Looking back, I cannot believe that my study abroad program is already over. Exploring South Korea (and a bit of Japan) was such a great experience. The YISS program at Yonsei University made sure that I met so many different types of people from all over the world. Living in Seoul for six weeks helped me both improve my pretty minimal Korean and understand the complexity of my cultural heritage a bit better.

Academically, I really enjoyed the balance I had between my classes and everything else in my daily life. It was really interesting to see the differences in the way non-Pitt professors teach and to be able to take courses I wouldn’t be able to take otherwise. This experience definitely motivated me to continue to pursue a Korean minor and helped me understand just how valuable this minor is.

I was initially very unsure going into this experience. Traveling solo was new to me, let alone traveling solo to the other side of the world. However, looking back, I am beyond glad that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I would definitely encourage other students to take advantage of the YISS program and of study abroad at Pitt in general.

-Sophia