CHO: Why studying abroad is worth it
Column: Mine to Mind
Last semester, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to study abroad for the spring semester at Ewha Womans University. I went with a vague idea that people said studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but right before I was set to leave, I had doubts and seriously considered backing out.
Looking back at it now, I am so glad that I went through with it.
As American students, we are members of a country that is famous, controversial and powerful. Our politics have rippled effects globally, and it is simultaneously a privilege and a necessity to be aware of when traveling abroad.
Unfortunately, studying abroad is generally expensive, but at the same time, opportunities to stay in a country for longer than a month are rare. That is why I urge college students to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, as I did.
The application process includes a couple of short essay responses, but they are direct and ask you practical questions, such as why you wish to go to your chosen country.
I would recommend anyone who is interested in studying abroad to apply, especially if they need financial support and if they have a personal, professional or academic reason for their pursuit of a particular program. The Gilman Scholarship actively seeks to support students who need financial aid.
It is natural to be hesitant about going abroad when you may be comfortably settled in your circle at home, but the rewards I reaped from my time abroad were priceless. Every individual who goes abroad will learn different things from the experience. It is both challenging and exhilarating.
I will never forget the adrenaline after finishing a 5-hour climb of Bukhansan Mountain with my German friend. I will never forget going to Jeonju with a girl from New York whom I met in the residence hall kitchen. I will never forget going to Korean hospitals by myself and learning to advocate for myself in my second language. I will never forget taking bus rides around Seoul and looking at the vast buildings. I will never forget walking down Sinchon-dong as the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
If you are considering a semester abroad in Korea, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Practical tips:
If you do not have Korean citizenship, you are going to be required to get a Foreign Registration Card. In order to do that, you are going to need passport-sized photos, so bring some to follow South Korean regulations.
Make sure you bring enough cash.
Reserve a sim card once you have landed in Incheon, or check out Chingu Mobile, which my friends used.
Apply to the Gilman Scholarship program and any other available scholarship programs.
Download apps such as KakaoTalk or Naver Maps because Google Maps is not reliable in Korea.
Learn some Korean before you get there. You can survive off of English, but previous students have mentioned that they wished they knew more Korean before going.
Be aware that if you go in the Spring and you have a dust allergy, you will suffer for a month. Otherwise, get the allergy medications there because they are cheaper in Korea.
If you need to go to the hospital, keep receipts of your visits so that you can be reimbursed. Try to go to the hospitals that will be automatically reimbursed for you.
Do not talk loudly with your friends on public transport, even if you really want to.
Social tips:
You are going to a place where you might know no one. It is going to be hard to expand your social network and meet new people, but it is worth trying to connect with new people.
Research cultural norms and educate yourself on them.
When you come back, you may grow apart from old friends because you were on a different life path for a decent amount of time.
If you are not interested in going clubbing in the U.S., do not go clubbing in Korea.
Do not feel pressured to visit the spots that are on TikTok. Go to the ones that you genuinely want to explore.
Make a list of things you want to do while you are there. This can include hiking Bukhansan Mountain or going on a scenic bike ride.
Consider the possibility of traveling to Jeju, which could require finding someone with access to a car.
Travel to places outside of Seoul at least once, but be prepared to navigate its public transport, which is less advanced.
Lastly, it is important to know that when you come back from Korea, you are going to experience some culture shock.
The moment I came off the plane at John F. Kennedy International Airport, I was met with screaming, long lines and a dash of racist encounters. Immediately, you might want to be tempted to go back to Korea after getting used to it there. It is beneficial to know beforehand that going through this tough transition period is normal, but ultimately, the journey is more than worth it.
Rachel Cho is a senior in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in Korean and minoring in critical intelligence. Her column, "Mine to Mind," runs on alternate Thursdays.
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