Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

“If there is anything I want you to take away from working here, it’s confidence,” my manager told me on my last day at work. In less than a week, I would be leaving for a four-month study abroad program at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. The days leading to my departure felt surreal because I hadn't fully realized the extent of time I would be spending abroad. Despite being unsure about what to feel, I chose to smile and be confident in my decision to embark on this journey to a new world and a new me.

I didn't know what to expect when I arrived in South Korea after a two-day plane journey. It was my first time being so far away from family and loved ones. I distinctly remember feeling a sense of disorientation, as well as a surge of excitement and curiosity about my new environment. I also experienced profound feelings of loneliness and fatigue, and I would be dishonest if I claimed that these did not significantly influence my experience. As the eldest child, I wasn't used to taking my own needs and desires into consideration.

Furthermore, it took me quite some time to develop the self-assurance to step out of my comfort zone and initiate meaningful connections with others. I have come to appreciate that each person exhibits confidence in their distinctive way. I was pleasantly surprised and proud to receive compliments on my language skills and how quickly I adapted to Korean culture. It showed my eagerness to assimilate and increased my confidence. I also felt proud to help other foreigners and exchange students navigate language and cultural barriers, even though I was unsure myself. In the process, I've also come to understand how uniquely my identity as an Asian-American has shaped my world. For me, confidence remains a journey of self-love and assurance.

I may not have made as many new connections as I had hoped; however, the ones I did connect with helped make my time in South Korea feel more fulfilling.

I am proud of myself for taking a significant leap of faith, gaining a newfound appreciation for various cultures and perspectives, and increasing my confidence. I hope to return to South Korea sometime in the future!

Lastly, I want to express my extreme gratitude to the donors of the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship for Study Abroad. Their support has significantly relieved the financial burden for my family and me during my study abroad experience.