I’ve been in South Korea for three months and have had life-changing experiences. I can still remember the anxiety that consumed me as I stepped foot off the plane. Will South Korea be different from what I imagined? How will I adapt to a new culture and language thousands of… read more
Asian Cultures and Languages
The Land of the Morning Calm
Three months into my semester at Hanyang University, there’s a whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. I love being in South Korea and having such a unique opportunity to study here. Every new experience is exciting and challenging, and I’ve been able to take on so many new things during… read more
One Month in Korea: New Friends, New Perspectives
I’m wrapping up my second week at Korea University, almost a month after arriving in Seoul. The whirlwind of new experiences has been both exhilarating and eye-opening. I vividly recall the mix of nerves and excitement when I bid farewell to my father at the airport. Traveling alone for the… read more
Growth and Exploration in Seoul
I have been in Seoul for less than two months, and it has already been a whirlwind experience. I started my classes and have almost fully adjusted to the lifestyle here. Each day, I get to experience something new. Although I have experienced some homesickness, the joy of studying abroad… read more
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… read more
Shanghai Serenade
After six long years and a global pandemic, I was back in China. I arrived in Shanghai two days before my academic program began to get adjusted to the city that I would call home for the summer. East China Normal University is in the Putou District of Shanghai, so… read more
What Makes You Special?
As the lovely cherry blossoms have gently taken flight with the breeze, I face the harsh reality that my time in South Korea is, unfortunately, not going to last forever. I’ve made amazing and unforgettable friends who have made me feel welcome and safe. I think about the ways my… read more
Step by Step
When I missed my connecting flight to South Korea three weeks ago, I thought it was a sign from the universe that leaving home wasn’t the best idea. I struggled to find peace while I hastily shouldered my heavy duffel and tried to figure out how to get on the… read more
Holidays Both New and Old
I have never considered myself to be a big “holiday person.” While I appreciated the chance to come together with friends and family, holidays were never treated like a big deal. My family would participate in the usual traditions, such as setting out candy on Halloween or giving presents on… read more
The Changing of Seasons and Kachoufugetsu
When I first arrived in Kyoto, Japan, two weeks ago, my hair stuck to my face anytime I went outside. Carrying groceries under the blazing heat of the sun felt like a momentous task, akin to that of the long walk up the hills of Austin to reach my dorm… read more