If you had asked me two years ago about studying abroad, I’d probably tell you it was a dream—one I didn’t think was possible. Growing up in a Southeast Asian, specifically a Cambodian American family, the idea of leaving home, especially with my father’s health issues, felt daunting. My parents, particularly my dad, needed me, and the thought of being far away terrified me if I was being honest. But my father encouraged me to pursue my dreams, reassuring me that it was okay to step out of my comfort zone. His support gave me the confidence I needed to entertain the idea of studying abroad seriously.
A pivotal moment came during the summer of 2023, in a conversation with my closest friends, Nancy and Jenny. They challenged me to think beyond the comfort of home and routine, emphasizing the growth that comes from experiencing the world firsthand as I spent most of my days locked inside my room. Their encouragement planted a seed of determination in me. If I wanted to better understand myself and become a well-rounded individual, I needed to explore life outside my familiar environment.
In my quest to study abroad, I joined the Global Scholars program at UW Bothell. This program was instrumental in preparing me for the journey ahead. Through discussions, workshops, and interactions with like-minded peers in class, I began to confront the challenges that lay ahead. I asked myself tough questions: How would I adapt to a country where I didn’t speak the language at all? How would I maintain my independence while staying focused on my studies? Would I be able to cope with being away from my family and friends for 6-weeks? Is it possible for me to make friends with people who don’t know me at all? These questions weren’t just hypothetical; they were real concerns and challenges that I knew I’d have to face head-on.
With the support of Global Scholars, I chose to study in Seoul, South Korea, through the CIEE program. I enrolled in the “Summer Korean Studies in Seoul” program at Yonsei University’s International Summer School, a six-week experience that ran from June 26th to August 7th. The program offered courses that aligned with my business marketing degree, and it felt like the perfect fit.
Arriving in Seoul was a whirlwind of emotions. I’d never been on a plane before in my entire life, so the journey itself was genuinely nerve-wracking. But as I landed at Incheon Airport and made my way into the city, I was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. My first challenge was buying a T-money card, a transit card used for buses, subways, and taxis. The language barrier hit me immediately; the cashier only spoke Korean, and I only spoke English. It was a small, yet significant, moment of realization that I was truly on my own. But I managed, and that small victory gave me a confidence boost.
During my first week in Seoul, I explored the city with no set itinerary. I wandered through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, where I visited a cat café and indulged in my love for K-pop by buying CDs from my favorite group, TVXQ!. I marveled at the towering Lotte Tower Mall, strolled through the lively district of Sinchon, and even experienced nightlife in Hongdae. These adventures, often done solo, were thrilling and eye-opening. Navigating a foreign city on my own was honestly really empowering, and each new experience pushed me further out of my comfort zone.
The academic side of my journey was equally enriching. The courses I took at Yonsei—Entrepreneurship and Management, and K-Wave in International Consumer Insight—really deepened my understanding of global business practices. Initially, I wasn’t entirely confident that business was the right major for me, but these classes helped solidify my interest. They opened my eyes to the intricacies of marketing and management on an international scale, showing me the potential I had to contribute to the field to become successful. The instructors I had were knowledgeable and passionate, and their guidance within business was valuable in helping me realize my potential as a future business leader.
But beyond academics, the personal growth I experienced in Seoul was profound. Being away from home for the first time, I learned to manage my time, budget my finances (luckily a lot of things in South Korea were cheap), and take responsibility for my own well-being. I discovered a newfound sense of independence that was both exhilarating and daunting. I had to rely on myself in ways I never had before, whether it was navigating public transportation or dealing with everyday challenges like finding where to eat throughout the day and buying general necessities for my dorm room. These seemingly mundane tasks became significant milestones in my journey toward adulthood.
As I immersed myself in Korean culture, I engaged in conversations with locals, particularly young adults, about their perspectives on Korean society. Many expressed a desire for more individuality and less pressure to conform to societal norms. This was eye-opening for me, as I realized that while the U.S. allows for more self-expression, South Korea still has a strong cultural emphasis on uniformity while showcasing the conservative aspect of South Korea’s society. These conversations deepened my understanding of global cultural differences and made me appreciate the diversity of thought and expression.
I was able to also become friends with those who came from different states in the U.S. as everyone was spread far apart from each other (NorCal, SoCal, Tennessee, Texas, New Jersey, etc). Through the conversations and activities we had, I was able to create meaningful connections with them that I honestly never thought I could do and they were what made the rest of this study abroad experience enjoyable for me. It was honestly eye-opening and very insightful to see how different some U.S. states were though regarding prices, economy, cultural differences across states, and just some of the accents compared to here in Washington.
The six weeks I spent in Seoul were packed with unforgettable experiences. I visited historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, where I dressed in traditional hanbok, attended a concert for my favorite Korean artist, Kim Jae Joong, and hiked up to the Namsan Tower for breathtaking views of the city. I even made a trip to the DMZ, where I caught a glimpse of North Korea—a surreal experience that underscored the complexities of the region’s history. I also explored the stunning landscapes of Pocheon and had a unique experience at a local Costco in Korea, which was surprisingly different from the ones in America.
My time in South Korea wasn’t just about academics and sightseeing; it was about discovering who I am as an individual. I learned to rely on myself, make decisions independently, and embrace the unknown. These were things I had never had to do while living at home, surrounded by the comfort and support of my family. But in Seoul, I was forced to grow up quickly, and in doing so, I found a sense of independence that I had never experienced before, something I couldn’t have done without the help of the friends I made along this journey.
The experience also helped me appreciate my Cambodian American identity in a new light. Being in a country with such a distinct cultural identity made me reflect on my roots and how they have shaped who I am. It also made me realize that while my background is an integral part of me, it’s okay to step outside of it to explore new aspects of my identity.
As my time in Seoul came to an end, I realized that I was returning home as a different person. I had gained a sense of independence and self-confidence that I never knew I was capable of. The city of Seoul, with its vibrant culture and challenges, had helped me grow into the young adult I had always aspired to be. My journey abroad was more than just an academic endeavor; it was a transformative personal experience that allowed me to understand myself better and become more independent as a young Cambodian American adult.
Though I’ll miss some things in South Korea like the food quality, cafes, and the prices of many things, this trip was a significant milestone in my life, marking the beginning of my journey toward adulthood. It taught me that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing the challenges that come with it. Studying abroad in Seoul was not just about earning credits or exploring a new country—it was about discovering who I am and the kind of person I want to become.
