I have studied abroad in South Korea as both a high school and college student. These experiences have been instrumental in the development of my language skills and my intercultural understanding.

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

In 2013, I was selected as one of 50 students across the country to participate in the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship Program, a highly competitive exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State to send U.S. high school students to foreign countries to study critical languages in an immersive setting.

As part of the program, I traveled to Seoul, South Korea for 8 weeks to take intensive language classes at Sogang University and lived with a Korean host family for the duration of the program. Although I had only survival skills in the Korean Language at the start of the trip, I advanced by four levels on the ACTFL scale after completing a post-program Oral Proficiency Interview.

This trip sparked my passion for not only the Korean language, but also the lifestyle of Seoul. The fast-paced nature of the city is constantly challenging and evolving while still respecting traditional elements, which encourages me to seek out opportunities to better myself without losing sight of my personal strengths.

Exchange Student at Yonsei University

In 2015, I returned to South Korea for a second study abroad program. This time, I was enrolled as a student at the prestigious Yonsei University and took courses in Global Business, Political & Social Affairs , and Korean Language.

I completed the Level 3 course at the Korean Language Institute at Yonsei with high marks in all skill areas.

As a student at Yonsei, I joined the ALC Club as a method to develop stronger bonds with Korean students on campus and to participate in regular language exchange activities.

During this semester, I traveled around the peninsula to see the rest of South Korea oustide of Seoul. Traditional Korean architecture blends in with modern buildings in many Korean cities and I enjoy getting to know local residents while practicing my language skills. After taking Intro to Asian Art at Pitt during my freshman year, it was thrilling to see many of the pieces from my textbook in person for the first time as I visited World Heritage sites and museums around the country.

In the classrooms, I worked on group projects with both Korean students and exchange students from around the world to analyze business and social issues. One of the most influential courses I completed at Yonsei focused on the Politics & Society of North Korea. Understanding the contrasts between how numerous countries view North Korea and researching North Korean society to better understand the realities of life as a North Korean citizen, prepared me to bring my knowledge back to the classroom in the United States and help others to critically analyze their own biases and prejudice.