From NYC to Seoul: A Reflection
Spending time in Seoul has been nothing short of transformative. From lively culture to challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone, my study abroad experience at Yonsei University has altered my global perspective. As I reflect on these past months, I’m struck by the way this city’s dynamic energy, the connections I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned have shaped me as an individual. Here's a look back at my journey in Seoul and the memories that will stay with me long after.
Why Yonsei University?
I chose to study at Yonsei University because I knew it would push me to step out of my comfort zone and grow through new cultural experiences. My freshman year, I studied abroad in London, which was my first time living away from home. During that time, I learned to build close connections that I could rely on for support and explored everything the city had to offer—from museums and theater to sports. However, I realized I had stayed within the NYU London bubble, speaking English throughout my experience. London’s multicultural atmosphere made it feel less like a leap from my hometown of Portland, OR.
Through the IBEX program, I wanted something different. I sought to integrate into a new school with a vibrant campus life, strong school spirit, and sports culture. Yonsei offered all of this in a context where the language was unfamiliar, and the environment felt distinct. I saw this as the next level of studying abroad—a challenge that would teach me how to truly live as a global citizen.
Seoul, Korea, intrigued me specifically because of its unique role as a cultural exporter. As someone passionate about marketing, economics, and finance, I was fascinated by Korea’s ability to create soft power through media and global influence. The chance to study these dynamics while immersing myself in the country’s culture was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Unlike my previous study abroad experience, traveling internationally wasn’t my main goal during my time in East Asia, especially since leaving Korea required an additional visa. Although the school assists with obtaining this visa, it typically arrives in early November, limiting opportunities for travel outside Korea. Instead, I focused on immersing myself in the rich culture and life within the country, making the most of my exchange by building connections and exploring what Korea had to offer.
Adapting to a New Culture
Coming into this experience, I expected to feel like an outsider, unfamiliar with the local customs and traditions. My expectations weren’t far off. I often received stares and heard comments like “Wow, American babe,” “Exotic beauty,” or even unexpected questions like, “Donald Trump or Kamala Harris?” These interactions reminded me that I stood out, often in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
The language barrier also contributed to feeling like an outsider. Many Korean students were hesitant to interact with me, especially during the club fair. I noticed that some clubs skipped over me, likely because they were nervous about speaking English imperfectly. This hesitation stemmed from a cultural emphasis on perfection, where not being fluent in English made them anxious about making mistakes.
Before arriving, I had taken a semester of Korean to prepare for small talk and basic interactions, which helped me bridge some of the gaps. However, the experience underscored the challenges of integrating into a community where language and cultural differences create invisible barriers.
I navigated the adjustment by embracing my foreignness while maintaining a strong sense of respect for the local culture. First, I recognized that I was already an outsider, so I decided not to stress about conforming to how people acted or dressed. Knowing that I would often be perceived as a tourist anyway, I felt less pressure to get everything perfect and more freedom to be myself.
Second, I prioritized respect and awareness of local etiquette. As a foreigner unfamiliar with many of Korea’s unspoken rules, I made it a point to ask questions and remain polite. Whether it was navigating social customs or understanding signage, I approached every situation with humility and a willingness to learn. This mindset allowed me to adapt more smoothly and helped create positive interactions with Korean people!
Academics
My schedule gave me the opportunity to take fascinating courses on Korean culture, including Korean Pop Culture, Korean Contemporary History and Religion, and Korean Art History. Each of these classes offered a deeper understanding of how Koreans behave, the country’s history, and how Korea has grown into a global cultural phenomenon.
As someone who loves art, museums, and historical sites, Korean Art History stood out as a favorite. I visited the royal tombs on a day trip and explored several museums, and it was exciting to recognize and understand the significance of what I was seeing. The class added depth to these experiences, making them far more meaningful.
Korean Contemporary History and Religion provided insight into Korea’s tumultuous and relatively recent political history. For example, just yesterday, the president declared martial law, and I immediately grasped the gravity of the situation thanks to what I had learned in this course. I could appreciate the implications of such a decision and its potential impact on Korean citizens.
Lastly, my Korean Pop Culture class explored contemporary issues shaping modern Korea, such as misogyny, the Korean Wave, and the influence of Confucian values. It was enlightening to study the deep-rooted contradictions within a modernized society striving to preserve its traditional values. These discussions gave me a more nuanced perspective on the cultural dynamics I observed daily.
Cultural Immersion
Korea has so much to offer within its borders, and I took advantage of several day trips and weekend getaways to explore its history, natural beauty, and incredible food. Two of my favorite trips were to Jeju Island and Nami Island.
Jeju Island is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, delicious pork barbecue, and sweet, juicy oranges. It felt like a perfect escape, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. Nami Island, on the other hand, is famous as a filming location for one of Korea's first big K-dramas, Winter Sonata. I visited in October, just as the leaves were changing color. The vibrant autumn hues and cozy cafes reminded me of Oregon, acting as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Seoul.
Food Adventures
I can’t emphasize enough how blown away I was by the food in Korea—there were absolutely no misses! You can walk into nearly any restaurant, and the food will be delicious. The dorms have one communal kitchen in the lobby, with shared fridges and utensils, but not many people use it, and I didn’t during my time there. My only advice is for those with food restrictions: beef and pork are prevalent in most dishes, so people who avoid these often rely more on the kitchen.
For my own meals, I usually grabbed a pastry for breakfast and ate out for both lunch and dinner. There are several great restaurants near the dorm, and my personal favorite is Cafe Hollywood. Don’t be fooled by the name—it serves incredible Korean food at a great price. The dorm is also just a 15-minute walk from the Sinchon neighborhood, which is packed with even more fantastic food options.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
As a senior, I’ve become much more independent throughout college, but eating out every day was a challenge, especially since it meant eating alone at times. The first few occasions, I was tempted to grab something quick from the convenience store, but I pushed myself to go out and explore the local restaurants. While Seoul makes it easy to eat out alone, this was an experience I didn’t expect to become accustomed to.
Friendships during my time abroad came more in quality than quantity. This wasn’t the case for everyone, but the dorms and the exchange program didn’t host many events, so most of my friends came from classes or random encounters in the dorm. I ended up with a small but tight-knit group of friends. Meeting Korean students proved challenging, as I mentioned before, so I didn’t push myself to force those connections.
During my time in Seoul, I was also recruiting for full-time roles. Job hunting is already a draining process, and being away from campus and dealing with the time difference didn’t make it any easier. Interviews and calls from 2-6 AM are definitely not for the weak! However, the pass/fail classes I took provided me with extra time to focus on networking and applying for jobs, which helped me stay on top of my recruiting efforts.
Advice for Future Students
My advice? Go for it! The IBEX program and studying in a place so different from what you know will push you to grow and become more open-minded. I’ve become more curious about the world and more confident in who I am. Make sure your reasons for taking on this challenge are genuine, because it’s a huge leap from New York, or even London. I encourage you to embrace the discomfort and moments of feeling lost. It’s all part of the experience. Remember to take breaks when needed and step back into your comfort zone whenever you feel overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my time in Seoul, I’m reminded of how transformative this experience has been. Studying abroad in Seoul was a journey of personal growth, cultural discovery, and embracing challenges. It taught me to be more independent, more curious, and more open to the world around me. I’ve realized that discomfort can be a powerful force for change and that stepping out of your comfort zone is where true growth happens. This experience has shown me that with persistence and an open mind, you can create a sense of home wherever you go.
Thank you Yonsei University for this incredible experience!
If you want to learn about any more details related to applying, travel tips, dorms, etc, my email is sri2012@stern.nyu.edu.