For many students, studying abroad offers a rare chance to step outside familiar boundaries and experience learning in a deeply immersive way. For Lily Myers, the Global May Korea program became more than just a study abroad trip; it was a defining moment in her understanding of language, culture, and her own academic potential.

Discovering the Program and a Passion for Language

Lily first learned about Global May Korea through her Korean language courses while completing a Korean minor. Her interest in foreign languages began in high school, where Spanish classes led her to appreciate not only linguistics but also the cultural stories embedded in language. Motivated by this growing curiosity, she began teaching herself Korean long before the program ever became an option.

Lily explained, “I found out about it through my Korean language classes. I had a Korean minor when I became interested in the program.  I've always been interested in learning foreign languages, specifically the linguistics side.  But once I got to high school and took Spanish, I really loved it. I started learning about the cultural side of foreign languages. And I was like- I really want to learn another language.  I was drawn to it.  I started teaching myself Korean. I think the biggest motivation for me to go was just to get a hands-on experience.”

Learning Through Daily Life and Academic Activities

Although the program offered structured academic experiences, she found that everyday activities were equally instructive. Simple tasks like ordering coffee or navigating a restaurant played a surprisingly large role in improving her language skills. Speaking Korean in real-life contexts became her most practical classroom.

Academically, the program offered morning sessions taught by an OSU professor (Professor Danielle Pyun) and other invited guest speakers, which were held at Kyung Hee University, the program’s host institution. Each day a new topic is introduced, ranging from Korean history  to waste management in Korea, K-pop, and North Korean studies. Afternoons were spent visiting cultural and historical sites across the city, which further deepened her understanding of Korea’s complex past and present.

The coursework itself, she explained, was not difficult. Lily stated, “We had assignments that the OSU professor gave us, but it was mostly just to make sure we were paying attention and completion points. All quizzes were administered in English, with one quiz on survival Korean that included a few Korean words”. All course assignments were provided on the Carmen course platform and helped ensure that students stayed engaged. 

Landmarks That Brought History to Life

Among the many sites visited, several left especially strong impressions. Palaces in Seoul and cultural landmarks in Busan helped her fill in the historical knowledge she felt was missing from her earlier education, which had focused heavily on European and American history.

The experience that stood out most was the trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Standing on the edge of one of the world’s most politically tense borders was surreal, she explained. It broadened her understanding of North Korea, a topic rarely discussed in depth during her schooling, and made her more grateful for the safety and freedoms she often took for granted.

Life Abroad: Structure, Comfort, and Surprising Adjustments

Despite being across the world, she found the program’s structure comforting. OSU and Kyung Hee professors greeted the students upon arrival, transportation was well-organized, and she adjusted quickly to life in Seoul. Language barriers were minimal since many locals spoke at least some English, but she had enough Korean knowledge to navigate comfortably. Interestingly, she experienced more culture shock returning home than she did upon arriving in Korea, noting significant differences in safety, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere.

Academic and Career Opportunities Beyond Expectations

The program also offered academic benefits. As a three-credit course, it helped boost her GPA, but more importantly, it introduced her to future possibilities she had never considered. Conversations with professionals in Korea opened doors beyond traditional language teaching careers. 

“Talking to professors and experts from Korea really helped me expand my opportunities regarding what I can do with my major.  I remember there were two people I talked to specifically regarding music, specifically as a foreigner.  One of the things he suggested was being an English writer for K-Pop music.  I always thought “Oh, I can be a language teacher and that’s it.”, but they really opened my mind about careers I can pursue”, Lily explained.

 These discussions expanded her sense of what she could pursue with her major.

Recommendations for Future Students

When asked whether she would recommend the program, Lily did not hesitate. The one-month experience she emphasized offered more than many people to see in a lifetime. Global May Korea, she added, is accessible to a wide range of students rather than only those deeply knowledgeable about Korea.

To future participants, she highlighted three essential items:

1. A proper outlet adapter, which she learned the hard way after assuming outlets was universal.
2. A reliable international phone plan or alternative like pocket Wi-Fi, since her phone data failed upon arrival.
3. A camera, whether a phone or a digital model, captures the many moments she now wishes she had photographed more.