Saying Goodbye to Yonsei and South Korea

By:

Stanysha Lowery

Published:

Countries

Demographics

,

Majors

, ,

Regions

Stanysha Lowery

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hello <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> University of North Carolina at Greensboro <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Seoul, South Korea <i>Program provider:</i> Yonsei International Summer School <i>Major/minor:</i> Psychology / Human Development and Family Studies <i>Demographics:</i> African American/Black, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> My future career goals include me becoming either a Social or Developmental Psychologist serving and working with underepresented and often ignored communities and individuals. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> My top three goals for my time abroad are: Learn Korean and become a beginner in the language, become acquainted with other students and professors, and immerse myself in South Korean culture by trying new foods, going sightseeing, and learning through every experience that I encounter.

The last week of the program went by really fast, and I was not prepared for the realization that I would be leaving Korea pretty soon. My final exams went well, and I felt relieved to finally be done with the educational part of my trip. I am glad that I chose the courses I did because learning the material was very enjoyable. Korea left a mark on me, and I started to notice it as soon as I was leaving campus. I felt sad and realized that this chapter of my life was closing. I was looking forward to so many things once returning to the States like the food, and my family, and starting my senior year, but I also began to miss certain things in South Korea before I had even departed. I missed the collectivistic culture like the big meals at restaurants to share with friends and family, bidets, top-tier public transportation, and just being surrounded by so many different people. Getting situated in South Korea took some time and patience, but I miss it so much. This opportunity opened the door for the many international trips that I plan to take in the future. I am so thankful for South Korea, the Yonsei program, the scholarships and programs that helped me to get there, and my support system.