I chose to go to South Korea because I was fascinated by its history and very different culture than my own. I also believed that living there would be the best way to learn the language in its natural context, beyond the classroom.
“Going to South Korea as a language exchange student showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible.”
The beautiful Hanbok, Korea’s traditional dress, worn by my sister and I
Before going, I felt a little apprehensive because moving abroad meant saying goodbye to everything familiar and being apart from loved ones for a long time. At the same time, I was curious about what I would learn whilst living abroad, and I was excited to meet new friends and travel to places I had never been before. I already knew a little about South Korea’s customs and culture through K-dramas and a local Korean church, but I was eager to experience these things first-hand.
A feast of traditional Korean food
The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that everyone was speaking Korean. It seems obvious, but it immediately made me realise how different daily life would be and how important it would be to practise the language in real-life situations. Not only was the language different, but the food was incredible. From my previous travels, I had learned that food can build bridges across cultures and languages, and this proved true in Korea. I was invited out for dinner with some fellow students, and we had so much fun trying the side dishes, kimchi, bulgogi, and spicy tteokbokki. The final course was several rounds of singing in a local noraebang and a commemorative photo taken in a Korean style photobooth (the crazy hats, wigs and sunglasses were optional!) Sharing meals like this helped me connect with others and feel part of the university community.
Namsan Tower, the iconic viewing tower of Seoul and many a romantic K-drama
There were, of course, many differences in the culture of a Korean university compared to an English university. At my home university, I took a variety of classes, from workshops to lectures, and there was a lot of interaction between professors and students. Debates among students was encouraged. At the Korean university, the dynamic was different. I had to adjust to a more formal structure, where respect and hierarchy were emphasised. For example, I addressed professors using formal titles rather than their first names, which felt unfamiliar at first but taught me a lot about Korean culture and etiquette. Learning Korean in Korea was challenging, especially in fast-paced lectures but I improved by practising with classmates. studying in the peaceful university library, and a healthy dose of hopeful guessing! These differences helped me develop new academic skills and adapt to a learning environment very different from what I was used to. Learning in Korean was tricky, particularly in lightning-fast lectures,
A trained actor dresses as a Korean warrior. We took a selfie together after an impressive battle demonstration!
I spent time with classmates from all over the world, so Korean quickly became our common language. During breaks, we would chat in Korean, which helped me practise and improve my skills in a relaxed setting. Professors also organised field trips to help us expand our knowledge of Korean culture, providing further opportunities to use the language in real-life contexts. Through a language exchange, I made close friends with a few Korean students, who introduced me to their wider social circles. I am still in contact with them, and we continue to exchange languages. Building friendships and sharing cultural experiences was incredibly fun and rewarding, helping me feel connected to the university community.
One of the hardest parts of living abroad is being away from familiar surroundings and support networks. Everyday tasks, like navigating a new city or understanding local customs, could feel challenging, and language barriers sometimes made communication exhausting.
I quickly had to learn how to communicate in Korean, either by asking for help from my teachers or by connecting with both fellow international students and local Korean friends. Facing these challenges helped me discover more about myself—how I handle uncertainty, what gives me resilience, and how curiosity and openness can turn difficulties into meaningful learning experiences. I even signed myself up for a K-pop dance audition which pushed me far out of my comfort zone and gave me an unforgettable experience!
Making new friends was a highlight of the experience
The Korean Language class of ’25
After a while, I found myself feeling comfortable living and studying abroad. I was surprised at how much confidence I had gained and how much my Korean language skills had improved. This experience showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible. Living abroad helped me grow in independence, resilience, and self-belief, and gave me a deeper appreciation for learning in new cultural contexts.
“Living and studying abroad for a year has had a profound impact on me. It has influenced the career I hope to pursue and changed the way I view the world.”
I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful places in Korea with my friends
Now that I have lived and studied abroad I feel more connected to global events, noticing not just what affects me locally but how broader issues shape people’s lives everywhere. This experience also taught me skills I will carry forward, such as adaptability, independence, and the confidence to step into new and unfamiliar environments. It showed me that taking opportunities, even when they feel challenging, can open doors to personal growth and future possibilities I might never have imagined.
Reflecting on my year in South Korea, I can see how much I have grown personally, academically, and culturally. Living abroad challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me experiences I will carry with me for life.
I am deeply grateful to the John Speak Trust for making this opportunity possible—their support not only funded my time abroad but also inspired me to embrace the experience fully. Stepping into a new culture, learning a language, and meeting people from different backgrounds can be daunting, but it is also immensely rewarding. I would encourage anyone considering studying or living abroad to be courageous and just go for it!