When I first began to consider studying abroad, there were a lot of things happening in my life. It was my very first semester in college and my parents were having to adjust. I was overwhelmed with the sheer number of programs the study abroad program offers. There were so many different programs and different places to consider. I had no idea where I wanted to go or what type of program I should select. I had always wanted to travel and to see the world, but I knew that it would be hard to convince my parents. So, I figured I would break the news to them gently. My parents were very encouraging, but we knew that without scholarships it would not be possible. Fast forward a couple of months and a lot of emails between me and my study abroad advisor, I had finally decided on a place/university to go. I was going to Seoul, South Korea through the exchange program at Yonsei University. However, my dad got sick and passed away before I had made that decision. After my dad passed, I was hesitant on if I should go or not. But I knew that he would not have wanted me to let this opportunity go by. About a month after, I asked my mom if I could go to South Korea. She thought I was absolutely crazy and did not want me to go so far away. I did not speak Korean, nor did I know a lot about Korean culture. But the more we talked and researched, the more excited we both got. There were many challenges and struggles preparing to go and it took me more than 9 months throughout the entire process. Luckily, through the help of the Study Abroad Office, I was able to get more scholarships and use my existing scholarships. There are so many ways to make studying abroad just as affordable as a normal semester. Finally, in the spring of 2022, I was off to Seoul, South Korea.
