Student Voices on SKK GSB

Upuli Anuththara Jayaweera (FMBA 2026)

I remember the exact moment I hit “send” on my application to Sungkyunkwan University Graduate School of Business (SKK GSB). It wasn’t just a submission: it was a pivot from a comfortable career, and a ticket to the most intense, rewarding 18 months of my life.

People often asked, “Why Korea? Why a Full-Time MBA?” The answer was simple: I wanted a global business education that was actually future-forward, not just another MBA.

However, when I first landed in Seoul, I had no idea how transformative this experience would become. So, let me take you through the reality of pursuing an MBA in Korea—the challenges, surprises, and genuine moments that define life at one of Asia’s top business schools.

Why I Chose SKK GSB: It’s About the Ecosystem

The decision wasn’t made lightly. After researching multiple MBA programs, SKK GSB stood out for several compelling reasons. The program is globally ranked, taught entirely in English, and focuses heavily on real-world business learning. But more than rankings or courses, what really convinced me was the diverse community. Students come from every corner of the world, and every discussion feels like a window into how the world thinks.

Coming from Sri Lanka, I always wanted to experience a different culture and business environment—something dynamic, fast-moving, and global. Students at SKK GSB are not just reading Harvard case studies or Korean chaebols—they are analyzing them in real-time with highly qualified professors and oftentimes with executives who’ve shaped these organizations and industries. Most importantly, the university’s partnerships bring unprecedented access to many world-class conglomerates, which turn into meaningful networking opportunities, industry visits, and internship possibilities that simply don’t exist elsewhere.

The Classroom Experience: Rigorous and Global

Let me be honest—the MBA life is intense. The days are packed with lectures, case studies, group projects, presentations, and late-night study sessions. But that’s what makes it exciting.

Courses like Marketing Strategy, Financial Management, and Business Analytics and AI constantly pushed me to think deeper. Many assignments are based on real companies, so we’re not just reading theories—we’re solving real business problems. It’s challenging, but it’s the kind of challenge that makes you grow fast.

The experience here extends far beyond academic study to improving students’ soft skills essential for global job market. Accepting that technical knowledge alone is insufficient, the MBA curriculum is supported by intensive, practical training sessions designed to transform professional capabilities. These include specialized lectures in enhancing presentation skills, professional networking sessions, and providing comprehensive preparation for the job market through interview training and CV writing sessions.

Another factor that I love about my school is that they ensure students remain current with the rapidly evolving business landscape by hosting sessions on trending topics like AI, sustainability, and fintech, featuring insights delivered by leading industry professionals. This holistic approach guarantees students graduate not just with a degree, but as well-rounded, job-ready executives.

Beyond the Classroom: Growth and Opportunities

What I truly appreciate about SKK GSB is how much focus there is on career development. The Career Development Center (CDC) helps students connect with top global and Korean companies through career fairs, networking events, and 1:1 coaching sessions. For international students like me, this guidance is especially valuable as navigating career opportunities in a new country can be challenging. But speaking the truth, the opportunity isn’t spoon-fed; it’s about access. As a foreigner, Seoul becomes your ultimate live case study. The city is a great place to build connections, and the school empowers you to tap into it. We are actively encouraged to dive into the city’s startup scene, attend forums, and build a professional network from the ground up.

Life in the Global Hub: Seoul Beyond the Classroom

Business school is only half the experience—living in Seoul is the other half. From my perspective, the MBA journey is a marathon, and Seoul is the best place to run it. This city operates at a different frequency. Everything is faster, more efficient, and more connected than I expected. It’s been 2 years since I moved to Korea, and Seoul has truly become my second home. It’s a city full of creativity, style, and innovation.

The learning ecosystem is unlike anything I’ve experienced. The education here doesn’t stop at the campus gates. Honestly, Seoul itself is a non-stop learning platform. What truly sets this place apart is the sheer volume of external opportunities—from high-energy

entertainment events to deep-dive knowledge-sharing sessions. I’ve seen more specialized networking events and expert talks here than anywhere else. There are founder talks, expos, product launches, language exchanges, cultural workshops, and panel discussions on anything and everything.

Of course, there are moments when things feel difficult—especially as an international student. From language barriers to freezing winters, I’ve had my fair share of cultural surprises. But those moments taught me independence, patience, and how to laugh through confusion.

The Personal Takeaway: A Catalyst for Change

My MBA experience at SKK GSB is more than a line on my CV: it’s a career pivot and a personal transformation. The move to Korea forced me to develop a higher level of resilience and adaptability. If you’re looking for an MBA that offers deep, rigorous, and personal experience, SKK GSB is an incredible choice. It’s a place where you gain a global mindset. I came here seeking knowledge; I’m leaving the school with a new professional identity, a global network, and a profound appreciation for my university’s future-forward vision. It’s truly been a game-changer.

I’m finishing this blog late on a Wednesday night in the library, surrounded by students from different countries, all working on different projects but sharing the same rewarding experience. Life in Korea has been a blend of intense learning, cultural discovery, and self-growth. From late-night case discussions to weekend walks along the Han River and discovering hidden cafes in Seoul—every moment has added something meaningful to my journey. Living here has shown me the true power of innovation, discipline, and community.

As I approach the end of my MBA journey in Korea, I find myself not looking back with nostalgia, but forward with excitement.