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
Asia
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
Seoul Searching: Studying Abroad in South Korea
Pre-Departure Traveling to South Korea has been a dream of mine since I was 13. I was the biggest K-pop fan and had a deep appreciation for the culture and language as a kid. I began studying the language on my own. Eventually, I took the Korean language placement exam… read more
Journey Through Japan: Sips, Cities and Smart Tech
My time in Japan has been truly transformative. The blend of academic research and cultural immersion across all the cities and universities I’ve visited has been remarkable. Having explored Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Nara, I’ve experienced Japan’s diverse cultural and urban landscapes firsthand. I’ve had the privilege of participating… read more
Studying Abroad More Than Once
There are many myths associated with studying abroad, such as its unbearable expense, that you can only go abroad once or that the planning phase is completely overwhelming. My experience debunks these myths. I’ve had the extraordinary ability to study abroad twice and am going abroad a third time this… read more
The House on Şair Necati Sokak: An Istanbul Diary
“Merhaba ve hoş geldiniz,” or, hello and welcome! I have lived in Istanbul for three months, and my experiences here have been the greatest gift. Turkey is an incredible country, with picturesque landscapes, rich cultural traditions, gregarious citizens and a fascinating, albeit intricate, history. My first impression of the… read more
Embracing the Unknown
Studying abroad is stepping into a whirlwind of emotions. It’s an exhilarating rollercoaster of adventures and self-discovery. It’s a journey that promises growth, new experiences and countless memories. Yet in the midst of this exciting expedition, there are moments when the feeling of homesickness can creep in, even halfway through… read more
Celebrating Taiwan’s National Holiday
On October 10, Taiwan bursts into vibrant celebrations for “國慶日,” or National Day. This day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of 1911 that heralded the end of China’s Qing Dynasty and paved the way for establishing the Republic of China. The celebrations, rich with festivity, beautifully display Taiwan’s cultural diversity and… read more
First Impressions of “Ilha Formosa,” the Beautiful Island of Taiwan
In the heart of East Asia lies Taiwan, historically known as “Ilha Formosa” or “The Beautiful Island” by 16th-century Portuguese explorers. This island nation serves as a melting pot of cultures and technological innovations. During my stay in Taiwan’s largest city, Taipei, I have been introduced to an environment that… read more
Create Your Own Possibilities
If you told me freshman year that I would be living in Singapore for a semester during my senior year, I wouldn’t have believed it. Picture my freshman year starting amidst the swirling chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom calls echoing through the walls of my home in the Rio… read more
