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… read more
Finding Hygge in Copenhagen
After spending my last summer in Europe, I wasn’t expecting Copenhagen to be much different from other major cities. I figured Copenhagen would be loud, noisy and chaotic. But as I began to settle in, I quickly realized that Copenhagen had a unique charm that set it apart. The Danish… read more
Embracing Discomfort Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
It’s unbelievable how big and small the world can feel simultaneously. Yesterday, from where I was standing on an Australian beach, I imagined zooming out via Google Maps to the rest of the world. In my imagination, I was a minuscule dot at a single moment in time. Yet everything… read more
Tips for Helping Anxious Family Cope with Your Time Abroad
As a student, going abroad to experience new cultures and sights stirs feelings of excitement and anticipation. However, it can also brew feelings of anxiety within your family. Though your relatives’ concerns are valid, family members should understand that studying in a new country opens the door to a world… read more
The Lasting Impact of Studying Abroad
My experience with traveling abroad began when I was young. My family moved to England and France for my dad’s job, and I loved my childhood experiences in both countries. Looking back at those years living in different cultures, I realized what an impact they made on my current growth… read more
Building Strong Democracies: Elections, Lawmaking and Civic Education
Since early June, I’ve had the privilege of carrying out my fellowship with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in Panama City, Panama. Working closely with the Institute of Democratic Studies (INED) at the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, I have collaborated with some of the sharpest… read more
Costa Rica’s Model of Health and Culture
Throughout my time in Costa Rica, I’ve discovered the beauty in the small things. From the kindness of a family to the warmth of sharing our culture, it has been an experience like no other. Additionally, learning about the healthcare system in Costa Rica has allowed me to understand health… read more
Fall Semester and FOMO
Fall semester on the Forty Acres rings to the cheers roaring from the 100,000 attendees at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium as football season kicks off. Students convene on the lawn to reminisce over their summer vacations, and everyone swelters in the heat on their way to class. Though… read more
Thailand: A Whirlwind of Experiences
“Sawadeeka. Kopunka. Chai. Mai chai.” These phrases echoed in my mind as my twenty-four-hour flight landed in Bangkok, Thailand. After months of practice, these were the words I committed to memory before embarking on my six-week research opportunity at Chulalongkorn University. As a first-generation college student, even the thought of… read more
A Simple Guide To Voting Abroad
Traveling abroad, especially living abroad as a student, is an exciting time. It can feel very busy as you are settling into a new culture and probably taking a deeper dive into a new language. But there are ways to stay connected to home; this fall, you can also make… read more
