Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: I've always been interested in traveling because my father traveled a lot for work and would share his experiences. I decided to study abroad in South Korea because the culture interested me as well as I would like to work abroad in Asia.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my trip was all of the UC EAP field trips planned for us. The field trips allowed us to leave Seoul and adventure to other parts of South Korea.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: The greatest challenge abroad was the different style in classes. I rely a lot on homework to study for my classes which was not really a thing besides out of class readings. It was a big step for me to really learn and focus on studying outside of class.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: I felt like there was little to no homework compared to UC Merced classes. Your grade relied mostly on quizzes and exams.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I experienced the culture of South Korea, which will help me make future decisions in my life like where I would like to live.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: DO IT!! It is honestly super scary having to fill out all of the forms and you feel completely lost, but it was the most worth while experience I have ever done in my life. If you have the opportunity to do it. I would say most get past the fear by asking for help and it's okay if you don't know how to do something. People are always going to be around you ready to help. You are not the only one that is lost and confused. Many people around you need just as much help. I was able to meet someone before I left abroad and together the two of us worked and figured things out.
Q: Describe a typical day for you abroad.
A: Waking up and getting ready for my day in about and hour. Then I would head off to what they called 1st period my first class of the day for hour and 40 minutes. I then would have 20 minutes to grab a quick bite to eat and get to my next class for 2nd period which was another hour and 40 minutes. I would be done with my day at 11:40. Which I would go meet up with a friend and the two of us would go and grab lunch. I would then study and do my readings for the next day. After, I would just hang out and chill while waiting for my roommate to be done with her classes and then the two of us would leave to go out for a little site seeing as well as dinner.
