“I’ve learned that I’m much more resilient and capable of thinking on my feet than I’d given myself credit for. Being in a brand new environment and navigating unfamiliar situations, language barriers and cultural differences helped show me that I can adapt to anything, no matter how different it is from what I’m used to,” said senior film studies and pre-law major Cherish Little on the Global May Korea program.
“There were so many aspects that made my time studying abroad in South Korea memorable. Learning about the country through the perspectives of hospitable and welcoming locals, engaging with wonderful instructors and guest speakers, trying incredible food and reconnecting with one of my closest friends stationed in Seoul were just a few highlights. Sharing this experience with fellow Ohio State students—who started as strangers and quickly became friends—made the experience that much more meaningful. All of these elements combined to make this one of the best months of my life.”
Led by faculty in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, the experience introduces students to Korea’s dynamic mix of traditions and modern innovations, allowing exploration of the country’s cities, industries, cultural heritage, environmental policies and green growth strategies through readings, site visits and lectures by local scholars, administrators and corporate managers.
“As an aspiring attorney, I’ve vowed to make the most of the time I have left until I’ve obtained my bachelor’s degree. Part of that means becoming more culturally aware. In the U.S., it’s easy to be blind to problems that don’t directly affect the west, but I want to be able to connect on a deeper level to people of all different types of backgrounds. I knew that this program would help me increase my cultural knowledge and broaden my perspective, which would not only help me just as a human being navigating this world, but would also be an immense step toward becoming the well-rounded, empathetic attorney that I strive to be,” said Little.
Students are also be assigned to visit the home of a local Korean family where they engaged in conversation and cultural activities.
“This experience will help me in plenty of ways as I move forward in my career. I’m also an author and a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist in the Army Reserve. On the author side, this experience helps me moving forward by giving me richer, more authentic life experiences to draw from in my storytelling, and with my Army job, this experience helps me by sharpening my communication skills and adaptability.”