As the deadline for this year’s Go Global applications is fast approaching, we asked students who recently wrapped up their exchanges to highlight their experiences! For those who are applying and are looking for tidbits of insight and advice, or if you’re simply interested in travelling abroad, keep reading to learn more.
In this installment, we’ll hear from Tamano on her experience at Yonsei International Summer School in South Korea!
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- What made you want to do Go Global?
- Why did you select your school/location?
- If you were to describe your Go Global experience using 5 words, what would they be?
- What’s something new you learned through your time in Go Global that has stuck with you?
- How did the language classes you’ve taken at UBC prepare you for Go Global?
- Is there anything you wish you’d known about that would be helpful for anyone going on Go Global in the future?
What made you want to do Go Global?
I wanted to experience the local life by living abroad rather than just visiting there as a tourist!
Image Description: Tamano and friends at a photo booth.
Why did you select your school/location?
I chose Yonsei University because it is located in a very central area of Seoul, which would allow for more convenient access to unique experiences that the city has to offer.
Image Description: Tamano in front of Yonsei University Underwood Hall.
If you were to describe your Go Global experience using 5 words, what would they be?
Memorable, Valuable, Eye-Opening, Career-Boosting, Fulfilling
What’s something new you learned through your time in Go Global that has stuck with you?
I learned that stepping out of your comfort zone opens up countless opportunities. Choosing to study abroad in a program where I knew no one was definitely scary at first, but I’m very happy that I went out of my comfort zone and applied for Go Global. Now I have so many unforgettable memories and friendships in Seoul and I feel a deeper connection to the city and Korean culture!
Image Description: Tamano and friends in regalia for graduation.
How did the language classes you’ve taken at UBC prepare you for Go Global?
2 years of studying Korean at UBC definitely prepared me well for Go Global. I had this memorable experience buying 떡볶이 (spicy rice cakes) from an elderly street vendor near a major train station. In a busy environment like this, I couldn’t pull out my phone and rely on Google Translate. However, the many situational dialogue practices I had in class made me feel confident in this real-world situation and I was able to communicate with her rather than giving up on delicious Korean street food!
Is there anything you wish you’d known about that would be helpful for anyone going on Go Global in the future?
I wish I’d known that there wouldn’t be as many opportunities to interact with local university students as I expected. Since it’s just easy to hang out with English-speaking friends, many people did so and so did I. If your goal is to improve your language skills, it’s important that you take proactive steps to create those opportunities such as by joining a club activity/event!
Enjoyed this article? Check out more installments of the Going Global series below!
