Annyeonghaseyo!

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Time flies. I remember when I first sent my application to the study abroad program at my university with the hope of getting accepted and accomplish one of my biggest dreams: to study abroad in South Korea. Five months later, I am sitting in my dorm at Yonsei University. Yonsei University is one of the three most prestigious universities in South Korea.

By today, this would be my fourth day since I arrived to South Korea. During this short time, I have experienced different types of emotions: excitement, happiness, fear, surprise, and amazement. I am okay having these emotions, as that is the process of being a foreign student.

I arrived at South Korea June 28, 2018, at 11:15 p.m. So much was the excitement that I missed my bus. Not only did I missed it but it was the last bus able to take me to Yonsei. I spent my first night sleeping at Incheon International Airport until 6:35 a.m. when my bus finally arrived. During my first day in Seoul, I got to meet my roommate, Grace, from Penn State University. As we talked, we realized that we have many things in common. This is one of the reasons why studying abroad is such a valuable experience. We get to meet so many people from different parts of the world and learn from them.

During this short time, I have been exploring Yonsei University and its surroundings. There are many Korean restaurants and convenience stores close to my dorm. The owners have been very welcoming and humble, even though my Korean speaking level is very low they try their best to understand me and help me. My first meal in Korea was Bibimbap, which is a bowl with warm rice, meat, vegetables, and gochujang (red chili paste). It was delicious. Other than that, I’ve been preparing myself for class, buying basic necessities, and trying to get over jet lag.

Tomorrow will be my first day of classes at Yonsei University. I am very excited yet very nervous. I will be taking Fashion Design and Marketing for the next six weeks. I am looking forward to having more adventures and make those memories last for the rest of my life.

Wish me luck,

Aurora.

Aurora Torres

<i>Hello in your host country language</i>: Annyeonghaseyo <i> University</i>: University of Texas at Arlington <i>Expected graduation year</i>: 2020 <i>Destination</i>: Seoul, South Korea <i>Program Provider</i>: University Sponsored <i>Major / Minor</i>: Advertising <i>Demographic background</i>: First-generation, Hispanic, Mexican-American <i>Future career aspirations</i>: Art Director for an Advertising Agency <i>Top 3 goals for study abroad</i>: To exert my independence; To increase knowledge in global awareness; To enrich myself with Korean culture and language through the pursuit of adventure.