This blog is dedicated to all of the stories and adventures I will be having as an American exchange student in South Korea. The purpose of this blog is largely personal, though I have been requested by many family members and friends to keep it up for their sake as well. Please be patient with my lack of eloquence, and I will try to make this blog as interesting as I can over the next few months.
My interest in studying abroad began in high school and was founded on my lifelong love of travel and discovering other cultures. This trait has been passed down to me from my family members who have traveled the world before me, and was further cultivated the summer I was able to spend on a mission trip in Japan.
Last Fall as I went through my first full time semester in college, I began to wonder if my dream of going abroad could in fact become reality. I started looking into the various programs that my home university in Texas has to offer and after carefully considering and praying about each one, it seemed that I was being tugged toward Handong Global University, South Korea.
My interest in studying abroad began in high school and was founded on my lifelong love of travel and discovering other cultures. This trait has been passed down to me from my family members who have traveled the world before me, and was further cultivated the summer I was able to spend on a mission trip in Japan.
Last Fall as I went through my first full time semester in college, I began to wonder if my dream of going abroad could in fact become reality. I started looking into the various programs that my home university in Texas has to offer and after carefully considering and praying about each one, it seemed that I was being tugged toward Handong Global University, South Korea.
Over this past spring break I decided to take the leap and submit my application for studying abroad. From that point onward, things just kept coming together in ways that only God can arrange. To be honest, there have been a lot of bumps and roadblocks along the way, but here I am--just four days away from leaving the country. None of this would be possible without the help and support of family, friends, and of course our Creator.
So here is some information about my semester abroad to cover the bases. Feel free to leave comments, questions, or anything else you may desire.
When I leave Texas: August 25th
When Handong’s semester begins: September 2nd
When I come back to the states: December 23rd
Courses I plan on taking (they will be taught in English, and are subject to change at this point):
Cross-Cultural Global Perspectives
Studies of Korean History
Christianity and Modern Thoughts
Understanding History of Church
Themes in Poetry
Some other random facts:
I will be living in the international housing with three roommates.
I will be roughly five hours away from the capital, Seoul, in a city called Pohang which is situated by the coast. This means I will be in walking distance of the ocean.
I will be able to provide a lot more information about how things work once I arrive. I will do my best to update you all with good stories, good information, and hopefully some pictures.
Thank you to anyone who reads these posts, and anyone and everyone who has ever encouraged me in this endeavor. I cannot believe that in just a few days I will be across the ocean from my family in a country I have yet to explore.
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
