After countless days of preparation, they were finally there. On May 9, 2023, 19 Honors students, along with Honors advisor and adjunct instructor Kevin Lee and Honors advisor Dani Soluna, landed in Seoul, South Korea. After 18 hours of travel, and months of anticipation, the weary travelers excitedly made their way to their homes for the next three-weeks. Over the next 21 days, Honors students and staff enjoyed an immersive journey through Seoul, South Korean society and culture.
"The class allowed me to recognize the small parts of my life that make up the culture that I took for granted. By learning more about a culture different than my own, I learned more about myself.” - Jillian Malit, senior
Before their arrival in South Korea, students engaged in an experiential learning
course designed to expose students to Korean language, customs, and identity. In this
course, students were able to bond as they discovered a shared love of Korean culture
and history by participating in group dinners, taekwondo lessons, learning K-pop routines,
building relationships with peer pen pals from Yonsei University, and attending cultural
events.
SOAKING UP SEOUL
Over the course of their trip, Honors students were able to participate in a wide assortment of activities and experiences that gave them a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and traditions of South Korea. The group visited Gyeongbokgung Palace where they were dressed in traditional Hanbok, traveled to Bongeunsa temple and Deoksugung Palace, and visited the Dongdaemun area Seoul Fortress Wall. The group also visited some of the many museums and historical sights of Seoul including the National Folk Museum, Museum Kimchikan, the War Memorial of Korea, and Seoul Olympic Park.
Students connected with their pen pals from Yonsei University, one of the top three
universities in South Korea, and were able to explore the city of Seoul with the students
that they had built relationships with over the past semester. Experiencing traditional
Korean dinners and their customs, as well as trying the diverse foods of Seoul, quickly
became a staple of this trip.
Days were also set aside for students to choose their own adventures. “On free days
we explored the diverse, rich neighborhoods of Seoul, experienced Hongdae nightlife
and music festivals, skincare shopped to our hearts' content in Myeongdong, and discovered
new cafés around the beautiful city. Sometimes we had no plan in place, and that’s
made the free days so exciting for us!” said Honors student, Amna Wajahat.
REFLECTING BACK
“At the beginning of the semester, we were all strangers with different hopes, dreams, and interests. None of us will ever forget this trip and the friendships we formed as a result of it.” - Samuel Camilli, senior
From welcoming students to the first Beyond the Classroom class in spring to the final
farewell to South Korea, program leaders Lee and Soluna sought to mold students into
global citizens and create an inclusive environment that inspired students to investigate
their own identities while giving them tools to participate in an expansive global
community.
According to Lee, the South Korea Beyond the Classroom was more than just a study
abroad trip – it was a life-changing, multicultural experience that allowed students
to forge life-long connections with each other. “This program transcends the mere
sharing of Korean culture and identity,” said Lee. “It is an opportunity for students
to further develop their sense of self and acquire cultural competencies, empowering
them to become global citizens within our diverse community.”
Current Honors students interested in learning more can click here to find out more about the upcoming 2024 South Korea Beyond the Classroom study abroad
trip.
