A chance to immerse oneself in a new society and culture by studying abroad offers an opportunity for a lifetime. Regardless of your destination, these adventures will surely be unique experiences that will stay with you forever.
SAF Korea Global Ambassador Sungyeon Ahn, who studied at the University of Mississippi, has shared some insights and benefits from their time in the United States. The Ole Miss study abroad office gets many international students thanks to its welcoming community and wonderful course options.
Here are some of the key takeaways from participating in an international learning program.
Improving Your Foreign Language Skills
Jumping into real-life conversation is the most effective method for learning a new language. Traveling to a nation where the dialect is spoken natively is a great way to practice using and understanding it. No matter how long you study a language in class or from a textbook, nothing beats mastering it by being in a situation where you must depend on yourself to get around and speak it. SAF participant Sungyeon Ahn recalls a semester at Ole Miss, “What is certain is that my everyday English has improved, and I am no longer embarrassed by my speaking skills. And now I can understand various cultures by communicating with friends from other countries.”
Learning More About Yourself
Being in a new setting forces you to reconsider your perspective on the world. Studying abroad is a chance to learn more about yourself by saying "yes" to new experiences. Trying new meals, participating in new activities, and integrating oneself into a foreign culture all contribute to personal growth. With a little daring and curiosity, you may discover that you can do things you didn't think were possible. Reflecting on her extracurricular experience, Sungyeon states, enjoyed trying out subjects in the arts and said, “ Jazz Dance is also a freshman class, and it is literally a class where you learn jazz dance. It's good for cardio and close to the gym building, so you can work out before and after class.”
Reaching a New Level of Maturity
You will undoubtedly discover your freedom while studying abroad. Learning to navigate a new country without family, friends, or the comforts of home broadens your mindset. Emotions such as homesickness may be difficult, but creating new connections can help you progress. Even after you've made friends, you'll sometimes find yourself alone. Knowing that you can care for yourself and be self sufficient is a great feeling. Whether that means relying on your ability to follow a schedule, attend an event, find your way through a new city, or depend on yourself to catch an early flight, you will mature in new ways. “What I learned about myself is that I was a person who was confident,” Sungyeon says, “nevertheless, there were many things I didn't know. I think it's been a great life experience. It was a time when I could reflect and think about myself a lot before getting a job.
Finding Passions That Lead to Careers
Studying in a foreign country may introduce you to new interests that can inspire your career goals. Universities in the United States are excellent choices for students interested in fields such as athletics or art, which are topics that might not have degree programs in other countries. Studying and following such interests academically could also lead to jobs and internships. Take every opportunity to try new things and discover new interests that might lead to your ideal employment. Ahn also enjoyed learning more about photography while studying at the University of Mississippi, touching on the marketing industry. “The commercial photography class involves taking commercial photos and completing an advertising campaign with them. So, you will get a lot of practice, including the theory of taking photos and editing methods such as Photoshop and Lightroom. I highly recommend this class because I think it is not a typical subject offered in Korea.”
Memories to Last a Lifetime
There's nothing better than reliving some of your life's most memorable moments. Exploring new cities and areas you would not have visited otherwise is an incredible, well-rounded learning experience. Seeing more of the globe while studying abroad may provide you with passion and ideas for future trips. Making friends while traveling is also a terrific way to remain connected to your time abroad. Sungyeon says, “When I look back, the memories of the past four months have disappeared like a midsummer night's dream.”
No matter what you learn studying overseas, your time there will be invaluable. Remember to relax and enjoy the moment. Be willing to learn new topics outside your education, and you will reap lifelong rewards.
