Growing up in an Air Force family that moved often, and then going away to college, I have had many "first days" in a new school or community. I thought I was used to it, but this trip definitely made me the most nervous! Flying all the way to another country and going to a university with students that speak a different language was intimidating. Thankfully, I had two great programs to help me get settled into my new community.
When I signed up to travel across the world to study, I chose a study abroad program with a great support system to help me adjust. International Studies Abroad (ISA) has staff in Seoul that picked me (and my fellow travelers) up from the airport and helped us get comfortable. From the first week we arrived, they took us on field trips to many historical and cultural sites, helping us navigate our new surroundings before we could get too overwhelmed. We learned how to get around on the subways and buses, visited palaces and museums and learned where the best shopping centers and markets were located. It was reassuring to be with other students who were also nervous like me.
Our helpful guides not only took us to tourist attractions, but also got us involved in fun activities to help the community.
