Stepping off the plane in South Korea, I knew I was about to experience something completely new. What I did not realize was just how much I would have to adapt.
It was February of 2025, and I was embarking on a four-month study abroad program at Chungnam National University in Daejeon, South Korea. I was one of two people from Lamar University among 270 students from around the globe.
I quickly learned that studying in another country is about much more than academics. It’s also about navigating a language barrier, managing finances and building new relationships.
One of the first things I had to adjust to was communication. With limited knowledge of Korean, everyday tasks like ordering food or asking for directions were challenging. I relied heavily on translation apps like Papago to help bridge the gap. Even simple interactions required me to have patience. There were moments of confusion, but those moments became opportunities to learn and grow.
I enrolled in a language course, where I studied Korean for four hours each day. I would recommend taking a language course while studying abroad. Although it can be challenging at times, it is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in a different culture. While it may seem intimidating at first, it becomes easier over time. It also forced me to become more independent and resourceful in unfamiliar situations.
Another key aspect of studying abroad is budgeting. Because South Korea uses a different currency and many things are cheaper than in the United States, it is easy to overspend without realizing it. Meals, transportation, and shopping all felt inexpensive, which made it tempting to spend more freely. However, small purchases can add up quickly, making it important to keep track of spending and planning for future purchases you may need to make.
Kolja Krohne, a fellow student from Germany, said budgeting is even more important when considering travel opportunities.
“Traveling inside the country is quite affordable, but if you want to visit neighboring countries as well, you need to have some budget or be very flexible in timing,” he said.
Being abroad provides a unique opportunity to explore nearby countries. Weekend trips and spontaneous travel plans were some of the most memorable parts of my experience.
While traveling is an exciting part of studying abroad, the day-to-day experience of living in a new country also comes with its own challenges.
One of my biggest concerns before studying abroad was making friends. As one of only three American students in the program, surrounded by people from all over the world, and I worried about fitting in.
However, what I found was the opposite. Everyone was genuinely eager to meet new people, and forming friendships came naturally. Students were open, welcoming and supportive, which made the experience comfortable and enjoyable from the beginning.
Krohne said feelings of loneliness are common, but they do not last long.
“There will be many other exchange students having the same thoughts,” Krohne said. “You will meet new people in the same situation as you are quickly, and you will have a great time together.”
At the beginning, I spent too much time worrying I would not make instead of fully embracing opportunities. I quickly realized stepping outside of one’s comfort zones leads to some meaningful connections.
While academics are important, some of the most valuable parts of studying abroad happen outside the classroom. The memories made through exploring, traveling and spending time with others are what makes the experience truly unforgettable. Some of my favorite moments came from spontaneous plans, late-night conversations and simply getting to experience a new culture alongside new friends.
New Yorker Amber McLeod said the experience had a lasting impact on her personal growth and future goals.
“This experience has made me more outgoing and has essentially changed my personality,” McLeod said. “I went from an introvert to someone who likes to take risks and establish relationships. It has redefined my career path and made me realize that I want to teach people and connect with them, especially in educational settings.”
McLeod emphasized the importance of appreciating every moment abroad.
“Live in the moment and be grateful,” she said. “It goes by incredibly fast and you’ll yearn for it when it’s over.”
Like McLeod, I found studying abroad changed more than just my surroundings; it changed my perspective.
Through navigating a new country and adapting to unfamiliar customs, I learned to see the world, and myself differently. I returned home with lifelong friendships, a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, and a new outlook on my life.
As a result, I gained a stronger sense of independence, increased confidence, and a greater belief in my ability to adapt to new environments and overcome unfamiliar challenges.
For students considering studying abroad, the idea of being thrown into a foreign culture and language may feel overwhelming, but that is part of the journey. It is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and discover what you are capable of.
Studying abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
For more, visit Lamar University’s study abroad office in 115C Wimberly Building, or click here. lamar.edu/international-education