Studying a full fall semester at Korea University was one of those decisions you make without fully understanding how much it will change you. When I arrived in South Korea, I brought with me expectations, nerves, and a lot of questions. I didn't know exactly what it would be like to live so far from home, in a country with a different language and a completely different time zone. What I did know was that I was about to step out of my comfort zone, and that, while scary, also felt exciting.
Academically, the semester was intense, but the most rewarding. I had the opportunity to take courses with incredible professors, including Foreign Policy Analysis with Dr. Seung Joon Paik, who is also a George Washington University alumni. For me, as an international Affairs student, it was especially meaningful to learn from someone with that background. I also took a Korean language class, which became essential to my daily life: from ordering food to getting around the city, the language gave me more confidence and independence. I was also able to see the amazing Korea-Yonsei annual games, as well as the annual firework show at the Han River.
Outside the classroom, one of the best parts of the semester was meeting people from many different countries. However, some friendships blossomed into something deeper. Ariadna from Mexico and Beatriz from Spain weren't just exchange students but they became close friends that I now hope to see again and even take a flight to their countries just to hang out again. We shared laughter, amazing meals, long conversations, and difficult times. Having them with me made Korea feel like home, even though it was so far from my own.
I also had the opportunity to travel and explore incredible places like Suwon, Sokcho, and Busan. Each city showed me a different side of the country: from history and cultural richness to beaches, mountains, and landscapes, as well as an amazing hike that looked like they were straight out of a postcard. These trips weren't just about sightseeing; they were moments of connection, reflection, and things that I will continue to share even when I am 80 years old.
Many of my favorite memories came from simple moments: walking around campus as autumn leaves fell all around, half asleep buying coffee before class, eating ramen at midnight at a random convenience store (GS25 or CU) talking about life, or simply sitting alone with headphones thinking, "Wow, I'm really here." There were culture shocks, funny misunderstandings, and tiring days, but every experience taught me something new about patience, adaptation, and resilience. The most powerful part of the semester was noticing how much I grew as a person.
Living in Korea forced me to confront myself, to accept that I wouldn't always have everything under control, and to accept that I don’t know everything about myself and that it is okay to just keep discovering who I am. I discovered that growing up often means feeling uncomfortable, confused, or vulnerable, but it also means opening yourself up to new perspectives and versions of yourself. This semester reaffirmed why I study international affairs and reminded me the importance of learning from others around the world.
If anyone is considering studying abroad in Korea, my advice is simple: do it, even if you're scared. You will learn more about yourself than what you can even picture now. Korea will always have a piece of my heart, and I will always carry with me the long talks with friends, a crazy hike and our goodbye to the experience that showed me so much of the world.
Keily Orellana
Fall 2025
GW Exchange - Korea University
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major