서울대학교 미주동창회 Seoul National University Alumni Association in the USA
My time at Seoul National University’s International Summer Program was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. As a Korean American, I grew up hearing about Korea from my parents, so I was excited to finally see it for myself, meet new people, and learn through classes at SNU. Looking back, my favorite memories came from the mix of academics, exploring Korea, and the people I met along the way.
The classes I took were insightful in many ways. Social Media Storytelling taught me the significance of attention management. I learned to think about attention as a currency, especially in the incessant world of social media. Strategic Entrepreneurship taught me how to think, which I didn’t expect going into the course. While I did learn entrepreneurial concepts and practices, the class challenged the way we approach our goals, and in turn our lives. It was one of the best, if not the best, investments in my academic and professional life. Learning alongside students from different backgrounds also made class discussions more interesting and gave me a better appreciation for learning in a global environment.
Outside of the classroom, I visited famous landmarks and many different neighborhoods across Korea. Seeing these places in person made the history and culture we talked about feel much more real. It was also special to experience firsthand the cultural differences and significance that I grew up hearing about from my parents. Things that used to be stories at the dinner table, like the street food at Gwangjang Market, suddenly became part of my everyday life. Even mundane moments, like visiting the convenience store with friends, were thrilling. These experiences made my stay feel personal and gave me a deeper appreciation for where my family comes from.
Another big part of what made this program unforgettable was the people. From staying up all night studying with my roommate Isaac, to getting jjajangmyeon with friends after a long day of classes, those moments made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. One of my favorite memories was hiking Gwanaksan at 3 a.m., singing happy tunes to mask our fear of running into a wild boar. The eight hours of hiking and climbing was challenging, but every one of us finished without a single regret. Being outside, enjoying the scenery, and bonding with each other is something I’ll remember for a long time.
Overall, my time at SNU was more than just taking classes in Korea. It allowed me to learn, explore, and build memories with people I would not have otherwise met. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. I am truly grateful to have been part of the SNU International Summer Program, and I’m honored to have been selected for the SNUAA Scholarship. I hope to carry the experiences and friendships from this summer with me in the future.
