Hallym University, South Korea
Ivan Wells
Age (while abroad): 29-30
Degree(s): English w/ Teaching License, International Studies/History Minor
What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)? I took a couple semesters of Korean at MSUB, and while it only scratched the surface of the language, it was incredibly helpful.
When did you go? Fall 2023 鈥� Spring 2024
Where did you study? South Korea, and I lived in a wonderful town called Chuncheon
In what school did you study? Hallym University
Have you studied abroad before? Nope! This was my first chance.
Why did you do study abroad? There were many reasons and there is not enough space here to do them justice, but I have always dreamed of going to East Asia, and specifically South Korea. I also have always wanted the opportunity to live in another culture, as I feel the only way to truly learn and appreciate another people is by living amongst them.
Would you do this again?
I would chose this again and again, in fact, I did not want to leave! It will forever be my second home.
What was your favorite part?
Incredibly hard to narrow down, as getting to go was the ultimate success, with everything
else being extra on top. However, I suppose it鈥檚 between the wonderful relationships
I made as well as the unprecedented personal growth.
What was your least favorite part?
I really do not have anything negative to say about the experience鈥aybe having to
leave it all is the worst part.
How has study abroad affected your life now?
I am forever changed by the experience and so grateful for it. I have friends all
over the world! I have greater confidence. I found new levels of courage in all areas
of my life. There are numerous examples, but I think the best one is this: I made
friends and started conversations with new people in other languages, so now I can
talk to anyone! If I can do it in Korean or Japanese, I can certainly do it in English.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?
Once again, there is not enough space to do this topic justice, but I learned greater
self- love, responsibility/self-reliance, how to connect with others/build relationships,
etc. I was also humbled in many ways and learned how to better express my needs and
learned how to accept assistance from others. I was also surprised by how much I learned
about the world at large. While I was in South Korea to grow closer to its culture
and people, I also met people from practically everywhere around the world. Off the
top of my head, I can recall folks over 30 countries from that provided me with many
chances to expand my mindset and learn so many new things
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?
I would highly recommend going, the costs are so minimal and approachable, especially for what you will gain! Once there, get out and do! Especially when feeling homesick or overwhelmed. Take every opportunity possible and do not be afraid to say yes! You never know what paths will open up to you or where they will lead, but they all produce fruit and will come to something wonderful, whether by the journey or the end result.
Madaline Brown
Age (while abroad): 19-20
Degree(s): Business Marketing
When did you go? I studied abroad for two semesters, starting in fall 2021 and until spring 2022.
Where did you study? I went to South Korea, specifically to a city called chuncheon.
In what school did you study? I studied at Hallym University
What was your prior language knowledge (if applicable)? Prior to studying abroad I took part in MSUBs new program called UISFUL. In this program I took an intensive summer Korean language course. Other than this course, prior to leaving my only language knowledge came from self teachings.
Have you studied abroad before? No, this is my first time in a studied abroad program. As well as it being my first time ever leaving the United States.
Why did you do study abroad? Studying abroad is something I have always wanted to do since high school. At first
it was because I thought it was my best option to experience life outside of America
and well that does have some truth there were a variety of other reasons that convinced
me to continue to pursue this opportunity. Such
as the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn another language, gain a broader
perspective on life, and since it was my first time abroad the program gave me a structure
to do so.
Would you do this again? Without a doubt I would do it again. I am already thinking about when I will visit next.
What was your favorite part?
Honestly after being there for a year there is too much to really only name one. I
liked that since the country was smaller I could visit and experience so many different
dynamics and areas in Korea. I also made
many friends from different parts of the world as well as Korea and are now probably
some of my closest friends. Public transportation was also a big plus as it was cheap
and convenient. I could go on and on but these are some of the major ones.
What was your least favorite part?
My least favorite part was the extensive processes in Korea. Although Korea has made
some things convenient, others not so much -Especially with COVID and of course when
not proficient in Korean. For example, the Korean National Health Insurance. Also
like many others, COVID made for an interesting first 9 months. There were many new
things implemented (restrictions, applications, etc) during those times which enabled
me to experience certain things. However, this is something I knew about when going
and in the end I got the chance to do many of those things I missed; on the other
hand because of the situation there were many other things I got to experience that
maybe I wouldn鈥檛 have.
How has study abroad affected your life now?
Study abroad has affected my life in many ways. Firstly, it has opened up many opportunities
for me in the future (for my career, new hobbies/interests, etc). I also feel like
I have a second home in Korea. I have found a sort of comfort in Korea and experienced
a lot of my firsts there. First time on a subway, first time going to a bar, first
time going to a concert, and on and on. All the friends I have made there are lifelong
friends that have shown me different perspectives and different cultures. My food
pallet has also grown now and I can鈥檛 wait to try my hand at recreating some of my
favorite dishes. I have also experienced a lot of personal growth. One of the most
important things for me is my growth in confidence and street knowledge.
What did you learn, outside of academics, from your study abroad experience?
Outside of academics, going to Korea has expanded my street knowledge. My knowledge
of other cultures has grown and I have also learned more about myself. I have learned
about the kinds of things I like or don鈥檛 like, the kind of person I want to be, and
the hobbies or interests I want to pursue.
What advice you would offer students interested in studying abroad?
My advice would be to do some research before going to your country of choice. To some that might sound obvious but I was surprised at the amount of foreigners I met that said they knew basically nothing before going to Korea. While you can still learn when you get there I think it is more beneficial to go there with some knowledge. Find a youtuber or blogger who lives in that country or studied abroad there. Even reaching out to a student who studied abroad the previous semester at the same university you鈥檙e going to can be helpful because they can give you specific advice on that university. Your experience will go a lot smoother with some knowledge under your belt, but of course the unexpected is always bound to happen.