Jia Li Chen ’26 shares her experience studying in South Korea as a recipient of the Don Reid Sogang University Scholarship. Learn about the program »

A summer in Seoul helped me regain clarity about my future career and offered educational experiences far beyond the traditional classroom. I am deeply grateful for the Don Reid Scholarship, which has given me an eye-opening global education experience.

Through the Sogang International Summer Program (SISP), I immersed myself in Korean culture academically and personally. Over four fast-paced weeks, I took two courses: Korean Language and Mental Coaching and Cognitive Practice. Our enthusiastic professors made every day feel insightful despite the intensity. Six hours of class each day flew by, filled with laughter, discussion, and focused learning.

The Korean language course was both practical and enriching. I learned to read and write Hangul in just two days, and by the end of the program, I could hold conversations with classmates and professors. In my class on mental coaching and cognitive practice, I learned the value of growth, empathy, and meditation. As a pre-med student, I had noticed a decline in empathy before this summer – perhaps due to academic burnout or a coping mechanism to keep away from sadness. I wanted to take this psychology-related course to learn more about the humanities. There was one class period that stood out to me, a discussion on trauma. As I sat in a meditative position, I listened with both my ears and my heart to the stories my classmates and I shared. Though we came from different parts of the world, each with unique experiences, empathy came naturally. I was deeply grateful for their bravery and vulnerability. Most importantly, this class helped me regain my courage and reminded me of my motivation for pursuing medicine.

 

 

Outside the classroom, I explored Seoul through field trips and friendships. We visited nearby cities rich in history, tried traditional dishes, and learned how local food was prepared. We even got to see North Korea! As part of a field trip, we visited the DMZ and went inside one of the four tunnels built by North Korea. At the nearby museum, we saw uniforms worn by soldiers, along with tools and wheelbarrows used to dig the tunnels. Each field trip felt like a hands-on history lesson. We learned about Korean legends, such as how a bear and a tiger were said to play a role in the creation of the first humans on the Korean Peninsula. Being at the DMZ, we could feel the real tension that persists between North and South Korea. We ended the trip on a sweet note by visiting Sokcho, where the coastal scenery and culture felt just like something out of a K-drama. Interactions with elderly locals showed me the warmth and respect embedded in Korean society.

 

As I finish up my last year at USF, I carry with me the friendships I made and the unforgettable experience of immersing myself in Korean culture and global education. Experiencing another country’s education system and way of life has made me more adaptable, courageous, and open-minded. It reminded me of the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new perspectives. My summer in Seoul is an experience I will carry with me always, one that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth.

 

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