The experience was so contradictory that she wrote a book about it. Titled "Harvard vs. Seoul National University" it was published by Dapgae Publishing in Seoul on Wednesday.

"In terms of intelligence, SNU students appear to be brighter than their Harvard University counterparts," she told the Chosun Ilbo in a telephone interview. "But studying at SNU was too easy compared to Harvard."

Chang emigrated to the United States at the age of four, accompanying her father Chang Byung-kyun, a senior economist with the International Monetary Fund. Having been admitted to Harvard University, she also wanted to study at SNU and took a term there in 2004

At SNU, she said, she found little intellectual stimulation because lectures proceed slowly, content is easy and study intensity low. "At Harvard, the study load is so big that I was under pressure to the extent of finding it difficult to have lunch with a friend. But at SNU, I could catch up by weekend study alone," Chang said.

More astonishing was when she saw her friends do their homework by copying from others. "I was astonished to see my friends ask others so frankly in front of others 'Show me your homework,'" she said. "I thought it’s unfair for a student who has studied five hours to get the same mark as one who has copied someone else’s homework in one hour."

"At Harvard, we form study groups and do homework together. But copying others' homework is so taboo that anyone who copies the work of others is thrown out of the group,” she added.

However, extracurricular activities were much more enjoyable at SNU, Chang said. While at Harvard, even club activities felt like studying so that it would be of help to her future career, at SNU, Chang could enjoy club activities at leisure and find new friends there.

"I've written the book out of regret that SNU, with so many bright students, seems to be unable to provide an environment that allows them to develop their potential fully," Chang said. "I hope my experiences can help for SNU to develop into a world-class university."

(englishnews@chosun.com )