Annyeonghaseyo from Korea

Pre-Departure

As a first-generation Texan Korean American, I can’t count how many times I’ve said the word “Annyeonghaseyo.” Balancing two cultures has always been “normal” for me. Within the community at the University of Texas at Austin, many people are unfamiliar with Korean culture. I had the unique opportunity to study abroad during my first semester of college. Unaware of how my life was about to change, I felt curious and clicked on a link to apply to a study abroad program at UT Austin.

In February, I received life-changing news: I would be a UT Longhorn in Seoul, South Korea. I had always imagined what it would be like to live in Korea. Now, that dream had turned into reality. I knew I was about to have an impactful experience studying abroad.

Unexpected Leadership

My fluency in Korean made me a quick point of reference for other students in the group. I became the go-to person when someone needed help ordering food, translating or figuring out the public transportation system. Each time I helped one of my peers, I felt a sense of pride since I could connect the gap between my two cultures. I eased into a leadership role, which has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s been an eye-opening experience to help other students in my study abroad program feel more comfortable in a new environment by turning their feelings of being overwhelmed into excitement.

From exploring the palaces of Gyeongbokgung to bustling markets in Myeong-dong, the memories I’ve made with other students have sparked conversations and friendships that I hope will last for a long time after we return home.

The Inevitable

Like any study abroad experience, my time in South Korea hasn’t always been easy. Culture shocks were inevitable, and there were moments of discomfort and confusion. For example, the concept of “Jeong” — an untranslatable term that reflects a deep bond of respect — was something I had to explain to my friends, as it influences many aspects of interpersonal relationships in Korean culture. I had the opportunity to relearn Korean social norms, such as bowing instead of shaking hands and using honorific language. I realized that everyone in the group felt differences in cultural norms.

As we continued navigating the cultural differences between the United States and South Korea, I saw my peers slowly adapting to Korean society. Whether it’s learning to be more mindful on the subway (where American friendliness and open conversation feel out of place), or grasping the subtleties of formal versus informal language, we’ve witnessed moments where our cultures clash. But it’s in these moments that we grow the most, learning to appreciate the uniqueness of Korean culture while reflecting on our own.

Making Memories

During the study abroad program in Seoul, we’ve participated in various activities across the country. We attended Korean language classes in Gangnam, took a train to Busan, made kimchi, visited historic temples and even experienced a traditional Korean tea ceremony. There hasn’t been a single dull moment, although I wasn’t expecting there to be one.

These experiences not only broadened our understanding of South Korea but also deepened our bonds as a group. Our adventures, along with the everyday challenges of living in a new country, have made us closer. We’ve shared laughter, navigated uncertainties together and supported each other through the ups and downs. Learning about each student in my group has been fascinating, and our greatest strength has been the time and effort we put into getting to know each other. We’ve all had moments of overcoming uncertainty. By supporting each other, we’ve managed to make every opportunity special. It’s through these shared memories that we’ve formed a tight-knit community.

Going Forward

I’ve had so much fun engaging with locals, understanding their perspectives and navigating the complexities of daily life in South Korea. For me, these conversations have helped bridge the gap between the familiar and the unfamiliar. The opportunity to connect with people here on a deeper level has given me new perspectives that I wouldn’t have otherwise, making my overall experience even more exceptional.

Starting college in South Korea has been more than just an academic pursuit – it’s been a life-changing experience. Studying abroad has taught me the value of leadership, the importance of cultural understanding and the joy of exploring the world with an open heart. Each day brings new lessons, not just in the classroom but in every interaction and observation. As I continue learning during the time I have left in South Korea, I hope to share the feeling of having a second home here with my peers. Hook ‘em!

This post was contributed by Chloe Jiyoon Yoo, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Chloe is a freshman Asian Cultures and Languages major participating in a Take the World by the Horns (TTWBTH) education abroad program in Seoul, South Korea.