Young Park

I chose to study in Korea because as a American-born Korean, I felt compelled to experience both a cultural and academic education that would be formally set abroad. In addition to offering a vast array of different classes to choose from, Korea offered me the perfect opportunity to get ahead in my academic track while personally expanding my vision of life.

The most interesting cultural experience while studying in Korea was their love for food. From delivering late-night fried-chicken to creating a mosaic of added carbs, cheese, and traditional side-dishes like kimchi on every meal imagined, Korea definitely has heightened my appreciation of food. The more interesting cultural experience was that there was always a way of eating such as sitting down on mats, communally sharing meals, and having a great discussion while eating under small outside tent-restaurants.

The biggest challenge of my study abroad experience was planning and organizing a good balance between my academic work and my social life. At first, it was strange enough getting around the city and communicating with folk, and once school began, the want to travel and the need to study were in conflict. However, after getting accustomed my constructing a planner and setting aside time during the afternoon to study throughout the week, it became much easier to utilize the weekends to travel and experience the country even more.

A typical day starts with visiting a local convenience store for morning bread and banana milk. With classmates, I would go to class, learn the material, and shortly after have lunch at the school cafeteria. Thereafter, I would have some extra time before my next class which I usually spent either going to a cafe, studying in the library, playing in the arcade, or playing at a pc cafe. Once the next class was over, I would grab dinner with friends at new restaurants and explore the surrounding cities. During the weekends, we would travel to the port cities, visit beaches and islands, and maybe experience a club or two in the area.

I took Fashion Design for Wellbeing and Intermediate Korean. Because I previously took the more difficult STEM related courses, the classes I took in Korea were easier than the Berkeley classes, but that is not to say it required no work. Though the content was lighter, it still seemed to demand a high level of participation, work ethic, and attention to detail.

The most meaningful aspect of my study abroad experience was getting close with my roommates through travel and daily life. Specifically, one fond memory was ordering late-night food while me and a few close friends that I had just met at the university would talk and share about our lives and enjoy in the memories that we had together.

Studying abroad has of no doubt expanded my vision for not only my cultural life, but also my personal life. That is, seeing and feeling the environment as it is, allowed me to really appreciate the differences in the people, their way of life, and the community that they really care about. It has made me consider to find internships and a future professional job either related to or situated in Korea.

To students wanting to study abroad in Korea, I would recommend making enough space in your luggage because you will buy new clothes, cosmetics, and random hipster decor regardless if you did not intend to spend the extra money. Also, I suggest going to any of the field trips offered by the institution because that is where you will meet more friends and experience the culture even more.