Help me study Korean in Seoul!

Ciara Russell Start Date: Dec 7, 2021 - End Date: Apr 6, 2022
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Seoul, South Korea

My Travel Story

by: Ciara Russell Start Date: Dec 7, 2021 - End Date: Apr 6, 2022
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Hello there! My name is Ciara Russell!

I am a hopeful language learner in my 11th grade of high school who has been accepted into a summer language program in Seoul.

Let me introduce myself: I’ve always been interested in learning about other cultures and languages. Even from when I was very young, I knew that I wanted to travel abroad. I don’t mean the touristy sightseeing that everyone thinks of when traveling abroad is mentioned. For me, it means deeply connecting with the culture. Making connections, learning about things from a new perspective, experiencing what it’s like to truly live a life that is similar yet different than your own. This is what I’ve always dreamed of. I remember the first language I ever attempted to learn was Swedish along with Greek when I was in Sixth Grade. At the time, the desire to travel to Sweden had first piqued my interest along with my favorite book series admittedly influencing my choice to learn Greek. Additionally, I had the first idea of studying abroad pop into my head which was going to College in Ireland. However, with the lack of direction with my language learning, my Swedish and Greek learning slowly fizzled out. But when I entered the 7th grade, I had gained a new language Interest. My love for the Korean language became apparent in 7th grade. Like a lot of people, I was introduced to Korean media in the form of Music. Not too long after I had been introduced, I became interested in the culture and the country of South Korea. I started to learn Korean for the first time not too long after that. Making connections with things that I’ve seen or things that I’ve read with my language learning delighted me. I was hooked and I knew that I wanted to learn more! To this day there’s still so much to learn that I can’t wait to explore.

I specifically chose South Korea as I really want to know more about the country and put my language skills to the test! My goal is to become fluent in Korean, and hopefully, one day, have the ability to comfortably live for a year or two. My main goals are to learn about situational things, like how to speak naturally in certain situations, such as what to say when speaking in a more formal environment versus talking naturally to a friend on the street.

My original plan was to Study Abroad in a Korean high school, but with COVID and my state not recognizing any type of long-term high school study abroad, This is my best option at the moment.

I’ve been accepted into the Langubridge program which takes place during the summer in Seoul. It gives me an opportunity to finally experience the good and the bad of Seoul on a personal level. They don’t offer any sort of student aid or scholarship so I’m currently looking for a job to help pay for the cost. 

By donating, You are helping me finally live my childhood dream of studying abroad. You’re helping me become a more global citizen in our ever-expanding world. You’re helping me better understand a culture that I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. So to you, I say Thank you! (감사합니다!)
  • Seoul, South Korea

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