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.

Tzipporah Moehringer (Spain, 2022-23)

Studying abroad felt like trying out a new exercise routine: it worked muscles I never knew existed and challenged me in ways I never could have fathomed. As I leave Madrid after nine incredible months, I feel like a trained athlete with a Ph.D. in problem-solving. This global experience has equipped me with tools to conquer any challenge I may face and a level of confidence that seldom wavers in the presence of obstacles. 

I left for Madrid with the goal to become as fluent in Spanish as I could. In order to achieve this goal, I consumed as much Spanish material as possible: I spoke with locals, read books, listened to music, watched TV, and took classes in the target language. I always considered language acquisition to be a fairly active process; I believed that remaining cognizant of the learning process was the most productive way to gain fluency in a language, but I learned it is far more nuanced than that. I found that when I stopped focusing on what I didn’t understand and instead assessed my level of understanding of a certain conversation or text that I grew more. It certainly wasn’t a passive effort; I stepped out the door every morning knowing that communication would automatically be more difficult than it was back in the US. But as time passed, that muscle strengthened and adapted. It started with memorizing my coffee order and practicing saying something as simple as “¿Me puedes dar un café con leche de avena?” or “¡Hasta luego!” with the Spanish accent I heard around me. I learned which syllables to quicken and which sounds were pronounced more subtly. I often encountered locals who heard my American accent and automatically switched to speaking English to me, which sometimes lowered my confidence, but I persisted. Speaking Spanish the second I walked out of my apartment every day no longer seemed daunting but rather second nature.

Something I never expected about my study abroad experience was the development of my language skills, but more specifically, how they developed compared to one another. I thought all areas of my Spanish skills would grow equally, but I was very wrong. Ranking my skills before I left for Spain, I would say I was most confident in my reading/writing, followed by speaking, with my weakest point being auditory comprehension. Never would I have imagined my auditory comprehension to skyrocket the way it did while abroad. I guess it makes sense in retrospect, as I was exposed to a whole variety of speakers every single day, ranging from professors to shop owners to random people on the street. I heard various different accents and vocabularies and speeds, so I had to adapt in order to understand. I think my reading and writing have improved tremendously while abroad, and an honorable mention goes to my speaking, more specifically my broadened vocabulary and accent. I am so proud of the progress I have made during my time abroad and will never stop practicing and getting exposure to all the Spanish I can. Now my focus is to honor my love for Spain and use my knowledge of the country to compare it to other Spanish-speaking countries in my studies. 

While I feel I could go on forever talking about how incredible it has been to better my Spanish-speaking skills over the last year, I feel it’s important to mention how life-changing this year abroad has been for me. The change in perspective when moving from one country to another was tremendous and led to many discussions with friends and family about what I wanted to pursue career-wise, how I felt about the world around me, and my overall perception of how I fit into this vast world. It was a very existential year that was incredibly challenging yet unequivocally rewarding, and I implore any university student with the time and means to study abroad for a full year. I feel incredibly lucky to have an international network of friends who supported me immensely throughout what was, at times, a really difficult year, and now I feel I have a place to call home all the way across the globe. A piece of my heart will always live in Madrid, and I hope I can return again soon. 

Valeria Gonzalez Perez (Italy, 2022-23)

As I began my college career, I became inspired by a group of storytellers and content creators who encouraged people to ‘Seek Discomfort’. The idea to actively seek unpleasant situations seemed crazy to me at the time; but as I began to embrace the beauty behind reframing the perception of your limits and exposing yourself to novel experiences, I started gaining insight to the wonders of seeking the unknown. In fact, one of the first steps of stepping out of my comfort zone in preparation for my journey abroad was applying for the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship. It was my first time applying for a scholarship, first time exploring this type of unknown and the rewards were abundant. Not only did it help me financially for my study abroad journey but it reassured me that there’s always a community of people who support your dreams. There’s always people excited to embark on an adventure with you or excited to support you along the way out of the kindness of their heart. People seems to be one of the key elements that help make your dream into a reality and people is also one of the key elements that made my study abroad year a memorable one. When people ask me, “What was the most amazing thing you got to experience while studying abroad in Italy?”, I will answer, “The greatest adventure was connecting with people and learning from them through their culture and unique story”.

After being in Italy for a few weeks and noticing the immediate differences such as cobblestone roads, the historical architecture outlined by the porticoes, the exquisite cuisine so tightly woven into the culture, the passionate gestures and Italian expressions, and the accessibility to travel to new cities, what captivated me the most was the people in Europe. It was Maria from Pakistan who gave me a tour of my residence hall on the first day I arrived in Padova and who so kindly made me her ‘special guest’ on Christmas day dinner. It was Sarah from Germany who shared her love for biotechnologies with me and who introduced me to my favorite German artist. It was Ane from Norway who taught me there is no timeline for your dreams while she studied Italian literature for a year and who will enroll in an undergraduate engineering program next year. It was Kamila from Czech Republic who danced everywhere she went and whom I shared my passion for volleyball with. It was my roommate Mia from the US who kept my family tradition alive of decorating the living room with decorations for my 21st birthday and who gifted me the most amazing cooking class experience in Sorrento filled with laughter and music. It was Chiara and Anna, my two favorite Italian friends, who welcomed me open heartedly into their lives by showing me the local spots in Padova and by always helping me to improve my Italian. It was Elisa from Mexico who keeps inspiring me to live the life of my dreams after choosing to complete her full undergraduate psychology degree in another country halfway around the world. It was Cara from England who showed me the power of storytelling as a way to connect with people.

Everywhere I went there were always people who made my year abroad even more special. An interaction wasn’t even necessary to become inspired by the European lifestyle; it could be the passionate tour guide you overheard who explains every art piece as a precious moment of life in it of itself at the Louvre Museum in Paris or at the Uffizi Museum in Florence. Yes, it is the beautiful cities, architecture, food, and art what makes up the European lifestyle - but it is the people that bring these wonders to life.

The native Padova drink Aperol Spritz wouldn’t be the same without you and your friends watching the sunset in one the piazze. Of course, one must be able and motivated to discover the beauty in the places you visit and the people that you meet; and studying abroad is an ultimate way to test how well you recognize the beauty without relatives or friends to influence your perception. In an unfamiliar place, can you recognize the beauty in the most unexpected places? How do you react in novel situations? Do you respond in a manner that is true to yourself and how much of your behaviors are truly authentic to you? Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to understand more of who you really are by allowing you to make decisions, big or small, in everyday situations.

Whether it be from choosing to create a Whatsapp group chat for volleyball lovers in Padova (embracing my love for the sport in a new country), to choosing what kinds of thought patterns and inner dialogue will be rehearsed today. Studying abroad is one the greatest experiences I’ve experienced in my life since it also made me realize the importance of my identity and story. It felt in some way more normal to be a Mexican-American woman living in two countries at once while I was in Tijuana/San Diego. While I always knew the great value of my story, I became even more aware of the impact my story has on other people and that there is great interest in my life experiences. The number of times people asked me about life on the border or about ‘the wall’ are many more than I can count with my fingers, but the genuine curiosity and interest to learn about Mexican-American life was eye-opening.

In short, if anyone is thinking about studying abroad I would say, yes. Do it. It is a unique experience to practice living more authentically, confidently, and interconnectedly. It is a beautiful way to practice being present in the moment while you find a balance between trying to control the time you have left focusing on the future and thinking about your life back home focusing on the past. Lastly, studying abroad helps you to appreciate that there are SO many things to be grateful for. The gratitude I have for this year abroad and for all the people I’ve connected with on this journey is so immense words cannot describe it. I am eternally grateful for my year abroad in the University of Padua, Italy which the CBMSF family helped make this dream into a reality. As the idea to ‘Seek Discomfort’ motivated me to put myself out there even more and to try new things at the beginning of my freshman year in college, this year abroad in Padua, Italy I repurposed this idea and made it my own. Seek adventures. Actively reframe, reconsider, and re-explore your thoughts in a way that allows you to seek adventures. Seek the adventure of knowing yourself better in order to experience the adventure of connecting with others in a meaningful and purposeful way. Padova, you have been a marvelous adventure; and thank you CBMSF for your support on this adventure.

With much love and gratitude,

Valeria Gonzalez Perez

Akito Yatsugi (Japan, 2022-23)

Japan is my second home. Winter, spring, and fall in San Diego were dedicated to endless schoolwork, karate lessons, Japanese school on Saturdays, and baseball practice. But summer in Japan was always my call toward adventure. In the safety of my grandmother's care, my summers in Japan were spent trapping Kabutomushi beetles bigger than anything you could find back in San Diego, eating endless GariGari popsicles and heaps of Obachan's beef curry, and being a menace to my cousins and siblings. I already knew what Japan meant to me as a child. But what challenges and new adventures lie ahead for me? Feeling excited and admittedly a little nervous, I knew from the moment I stepped foot back in Japan that this experience would be different than the summers before.

This time Japan was something new. I thought my yearly trips to visit family had made me know Japan pretty well but in time I learned there was so much more to be discovered. My study abroad experience was the first time I was ever completely independent from my family. Having responsibility for every decision, big or small, seemed daunting at first. But gradually I learned that mindset and attitude have an impact on my experience. I learned how to roll with the punches and make the best of each situation. For instance, going on solo trips to neighboring prefectures I would encounter numerous challenges that would set the plan off course. I grew to be adaptable, making unexpected situations into an opportunity to learn from a new experience.

My study abroad in Japan encouraged me to grow more independent, but it also helped me focus my future career path. I had never considered that Japan could host endless opportunities, but my study abroad experience has fostered a new understanding. My identity as a Japanese-American has given me a deep insight into the culture and society of both Japan and America. Coming to Japan allowed me to notice things about my home country that I may not have appreciated or criticized if I had not taken the opportunity to step back and see it from a different perspective. Gaining new insights has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and courage to be a bridge between two very different cultures. A lifelong dream of mine is to one day start my own business. While I'm still trying to figure out where life will take me, I am confident that my time in Japan will be valuable as I try to blend the best of the countries that raised me.

My time in Japan was filled with many happy memories, but the moments spent with my dormmates were truly unforgettable. When I arrived in the dorms, these people were first strangers, then friends, and finally family. Cooking in a small kitchen shoulder-to-shoulder reminded me of being home, and suddenly, San Diego and family didn't feel so far away. It was in these tiny everyday moments that deeper conversations and close connections were formed. Together we cheered on our home countries during the FIFA World Cup, traveled to new sights, embarked on spontaneous adventures via bike ride, and took the occasional (or not-so-occasional) midnight ramen run. Our time together was marked by these special tiny moments that I will never forget.

Japan is still home to me, but now filled with lifelong friendships and memories. Even as this chapter of my life comes to a close, I feel with a new sense of purpose that my adventures in Japan aren't ending but are only just beginning. Thank you to the Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship program for supporting this wonderful opportunity.

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.

Brianna Angulo (France, 2022-23)

Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. One of the most challenging aspects I encountered during my study abroad experience was adjusting to a new culture and language. Everything felt foreign and unfamiliar, from daily customs to social norms. Learning a new language required significant effort, but with persistence and immersion, I gradually adapted and became more comfortable communicating in the local language. The most surprising aspect of my study abroad experience was the warmth and friendliness of the people at Sciences Po and the broader community. The faculty, staff, and fellow students were incredibly supportive and went out of their way to ensure everyone's success. The courses at Sciences Po differed from those at my home university, UCSD, regarding their engaging nature and emphasis on stimulating discussion. The smaller class sizes allowed for more interaction and personalized attention from professors. The academic environment encouraged critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and in-depth analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the subjects. Their genuine interest in cultural exchange and academic growth fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment.

One unforgettable experience from my study abroad journey was my visit to Morocco. The trip allowed me to immerse myself in a vibrant culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and engage in thrilling adventures. From wandering through bustling markets to riding camels across the Sahara Desert, the experience was both eye-opening and transformative.

Through my study abroad experience, I learned a great deal about myself. I discovered that I could adapt to new environments, overcome challenges, and embrace unfamiliar situations. In addition, the experience instilled in me a sense of confidence and resilience, demonstrating that with determination and strength, anything is possible.

I wholeheartedly recommend studying abroad to students back home. It offers unparalleled personal and academic growth, broadens horizons, and fosters cross-cultural understanding. While a semester-long program can be transformative, I strongly recommend a full year abroad. A longer duration allows for deeper immersion in the local culture, an opportunity to travel extensively, and establish meaningful connections. During my study abroad year, I was fortunate to visit more than 11 countries, enriching my understanding of the world.

My study abroad experience has reinforced and refined my career plans. Being exposed to diverse cultures and engaging in international dialogue fueled my passion for diplomacy. Witnessing the power of effective communication and cultural understanding, I am now more determined than ever to pursue a career in diplomacy, where I can bridge gaps and foster collaboration on a global scale.

My study abroad experience was filled with challenges, surprises, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. It broadened my perspectives, deepened my understanding of different cultures, and solidified my aspirations for the future. Studying abroad is an invaluable journey I recommend to all students seeking personal, academic, and professional development.