Milan Au (Korea, 2022-23)

An unparalleled learning experience was what studying abroad in South Korea has been for me. The start of my first semester at Yonsei University pushed me to converse more in Korean and meet new people from different ethnic groups. I faced many learning experiences, such as one at a restaurant, where I loudly called out 저기요 (excuse me) to signal a waiter. My request was perceived as rude and demanding due to my tone/volume, so I learned to speak better and more well-mannered after that embarrassing instance. In my first class at the School of Business, there were many Koreans so I sadly could not converse with them in their mother tongue. Instead, I spoke to them in Chinese, a language that I was still learning. It appeared that many of my Korean classmates had grown up in China, so they knew Chinese. Within my first week in Korea, I understood that it was important for me to manipulate my mindset and my environment in order to mature. Despite there being language gaps when I conversed with someone that has a weak English ability, it was also a great opportunity to bond by struggling together with each other's language when communicating.

Cultural travel experiences to see the Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, the yellow cherry blossoms of the Sansuyu Festival in Gurye, and the Olympic slopes of Pyeongchang were some of my favorite highlights from Korea. My Modern Korean History Class that I took in the Fall semester gave me a lot of background knowledge that I was able to apply during my trips to Korean cultural sites. Visiting the many different regions of South Korea allowed me to see the beauty in every destination that I went to, which sparked a lot of creativity. This creativity has improved my ability to see and appreciate different perspectives. Being in the international environment of Korea also provided me with a better understanding of various career paths, which specifically, formed my interest in international trade within the Asia-Pacific region.

Besides learning more about Korea, I also focused on enriching my school life. I made a lot of friends within my business classes and really appreciated how the students around me had a stronger work ethic. The community around me motivated me to do my best and enjoy all the effort I put into my work. I was able to immerse myself in school spirit by even learning the university’s traditional chants. Then I participated in many school festivities such as Yon-Ko Games, Yonsei University & Korea University cheering sessions, and Akaraka festival. Overall, participating in school activities taught me that time spent with my classmates and professors was not only valuable to learning, but also meaningful to my study abroad experience.

During my second semester abroad I decided to learn more about Korea by participating in a marketing research internship. My 4-month internship experience with Ethiopian Airlines taught me a lot about Korea’s consumer market for airline travel. I was able to conduct market research on some Korean service startups, competitor airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines themselves. Additionally, I worked with another intern to create a marketing campaign for the Seoul location to improve the perception of Ethiopian Airlines for Koreans. I also learned how to better manage relationships with my coworkers during the internship, which will be important for my professional career.

Now after a year-long study in Korea, I grew more confident and patient. While I have regrets of not learning even more Korean prior to my studies abroad, I have also gained a newfound appreciation for Korea. The experiences that I went through while in Korea will forever be in my head as beautiful memories that I cannot wait to continue. A lot of lessons were learned during my time in Korea that have shaped who I am for the better. Through my experiences, I have increased my understanding of the differences in various nationalities and learned that these differences should be appreciated to further unite everyone.

Ashley Lopez (Korea, 2022-23)

Living and studying abroad in another country has its unforgettable moments and its challenges. Since I traveled to South Korea before my study abroad exchange program, I had the chance to only think about the positives and the unforgettable moments I would make during the year. Because of this, I was a little naive and did not think I would face any big challenges. I knew the language, I lived here for three months before, and I had learned a lot of social and cultural rules to assimilate myself well, however, that was not the case. The difference between living here for three months and a year is completely different and makes you learn who you are.

The most challenging aspect I encountered was assimilating myself into a culture that is a little closed off and will always consider me a foreigner. On campus, many of the Korean Yonsei students were welcoming and would help foreign exchange students around them, but that was not the case when you wanted to join clubs or major events. Exchange students were not allowed to take part in big events such as Akaraka (the main Yonsei semester festival and concert), were secluded in sections at the Yonsei/Korea University cheering competition, and were not allowed to be included in their major department events. Though I was able to go to the cheering event and attend a meeting from my major department, I did not feel like I was fully welcomed and felt secluded. For Akaraka, the International Student department made it seem like we were able to attend for both semesters, but a few days before the ticket release we were told exchange students would not be able to attend. Some exchange students who wanted to attend bought extra tickets from Korean students for triple the price or stayed outside to listen to the music. I understand why there was some hesitation to add a whole group of exchange students to main campus events when it was a little hard for some Yonsei students to come back to campus after the pandemic.

It was challenging not being able to be considered a hardworking student and always being compared to an exchange student. Though I am just generalizing, other students in similar cases as I felt the same way and thought about how their exchange student experience would be if it was only for one semester. Even though I felt a little down attending classes or when there were main events on campus, I found myself meeting other Korean students from other campuses who were able to teach me about Korean college life and the workforce in Korea. I would say the best time I had was networking with Korean students from other Universities. Since there were fewer foreigners on their campuses, they were more curious about learning about my college life back in the States and the steps I took to attend UC Davis and Yonsei University.

I would not change my year experience for anything else and would recommend it to students who are fully capable and confident in facing challenges and staying alone in a foreign country. If I did have to change one thing it would be to attend another University, maybe one where not many International students attend. If there are fewer International students, exchange students will be able to learn more about their campus and not be compared to other foreign students.

I am more than glad I was able to have the opportunity to study abroad and be financially supported by the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship because I was able to learn and grow as a student and person in a foreign country. I found many resources and programs for Graduate Schools in Korea and learned that it would be best to take the TOPIK government Korean proficiency exam to have the best opportunities for my future career in South Korea.

Duy Nguyen (Korea, 2022-23)

Embarking on a year-long study abroad trip in South Korea has been a remarkable journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Through the diverse experiences I had, the breathtaking places I visited, and the incredible people I met, I have been able to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for Korean culture.

First and foremost, my study abroad experience in South Korea would not have been complete without the invaluable academic journey I embarked upon at Yonsei University. The university provided a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that allowed me to forge meaningful connections, delve into challenging coursework, and gain unique insights from professors who were professionals in the fields of political science and international relations. One of the most enriching aspects of my time at Yonsei was the opportunity to form friendships with students from various cultural backgrounds, whether it be international students or full-time Korean students studying there. Interacting with fellow international students and engaging in lively discussions enabled me to develop a global perspective and challenged my preconceived notions. Through collaborative projects, late-night study sessions, and cultural exchanges, we not only expanded our knowledge but also fostered deep bonds that transcended borders. The diverse friendships I formed at Yonsei have taught me the value of embracing different perspectives and finding common ground amidst our cultural differences.

The academic rigor at Yonsei was unparalleled, and the courses in political science and international relations were particularly enlightening. The professors, who were experts in their respective fields, brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom. Their lectures, discussions, and thought-provoking assignments pushed me to think critically, challenge assumptions, and broaden my understanding of global affairs. The dynamic learning environment at Yonsei not only expanded my intellectual capacity but also cultivated essential skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and cross-cultural understanding. The unique insights I gained from professors who were professionals in the field of political science and international relations were invaluable. Their firsthand experiences and practical knowledge added depth and relevance to the subjects we studied. I had the privilege of engaging in discussions on topics such as regional geopolitics, diplomatic negotiations, and global governance. Their guidance and mentorship encouraged me to explore my own research interests and provided me with a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations. The exposure to such high-caliber educators has not only shaped my academic pursuits but has also instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning and a desire to make a positive impact in the field.

Nami Island, nestled amidst the picturesque Chuncheon region, became my sanctuary away from the bustling city life. As I wandered along its enchanting tree-lined paths, I found myself captivated by the natural beauty and serene atmosphere that permeated the island. Being able to experience this serene island with some of the friends I made here me feel happy and calm. From there, a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) proved to be an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience. Standing at the border between North and South Korea, I felt a palpable sense of history and the weight of a divided nation. Engaging with individuals who had lived through the aftermath of war brought a profound realization of the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity. On a fun note, my visit to LOL Park, a prominent esports stadium, introduced me to the vibrant and passionate world of gaming culture in Korea. Witnessing the intense dedication and skill of professional gamers, I gained a newfound respect for esports as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition. This experience broadened my perspective on what constitutes a valid passion and taught me to appreciate the diverse interests and talents of others. It also revealed the powerful sense of community and camaraderie that can be forged through shared hobbies. Inspired by my time at LOL Park, I now strive to celebrate and support unique interests within my own circles, encouraging open-mindedness and fostering an inclusive environment.

My year-long study abroad trip in South Korea has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. Through my encounters on Nami Island, at the DMZ, in LOL Park, and on Jeju Island, I have grown to appreciate and respect Korean culture in profound ways. Each experience has left an indelible impact on my worldview, shaping me into a more empathetic, open-minded, and culturally aware individual. As I reflect on my time in South Korea, I am reminded of the beauty and significance of embracing diverse cultures and traditions. South Korea will forever hold a special place in my heart as the backdrop for my personal transformation.

Ragini Krishnaswami (Korea, 2022-23)

Before I decided to study abroad, I read up on people’s experiences to see what I should or should not expect. Most people wrote about homesickness and lifelong friends. So, although I should have set up some expectations for my year abroad, I decided to go without having any expectations at all. This helped me be more spontaneous in exploring not only myself but also the city of Seoul. Throughout the entire year I spent in Korea, I realized that there were going to be times when I was going to have a difficult time communicating with the locals. Moreover, I had to figure out how to break out of my comfort zone and ask for help when I needed it. There were times when I felt quite alone, but during times like that, I reached out to my family and friends from home to have a sliver of familiarity in a foreign place. Feeling lonely, in my opinion, is the most challenging. Especially because it is in a whole new environment. In my opinion, I think it is best to go to a foreign country without any expectations. That way you can just go with the flow and have unexpected, yet fun experiences.

What surprised me the most was the fact that Yonsei University is a prime location for drama filmings! I have walked by so many filmings happening on and around campus that it still baffles me. Due to Yonsei’s picturesque scenery, it is often used as a filming location. Although I knew that before coming to Korea, I never expected to actually see a drama shooting in person. It is so intriguing to see how the filming takes place. An unforgettable experience for me was going to Nami Island in the fall. The scenery on the island is absolutely breathtaking! Exploring the island filled with the fall scenery, with my friends, was a whole new experience in itself. The weather was perfect too! We even got to paint soju bottles, which we got to take home as souvenirs. I made a lot of memories with my friends on the island.

Throughout the entire year, I realized a lot of things about myself. I learned that I was capable of taking care of myself. Also, that I was more independent than I thought. Before this trip, I had underestimated myself. But, this experience staying in a completely different country, which had a totally different culture and lifestyle from what I was used to, taught me that I was capable of adapting to a whole new environment. Due to these experiences that I have had the privilege of participating in, I would highly recommend studying abroad in Korea. Experiencing the culture firsthand has been such an amazing experience.