If someone had told me last spring that I would soon be spending a year in South Korea to earn a second master's degree in public management, I would not have believed them.

I had ample experience studying and traveling abroad throughout my undergraduate years. From a summer in Dublin, Ireland, to a semester in Salzburg, Austria, and a multitude of weekend trips between, I had thoroughly traversed Europe, making many friends and wonderful memories.

These experiences encouraged me to apply to a graduate program at Johns Hopkins SAIS, where I studied international relations at their European campus in Bologna, Italy from August 2021 until last May.

While attending classes there, a curious opportunity came to my attention—a new joint degree program with a school in South Korea. I had never heard of the institution and knew little about the country in general; I had never watched a K-drama, knew nothing about the language, and only had passing knowledge of k-pop groups.

I had also never set foot in Asia. Coming from the East coast of the United States, in a small suburb 30 minutes outside of Washington DC, South Korea seemed a world away.

But, since my final semester of undergraduate and growing throughout 2021 and my first year at Hopkins, I had cultivated a newfound interest in the Asia Pacific region—a region with diverse cultures, unique languages, magical landmarks, and wonderful people. A region so unlike anything I had experienced before in the US or Europe.

I wanted to see it first hand and turn my book knowledge into a detailed picture.

So when I read the announcement about KDI School, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me. I decided to apply, hopeful I would be admitted.

Upon receiving my official acceptance letter in July, I was ecstatic. I had been reading up on South Korea throughout the spring into the summer as I waited to hear about the decision, and my interest in this country had been steadily increasing.

However, my parents were less enthusiastic. They worried about sending me halfway across the globe, alone, to a country they had never been to, and a language I didn’t understand a word of. It took time to convince them, even as I was completely firm in my intention to go, ready for a new adventure.

Thankfully, I was able to persuade them. And so, last September, I embarked on an 18-hour journey from my home to Sejong and began my 11-month study at KDIS.

It was not an easy transition. The environment here was so foreign to me. I had to quickly learn to adapt to it, picking up a few key Korean phrases. I also had to overcome homesickness; being the only American student on campus felt very isolating at times.

But I’ve learned to love it here. The students have been so welcoming, and I’ve made many wonderful friends from around the world. Their unique viewpoints have opened my eyes to issues beyond my narrow, western perspective. The classes have been interesting as well, adding to and complementing my previous academic experience nicely; I’ve also enjoyed learning Korean despite how difficult it is for me.

I’ve visited many places both around Korea and other countries nearby. It’s beautiful here—from the hill behind the dorms to the lake park across the river. It’s been fun exploring this small but growing city, and I plan to continue throughout the next few months!

My time spent at KDIS will be unforgettable. The knowledge I’ve gained and the friendships I’ve forged have left a deep impact on me, and I’m so grateful to the school for giving me this amazing opportunity to study here!