Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

My time abroad in Brussels, Belgium, has become an instant highlight of my life- personally, academically, and professionally!

My favorite aspect of the trip was the many adventures my friends and I had while in and outside of Brussels. We found ourselves, on multiple occasions, in cafés studying over coffee and pastries, hosting dinner parties, travelling together, and losing track of time in each other’s company, day or night.

Moving to a new country does require adapting to a new culture. Thus, I took a French class to brush up on the language and help get around. Despite Brussels being a cosmopolitan city, learning a language is always a handy skill, even if it’s imperfect.

Given Belgium's central location as the beating heart of Europe, I had many opportunities to travel, solo and with friends. My travels took me to the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the UK, Croatia, and Iceland.

I am fortunate to have family and friends from high school in the region, so catching up with them while traveling felt like I was reliving cherished past times and creating new core memories. I was also fortunate to work with the New European Bauhaus, a grassroots political art and policy movement by the European Commission, in addition to academics. As a research and drafting intern, I identified major actors to be part of the movement, presented these achievements and projects in an encyclopedia, and ensured proofreading and validation of the text. Working in a team of native French speakers was initially intimidating; however, I could work collaboratively with the team on various tasks, despite the initial language barrier. This was an achievement for me in both personal and professional aspects.

The exposure to political activity on a grassroots and institutional level was inspiring to be a part of and witness. My classes on Public Diplomacy and IR of the Korean Peninsula deepened my appreciation for interstate cooperation and communication, and the need to foster closer relations in an ever-changing global political landscape.

Brussels was more than frites and waffles; it was home! Bisous Bruxelles, je t’aime pour toujours!