Hello from Seoul! My name is Sarah Yang, and I am a sophomore studying computer science at SCI. After an extended month-and-a-half winter break, in late February, I finally embarked on my journey to study at Korea University for the Spring 2026 semester! Boarding the plane for my 17-hour flight felt surreal. Essentially, a year…
Tag: Seoul
Final Reflection – What I’m Bringing Back
Spending the summer living and working in Seoul was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic and personal life. It was more than just a chance to gain professional skills—it was an opportunity to step into a new culture, adapt to a different pace of life, and learn how to navigate challenges far…
From Metro to Trash Disposal – Korea’s Attention to Detail
FHC Blog Prompt #4 During my two months in Seoul, I had the opportunity to explore many aspects of daily life outside of my internship work. One of the things that stood out the most to me was how certain parts of the city’s infrastructure and culture are designed for efficiency, cleanliness, and accessibility. The…
Meaning of Success in Another Country
FHC Blog Prompt #3 Interning in Seoul, South Korea, I’ve come away with more than just professional experience, I have also gained a deeper understanding of how different cultures define success. As someone who grew up in America where people often equate success with individual achievement, independence, and innovation, I was fascinated by how differently…
Assimilating into Korea’s Social Norms
FHC Blog Prompt #2 While I’ve been exploring the city and tasting its cuisine, there’s one cultural adjustment that’s been unexpectedly tough: Korea’s social norm of minding your own business. This is the biggest part of South Korea’s culture that I am struggling to assimilate with so far. Coming from a place where casual small…
My Personal, Academic and Professional Growth in Seoul, South Korea
FHC Blog Prompt #1 I learned several things during my stay in Korea, I will break them down into three main aspects: Personal, Academic, and Professional. On a personal level, this was my first time living in a foreign country for an extended period of time. I had to navigate a new culture, language barriers,…
Bringing Seoul Home with Me
Over the 4 weeks my course took place, I completed two courses, 5 credits, and made countless memories. I made friends whom I still contact to this day, I met people who were from various backgrounds and identities, and was able to learn about myself and expand my worldview. Throughout my time spent in South…
Classes, a City, and Immersion
As I spent time in South Korea, balancing devoting enough time to do well in classes while trying to spend as much time outside the classroom as I could, I found it to be somehow familiar. My Korean language skills, worn in over a lifetime of conversation with my parents, loosened and yet strained in…
A 15 Hour Flight Back to Home
Hi! My name is Junyoung Hur, class of 2026. I am a Biology major and am triple minoring in Chemistry, Korean, and Studio Arts. I am Epsilon Eta Delta’s Diversity and Inclusion Chair, an Environmental Academic Honors Society. When not studying or in classes, I enjoy going on runs, posting on my blog, and bleach-painting…
Sophia Starts for Seoul!
Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Chang and I am a rising sophomore majoring in molecular biology. I am so excited to share that I have the privilege of studying in Seoul, South Korea this summer. Tomorrow, I will be flying out to participate in the Yonsei International Summer School (YISS) at Yonsei University. While…