Pre-departure Reflections💭🙇♀️
As I reflect on my study abroad journey, one thing stands out in my mind above all else: the generosity of the city I was about to call home for the next three months. Embarking on my first solo trip abroad, I felt a mix of emotions including excitement and anxiety. The idea of navigating a new country on my own, one where I had limited knowledge of Korean, was both thrilling and daunting.
When I touched down in South Korea, those feelings of nervousness hit me hard. My first solo challenge was to find my way through the bustling streets of Seoul to my hotel, with only a basic understanding of Korean. But just as I was starting to feel overwhelmed, I met another traveler in the same situation as me. At that moment, a wave of relief washed over me. I wasn’t alone in this experience, and that realization eased many of my worries. Right then, I knew this trip was going to be something special—an adventure I would carry with me for the rest of my life.
My passion for studying abroad in South Korea began back in high school, when I first discovered K-pop. The vibrant music, captivating performances, and the rich culture behind it all left me in awe. The more I immersed myself in the music and the culture, the more I dreamed of visiting South Korea one day and experiencing it all firsthand. My passion for K-pop was one of the driving forces behind my decision to study abroad in South Korea.
When it came to choosing a study abroad program, CIEE stood out as the perfect fit for me. As a business major, I was looking for a program that not only aligned with my academic goals, but also offered a unique work culture and an opportunity to immerse myself in a different country and CIEE provided exactly that.
Intern life 👩💻🐯
I still remember the rush of emotions I felt on my first day abroad—nervousness, excitement, and a touch of uncertainty. Although I had mustered the courage to board that plane by myself, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming sense of anticipation that greeted me when I arrived at the office in person. Despite the nerves, I knew I was ready to dive in, work hard, and embrace all the challenges that lay ahead.
In our first week we were assigned a very hefty and important confidential project. In my intern group, I was given the role of leader for our very first project. Talk about pressure! I was terrified of making a single mistake, especially as someone who was still finding their footing in a bustling city. But it was during these moments of uncertainty that I learned one of the most valuable lessons from my mentors: making mistakes isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, mistakes can be the spark that ignites future innovations and ideas. This perspective was a game-changer for me, both in my professional and personal life.
Before this internship, I knew a tiny bit about video games and didn’t feel any sort of connection towards the industry. But as the days passed and I became more immersed in the world of Valorant. I started to develop a strong interest in the professional gaming fan-culture. My time at Gen.G coincided with the end of the VCT Pacific stage and the beginning of the Champions event, which was the biggest esports event at the time. The fast-paced, high-energy environment was exhilarating, and even though each day was packed with work, I found myself enjoying every second of it. By the end of the internship, I not only gained professional business skills but, I achieved a new interest as well.
Coming back from this trip, I am bringing new aspects and skills to my campus. I am looking forward to applying my knowledge from my time abroad into my extracurriculars and classes.
Weekend Excursions🌸🍒
If you are a coffee, matcha, boba, tea lover like myself, you are going to LOVE Seoul! I spent many hours of my off days venturing into cute cafes. Every weekend, I’d set out to discover a new café in a different neighborhood, and each time was like uncovering a hidden gem. These café adventures became more than just a way to enjoy my favorite drinks—they were a fantastic way to boost my confidence in speaking Korean, too.
These outings offered a great opportunity to bond with my groupmates outside of our work and school environment. We grew closer as we explored the city together, sharing laughs, trying new foods, and soaking in the vibrant café culture that Seoul is famous for.
One weekend, a friend and I challenged ourselves on how many cafes we could visit in a single day and spoiler alert—we managed to hit over 15 cafes in just one neighborhood! It was an exhausting, but an incredibly fun experience that left us with memories we’ll never forget.
Beyond cafe-hopping, Seoul offered so much more. I attended various pop-ups, concerts, and even had the chance to experience traditional Korean culture by wearing a Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Korea. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, visiting this historic palace is an absolute must—it’s a place where you can truly feel the rich heritage of Korea.
In the end, these experiences were more than just fun excursions—they were a way to immerse myself fully in the culture, connect with new friends, and create lasting memories in a city that never ceases to amaze.
Future Tips✈️🇰🇷
When you’re traveling to South Korea, you’re stepping into a whole new environment—a place where no one knows you, and you have the freedom to grow out of your shell. This is your chance to push your boundaries, try new things, and really discover who you are. Whether it’s learning a new language, making friends from around the world, or diving into local traditions, these experiences will not only make you happier but will also enrich your life in ways you never expected.
The memories I made, the friendships I formed, and the growth I experienced have all left a lasting impact on me. I hope you get to experience a summer in Seoul as amazing as mine. Your future self will thank you for it.
