When I decided to study abroad, I knew I wanted to go all in. I didn’t want my experience to feel like a vacation but a complete immersion into a different culture. So, without a second thought, I committed to a full year in an exchange program in Seoul. I chose Yonsei University because of the vibrant student life I saw while researching and the number of classes available to me. I’m so excited about this upcoming academic year that I find myself only consuming Korean content and searching for fun things to do or places to go on Naver Map. While I’m excited to participate in such a unique experience, I can’t help but think about all the things I didn’t consider (or chose to ignore) when I applied for this program. For instance, The year I spend in Korea will be my final year pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I’m at the point in my academic career where I need to prepare for graduation and entering the workforce. So, common study abroad worries like obtaining transfer credit exemplify the already daunting questions about what to do with my life after college. A friend who is also pursuing a study abroad excursion at her university ceaselessly reminds me that I chose the most complicated study abroad experience available to me. Despite knowing French and taking Italian in college, I decided not to study in either of those places but rather to go to a country where I don’t speak the language. My family also joked that I could not have found a place further away from home. I find these observations amusing because I have always believed that “everything will work how it’s meant to,” but there is always that worry at the back of my mind that maybe everyone around me is right, and I bit off more than I could chew. Throughout this process, I told myself, “It will feel real when I get accepted,” and then, “It will feel real when I get my visa.” and later, “It will feel real when I book my ticket.” Now, there is nothing left to do or wait for, and it still feels like this experience isn’t happening to me; it’s happening for someone else. Despite the worries and obstacles it took to get this far, I am genuinely excited about the opportunities Korea can offer me and who will come out the other end.
