My Reflection on the SNUAA USA Scholarship in Korea – Gloria Cho

My time at Seoul National University this summer was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, cultural discovery, and meaningful friendships. I am grateful for the opportunity to study at SNU and experience life as a student in Korea.

One of the highlights was taking the Aerobiology course with Dr. Yamamoto. I learned about life in the air, including bioaerosols and other small airborne particles. The course helped me understand how these particles can affect global health and how the air connects people, animals, plants, and other living things. It also reminded me that all living things depend on one another. Learning about these connections excited me to consider how aerobiology could relate to my future studies in biology and global health. I look forward to exploring how this knowledge can help us better understand health and the relationships between living things. I also had the opportunity to visit Dr. Yamamoto’s laboratory and learn about the research his graduate students are conducting. Seeing their work up close helped me connect what I was learning in class with the questions researchers are exploring in the lab, making me even more curious about science.

My time at SNU was enriched by the people I met. My roommate was from the United Kingdom, and my classmates came from countries including China, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as many other parts of the world. Through late-night conversations and everyday experiences, we learned about one another’s cultures and perspectives. I especially enjoyed sharing Korean culture with them, from visiting traditional sites to introducing them to some of my favorite Korean foods. Although some were hesitant to try certain dishes at first, they often left with full stomachs and curiosity about what else they could taste.

Studying in Korea, especially at Seoul National University, is an experience I will always remember. It gave me the chance to grow academically, connect more deeply with Korean culture, and build friendships with people from around the world. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to SNUAA for making this opportunity possible. I am especially thankful to my sponsors, Kwonshik and Sungsook Kim, for supporting me through their scholarship. Their generosity allowed me to take part in an experience that has meant so much to me.

I am excited about the opportunities ahead and hope to continue building my relationship with the SNUAA Foundation and Seoul National University. This summer strengthened my connection to SNU, and I look forward to seeing where it leads. I hope future students who participate in this program will have as life-changing an experience as I did.