A Dream I Never Thought Possible As the plane touched down at Incheon International Airport, a flood of memories from my school days at Kerens ISD and la Escuela Primaria Pánfilo Natera washed over me. I thought of the afternoons spent tackling college-level math, seeking help from Mr. Nick, and… read more
South Korea
Exploring Modernity and Tradition in Seoul
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
Football, Art, and the Great Outdoors: Wild Times in South Korea
Some of my experiences in Seoul, South Korea, have been nothing short of surreal. I wish I could share all of them, but it would take an eternity to put everything in this blog. That said, here are a few highlights. Earlier this semester, I came across a poster at… read more
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
Touch of Tech Transformations
Although it feels like I just stepped off the plane at Incheon Airport, the first two months of my study abroad program have somehow already flown by. As someone with no prior experience with Korean culture, my journey has been both enlightening and exciting. The transportation here is incredibly convenient… read more
Seoul Searching: A One-Month Reflection
My study abroad experience almost ended one week before it began, when I discovered my passport and visa were stolen from the Korean Consulate’s mailbox. Luckily, after several back-and-forth phone calls and an urgent flight to Dallas, I had everything I needed to board my flight. I had dreamed of… 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
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