uncw.edu/abroad | 910.962.3685 | studyabroad@uncw.edu

CONTACT AN AMBASSADOR – ASIA

CHINA Oliver Smith NC in Shanghai – Fudan University Spring 2019 My study abroad host country allowed me to have a unique abroad experience. Being independent in Shanghai for 4 months allowed me to grow as an adult and experience the many unique things Shanghai offers. While abroad I was immersed into Chinese culture, learning alongside many Chinese students as well as students from around the world. Interacting and learning with these students as well as socializing with them outside of class allowed me to gain a deep understanding of not only Chinese culture but different cultures from all around the world.

JAPAN

Gianmichel D’Alessandro Japanese Summer Study Abroad Summer 2019 Japan is an amazing place because the people and culture are so nice and welcoming to everyone. Even If you can’t speak the language the Japanese people will always try to understand and talk with you. Japan is also unbelievably clean and quite safe in most areas which makes the trip a lot more enjoyable One of the most important lessons that I took away from my trip to Japan is how to adjust to culture shock which can be pretty hard sometimes, especially in Asian countries because everything runs so different over there than it does here. One

of my favorite parts of Japan was the food that they had there! I love Japanese food and being able to eat sushi, ramin, and fish whenever I wanted for 2 weeks was amazing!

uncw.edu/abroad | 910.962.3685 | studyabroad@uncw.edu

Ashley Smith ISEP in Japan Spring 2019 Studying in Japan taught me all this and more as I experienced a culture completely different from mine. The culture of respect for one another in everyday life is something I have brought back to the US with me. I realize how small things you do when interacting with others can completely make or break their day. I have also learned that a language barrier really can't stop friendship. Even though we may not speak the

same language we are all human and the experiences we share with one another is plenty to create a lasting friendship.

SOUTH KOREA

Destiney MacDonald ISEP in South Korea- University of Seoul Fall 2018 Korea is like a fairytale come true. With all the lights, amazing cafes and historical places it was truly the best cultural experience I have ever had. Studying in Korea was once of the best things I have ever done and those four months are some of the best months of my life. My favorite experience was the Seoulmate program, which let us hang out with Korean students who were there to help us throughout our stay in Korea.

Ali Patterson Kyung Hee Univ. Summer Program Summer 2017 My favorite place is my second home, Hoegi. I spent a month in Hoegi, one month in Anam, and the rest of the time back in Hoegi, making my return to area very welcoming. Hoegi is special because it was the place that started the entire journey where I ate at some of the best restaurants and building new relationships and sang karaoke every week until my friends and I lost our

voices.

Telesa Jones Kyung Hee University Spring 2019 Studying abroad in South Korea is enriching experience, combined with the amazing street food, there are many reasons I would recommend studying there. From excursions to Joseon Dynasty temples and castles, to brightly lit shopping districts filled with music and animal cafes, Korea offers attractions for all types of people. The universities provided festivities, community support and an incredibly interesting curriculum. The experience I had in South Korea has inspired me to explore more of the world and encourage other students to seek the same adventure.

uncw.edu/abroad | 910.962.3685 | studyabroad@uncw.edu

Honora Toothman ISA Seoul, South Korea: Korean Language & Electives in English at Korea University Summer 2019 Studying abroad has helped me open up and grow as a person. Every day was an adventure with new challenges and experiences. I learned so much about other countries like their cultures, politics, and their view of the United States. I met people from all over the world and became friends with people that live hours away. We all bonded in ways that under normal circumstances would have never happened. I attended the Boryeong Mud Festival which is located about two hours south of Seoul on the west coast. My friends and I played on muddy

obstacle courses and attended a concert. Even if we got soaked by rain, it was an unforgettable experience!

Anna Standridge ISA Seoul, South Korea: Business Courses in English with Locals and Korean Language Spring 2019 It was the most reeling and exciting part of my life. Not only did I learn a lot about the country, its culture, and its history, but I got to be an actual part of it. People were so nice and welcoming and I was able to make friends all across the world. I will never forget this experience. My favorite part of my experience was traveling with friends I had made down to Busan. I have never seen so much rain before in my entire life but running through the rain to catch buses and making spontaneous

stops along the way is something I'll never forget. We were having so much fun and I felt so free.

NEPAL Meagan Mulholland Cultural and Adventure Tourism in Nepal Summer 2019 Students should study abroad in Nepal because you are immersed culture the whole time. From hiking the Poon Hill Trek to our cooking class, we were able to live next to the local people instead of above them. I found it easier to learn about who they were and why they did things which is why we go abroad, to learn about the different cultures. I found everyday was different when I was away, always in awe by the breathtaking views of the mountains and meeting

the people, hearing their stories made me appreciate my time there. The 4am trek up Poon Hill was my favorite experience to see the clouds slowly clear away to reveal the snow cap mountain peaks.