It's hard to believe that my study abroad experience in Seoul has officially come to an end. Instead of returning to the U.S. right away, I decided to continue exploring Asia and spend time in Tokyo. While it's exciting to be in a new country, I already find myself missing Korea and the friends I made there.
Studying at Yonsei University this summer was such a fun, eye-opening, and meaningful experience. One of the best parts of the program was meeting new people from all over the U.S. and the world. I loved getting to know students from different states, backgrounds, and cultures, and forming connections that went beyond the classroom. Whether we were exploring local neighborhoods, trying new foods, or just hanging out between classes, the people I met made my time in Korea truly special.
While I had been to Korea before, this was my first time living there for an extended period and navigating life more independently. Through that, I learned a lot about myself. I realized that I'm more capable than I thought, and I grew comfortable with being on my own. One of the biggest lessons I'm taking away is that being alone does not have to be scary. In fact, it can be empowering. Whether it was going to a café by myself, exploring a new part of the city, or just sitting in the park reflecting on the day, I began to appreciate the quiet moments just as much as the busy ones.
Leaving Korea was emotional. I will truly miss the friends I made, the food, the atmosphere, and the sense of excitement I felt every day. There's something incredibly special about stepping into a new environment and allowing it to change you. My time abroad helped me become more confident, curious, and grounded in who I am.
For anyone who shares a similar background and is unsure about studying abroad, I would absolutely encourage you to take the leap. You don't need to have it all figured out before you go. Let the experience teach you. You will grow in ways you never expected.
Although my time in Korea has ended, the memories, friendships, and personal growth I gained will stay with me. I'm already thinking about when I can go back.
Megan Gong, Yonsei International Summer School