Meaningful and Memorable: a Dance Performance MA Exchange Experience

1.6.2026 0 Tykkää 0 kommenttia

An interview with Hyunbean Jeon who spent a semester at the Dance Performance MA programme at Uniarts Helsinki.

How did you end up as an exchange student at Uniarts Helsinki?

I had been thinking about studying abroad, and after starting my MA studies at K-Arts, I found out that I could apply for the exchange student programme. There were only a few options for dance majors, and Uniarts Helsinki was one of them.

Since I had no prior knowledge of Uniarts, I read articles and programme descriptions on the website. At that moment, I felt that this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted in order to broaden and deepen my perspective, not only as an artist but also as a person in my twenties. Moreover, Finland’s beautiful nature and its quiet and respectful culture in everyday life encouraged me to choose Uniarts Helsinki as my exchange destination.

What has it been like to study in Finland?

Studying in Finland has been deeply interesting and inspiring for both my artistic interests and my career. I have learned how to regulate my energy levels in a new environment and how to recharge my mind and body within unfamiliar circumstances.
I used to be someone who was easily stressed or affected by small difficulties in daily life. However, during my time at Uniarts, I have learned how to take better care of myself, inspired by both the people and the environment around me.

The cultural differences—such as the absence of constant hurry and the idea that life comes first— made me reflect on the way I live as both a student and a freelance artist. If I had not studied in Finland, I do not think I would have come to these realizations.

I also would like to mention about wide variety of books in the library, the healthy meals in the cafeteria, the kind and polite people, and the supportive atmosphere during classes all contributed to my experience.
Although six months may seem like a short period of time, I learned and experienced far more than I expected, and I am truly satisfied and grateful for this opportunity.

What has been the most memorable experience during your exchange?

It is difficult to choose just one experience because my entire exchange experience has been valuable and meaningful.

At the beginning of the semester, I took the course Movement and Performance Practices I, and one of the most enriching experiences was working with Maria F. Scaroni when she joined the course as a lecturer. I encountered ideas such as consent and the practice of giving with care and attention.

And the general rehearsal period of the ACO project was also deeply touching and memorable. Working together with my group was exciting, inspiring, and joyful. The five weeks of rehearsing and creating our performance opened up new possibilities for me, not only as a dancer but also as a human being. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget.

What has been the most challenging part of your studies?

I would like to mention the darkness of winter in Finland. I did not experience severe feelings of depression during the winter, but it was difficult to maintain my energy levels and daily routines. I love winter, yet the grey skies, darkness, and short daylight hours were challenging at times. Knitting was surprisingly helpful for me.

Another challenge was expressing my thoughts aloud during classes and speaking while moving or dancing. This was not simply because English is not my native language, but also because of the different learning culture. As a Korean student, I am more accustomed to listening to lecturers than actively speaking or asking questions during class. I was surprised by how openly students shared their thoughts and reflections, even during movement-based classes.

Through this experience, I’ve began to think more deeply about the importance of asking good questions, engaging in dialogue, and writing as a form of reflection. Despite these challenges, they ultimately became valuable opportunities to understand different perspectives and learn more about myself.

What is different in Helsinki compared to your life and studies at K-Arts (Korea National University of Arts) in Seoul?

One of the biggest differences is the course structure. At K-Arts, courses usually continue throughout the entire semester, whereas at Uniarts, many courses are shorter and more intensive.
I think both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. As an exchange student, I found it very effective to focus on one specific topic at a time.

Another significant difference is the relationship between professors and students. I had the impression that teachers here tend to treat students more as independent artists rather than simply students, compared to my experience in Korea.

The atmosphere of the city is also very different. Seoul, as many people know, is densely populated and fast-paced. Helsinki, on the other hand, felt spacious, calm, and closely connected to nature. I especially appreciated the city parks, which were easy to access and not crowded with shops or cafés—just walking paths, benches, and nature. I often enjoyed walking in nearby parks to rest, get some sunlight, and find inspiration.

The Theatre Academy building where I studied includes dance, choreography, and acting programmes. In contrast, at K-Arts, dance students share a building with students studying classical music, vocal performance, composition, and music theory.

Last but not least, most universities in Korea do not yet offer dramaturgy—especially dance dramaturgy—as a dedicated subject. Therefore, I was very satisfied with the dramaturgy courses at Uniarts.

What will you take with you from this exchange experience?

One thing I will especially take with me is the process and outcomes of the Dialogue course. During the course, I developed my own artistic practice and shared it with my group as a demo. At first, it was a bit challenging to dive into creative work so suddenly, but it became one of the richest learning experiences during my exchange.
I also learned about collaborating with a dramaturg during the ACO project. Based on this experience, I would like to work with a dramaturg as a dialogue partner in future projects.

I am majoring in Choreography at K-Arts, where the curriculum combines performative skills with creative and conceptual approaches to making artistic work. I hope to become a choreographer who continues to use dance as a language. In other words, I do not want to limit myself to the role of either choreographer or dancer. Studying in the Dance Performance programme allowed me to rethink how thinking, questioning, and researching can happen through the body, practice, and movement.

What tips do you have for future exchange students?

If you are considering Uniarts as an exchange destination, I would highly recommend it.
Because of the seasonal changes, I would suggest building healthy daily routines and keeping a journal or taking notes as much as possible. Writing helped me process many experiences and reflections during my stay.

It is also worth knowing that there are many discounts and benefits available to students, so make sure to take advantage of them.
One small practical tip: bring a few keychains. During your stay, you will often need to carry several keys with you, and having keychains makes life much easier.