive experience that I would never forget. People went to see this musical show wearing fabulous costumes, throwing things, shouting and dancing with the characters. This is a learn-as-you-go experience and I had great fun. Besides, don’t miss St. Louis International Film Festival here if you are a cinephile.
- Travels
(a) Chicago
During fall break I took the Megabus to Chicago with my boyfriend. Chicago is famous for world-class museums which offers a visual feast for senses. We spent 3 whole days visiting and walking at the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Driehaus Museum, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. Three days went just like seconds while you browsing through all these amazing masterpieces and spectacular exhibitions. I would definitely love to go back.
(b) Orlando
I am a big fan of Harry Potter and I am crazy about the Wizarding World at Universal Studios. Here, you can visit the elves in Gringotts and drink butter beer at the Diagon Alley. Be sure to purchase the two-park pass so that you can literally take the Hogwarts Express from one park to the other and it’s like your are in the movies.
(c) LA -> Las Vegas -> NYC -> Washington DC
I highly suggest you to explore these cities by your own. For simplicity, I will just talk about the highlights of our trip and sincerely recommend them to you.
- To enjoy the sunset near Santa Monica Pier (possibly with someone you love :) )
- To watch the Planetarium show at Griffith Observatory
- To visit Death Valley, the hottest spot in North America
- To see a fantastic show at Broadway Theater such as
5. Summary
My exchange experience has been incredibly fulfilling. The curriculum was challenging but I could always get help from knowledgeable professors and keep learning from outstanding classmates around me. It also provided me with abundant and superb opportunities of various extracurricular activities which got me more involved in the school & culture and had greatly diversified my lifestyle. I will treasure these precious memories and always be proud and grateful for being an exchange student at WashU. Hope my experience could help you :)
1. Mini Pre-Arrival Guide
- WUSTL key & WebSTAC
After you are officially accepted to the Olin Business School exchange program, you will receive several important emails from your advisor (for your reference in April), including instructions about getting WUSTL key, accessing WebSTAC to view classes and apply housing. So just chill, everything will be settled if you follow the emails up step by step.
- Visa
In May(just for your reference), WashU will mail your visa eligibility document(Form DS-2019) to KUBS International Office, with a pre-arrival guide. International Office will call you immediately once the documents are arrived. The pre-arrival guide provides detailed instructions about how to obtain an J-1 visa, how to check in after arrival, housing, orientation, immunizations and so on, which you may refer to. Note to schedule the appointment with U.S. consulates as early as possible.
- Health Insurance
No worries for the insurance because you will be billed automatically for the cost of the insurance along with mandatory Health and Wellness Fee. Just remember to check your bill on WebSTAC Billing and it should be clear to you. You will be asked to submit your immunization record via Student Portal and physician signature will not required.
- Housing
WashU’s dorms rank #1 in the U.S.! Remember to check the housing application open date on the websites and don’t miss it. I lived in a four-person suite at Lopata House. I summarized the pros and cons here just for your reference.
/*Advantages of Lopata House*/
(1) 2-minute walk to the Village House (** where the canteen/café/convenience store is and where you can pick up your delivery)
(2) 5-minute walk to the gym (aka Recreation Center)
(3) 10-minute walk to Olin Business school / Simon Hall
(4) provides a number of quite study spaces / computer labs (with printers) on the lower level, where you can utilize during the exam period instead of going to the crowded library
(5) yoga courses open on the lower level so you don't have to walk far carrying your yoga mat
/*Disadvantages of Lopata House */
Cannot cook. There’s only one shared kitchen on the lower level. I cooked only once throughout the whole semester. I don’t recommend you to cook in the shared kitchen because I put my stuff there once and surprisingly found they had been used or taken by someone without my permission. Afterwards I only walked to the Village House cafeteria to have lunch/ dinner and it’s just convenient.
- Meal Plan
Various meal plans have different points. You may use the points at all Dining Services locations on campus. You can to The minimum requirement of meal plan may vary from Bronze Meal Plan to Apartment Meal Plan depending on where you live. When the housing application result comes out, it should be clear to you. At least Bronze Meal Plan was a perfect fit for me. Even if you have used up all the points, you can still purchase food and beverages using Bear Bucks account so no worries.
- Airline Ticket & Check-in Date
Be sure to confirm twice regarding your official housing move-in day and check the housing application result before booking your airline ticket. You may be required to check in on a specific day. Due to the error of the official guidebook, I arrived 3 days earlier than the check-in day so that I had to book a room via Airbnb outside campus and stayed there for 3 whole days.
- Orientation
The Exchange/Transfer Orientation will last for about a week and exchange students are required to participate in it. Even you don’t participate in it, you still have to pay $500 for the pre-orientation fee ( it will appear on your bill at the end of semester). You will meet your WUSA (a student organization similar with KUBA in KU). They are all fun, passionate and kind. You will also visit City Museum and the Gateway Arch with other exchange students.
2. Course Registration & Courses
Tips:
1. When you have completed your Registration Worksheet, think twice before you send it to your advisor. Because he/she will help register courses for you once registration is open and you are guaranteed to register the courses you want. Be sure to make wise use of this opportunity. Once the add/drop period begins, you will be only eligible to add courses with available seats.
2. Note to check the final exam schedule in case of any conflicts and arrange them well.
a) Intermediate Financial Accounting II - Mark Soczek
Instead of using ppts, Prof. Soczek will distribute lecture notes at the beginning of each class. All the study materials will be posted on Canvas site, including sample quizzes and exams as well as solutions. Do remember to utilize these resources when preparing for quizzes and exams because they are extremely helpful. The quizzes are overall easy while you have to prepare well enough for the 2 exams.
b) Financial Statement Analysis - Mark Soczek
Personally I enjoyed this class because it is about training you to be able to analyze any available information regarding a company, in addition to use the information making inferences and decisions. It had been great fun learning various valuation models as well as how to utilize them in real life. In the end of the semester, we had a valuation-related group project, which is about analyzing an S&P 500 company and ultimately providing our own recommendations. I suggest that you get an early start on forming your group in case you might be left.
c) Advanced Financial Management – Taylor Begley
This class was probably the most advanced course of corporate finance in Olin and for that reason the workload was quite heavy. Through the semester we had six case studies, most of which were over 10 pages long and included quantitative analysis. Reading was the easiest step and next we had to write case reports and do calculations using financial statements via excel. Only if you truly master each topic and do actively participate in each case study you will be able to pass the exams. Prof. Begley is a brilliant teacher who makes tedious theories clear and simple. I would recommend this class with no doubt.
d) Auditing - Richard Palmer
Basically I took this graduate class because I was an audit intern at Deloitte and had gained some related working experience. I wanted to learn auditing in a more systematic way and to develop professional judgement and become familiar with assurance processes. We had to pay around $ 100 for McGraw-Hill Connect software to do pre-class readings of each chapter as well as quizzes. In addition, we learned how to use IDEA and Tableau to analyze data and visualize them. Overall the class is well-organized and is greatly helpful for preparing AICPA exams.
e) Mind Body Movement: Yoga and Pilates – Susan Volkan
Taking this class was such a great enjoyment. Thanks to this amazing course, I truly found inner peace through yoga and meditation. Highly recommended!
3. Life in WashU
- Sports : Recreation Center
My favorite spot on campus. It’s just 5 minutes away from my dorm so I went there a lot. The Olympic Studio provides all kinds of dancing/ yoga classes on every single day and for free :) I tried Zumba, Energy Step, South Asian Grooves, Hip Hop Groove etc. The classes and instructors were just amazing! I still remember how the Zumba instructor taught us to be aware of our surroundings and focus to be present. What’s more, there’s a swimming pool(named Millstone Pool) located on Level 1 of the Athletic Complex. Swimming in winter was totally a new experience for me and I loved it.
- Extracurricular Activities: Activities Fair
Academics is not everything about college. Over 380 clubs and student-run organizations will recruit new members in this fair. Before that, you may get to read the introductions of these organizations on WUGO (grouporganizer.wustl.edu) / Facebook. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in campus life and make new friends. I joined a community service group which aimed to improve local health education and help raise awareness of health among local elementary students. Every week we volunteered to teach some important wellness topics through presentations and interactive activities in local elementary schools. Teaching kids made me feel even more fulfilled than learning. Every child was so adorable that their smile could light up the world.
4. Life outside WashU
- Tivoli Theatre
Tivoli Theater is a old-timey and gorgeous theater with around 100-year history. It shows varieties of nice independent movies you don’t see in the mainstream theaters at times. I watched
- Travels
(a) Chicago
During fall break I took the Megabus to Chicago with my boyfriend. Chicago is famous for world-class museums which offers a visual feast for senses. We spent 3 whole days visiting and walking at the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Driehaus Museum, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. Three days went just like seconds while you browsing through all these amazing masterpieces and spectacular exhibitions. I would definitely love to go back.
(b) Orlando
I am a big fan of Harry Potter and I am crazy about the Wizarding World at Universal Studios. Here, you can visit the elves in Gringotts and drink butter beer at the Diagon Alley. Be sure to purchase the two-park pass so that you can literally take the Hogwarts Express from one park to the other and it’s like your are in the movies.
(c) LA -> Las Vegas -> NYC -> Washington DC
I highly suggest you to explore these cities by your own. For simplicity, I will just talk about the highlights of our trip and sincerely recommend them to you.
- To enjoy the sunset near Santa Monica Pier (possibly with someone you love :) )
- To watch the Planetarium show at Griffith Observatory
- To visit Death Valley, the hottest spot in North America
- To see a fantastic show at Broadway Theater such as
5. Summary
My exchange experience has been incredibly fulfilling. The curriculum was challenging but I could always get help from knowledgeable professors and keep learning from outstanding classmates around me. It also provided me with abundant and superb opportunities of various extracurricular activities which got me more involved in the school & culture and had greatly diversified my lifestyle. I will treasure these precious memories and always be proud and grateful for being an exchange student at WashU. Hope my experience could help you :)
