South Korea : Lisbeth Luna (Final Reflections)
Final Reflections
The time has come when there are less than two months left of being in Seoul. It feels like I just got here, though. There are still always new experiences happening and memories being made. As I reflect on my time here in Seoul, I will remember most of the friends I made and the independence I developed.
I didn’t think I would have such close friendships with many people from different countries, but it was a meaningful experience. I came to Seoul without knowing anybody, which was a bit scary, but it forced me to meet many new people and become comfortable with small talk and icebreakers. It also helped that I had never been to South Korea before, making even the environment completely new. These two factors have taught me much about Korean culture and how different cultures outside Korea interact. Despite the differences, I have connected with several people, and my friendships have made Seoul feel a bit more like home.
Throughout my time here, there have been some struggles that I overcame that made me feel invincible. More than several times, I have had to navigate public transportation without any internet. Thankfully, the Seoul subway system is easy to understand, and I have made it to my destination every time, even if I ended up on the wrong side of the platform. Successfully navigating in a foreign country by yourself without being able to use your phone is truly empowering.
It is incredibly important to be open to new situations, ideas, and cultures – that will make studying abroad a core memory and an unforgettable experience!
Lisbeth Luna
Major: International Studies and Economics; Cert. Criminal Justice and Chicano/Latino Studies
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin