What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
To be humble and to respect others no matter who they are. One must always remember that you are a guest wherever you go and there where you find yourself, you need to keep in mind that you are an ambassador too. People will judge 'your kind' from your actions.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Do it. It is a good opportunity to learn invaluable lessons from the 'university of life'. Also, this way you get to experience the variety that make up the spice of life!
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
Getting used to a collective culture which stands in complete contrast to mine. It asked a lot of patience and humility from me to keep putting myself in the other person's shoes so that I could understand where they were coming from.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
If you treat others the way you would like them to treat you, it will surprise you to see what some people do for you in return. There have been some very decent, friendly, kind and helpful people from all the years of travel. Therefore, there are too many stories to tell and thus there is not just one story that stands out, there is an assortment of stories.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Obviously; being able to experience others' cultures. Not just superficially but truly seeing how 'the other half' lives. It is very special and a privilege not many people get to experience.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Focus! This is unlike anything you have ever had to do.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions or future path?
Not only were there lessons learnt about other people and their culture, moreover, this aided personal growth. Many personal things were discovered whilst abroad which wouldn't otherwise have been possible.
What is Korea actually like?
Korea is a strange and wonderful place. It is truly a melting pot of so many different things: things to encourage you and things that will challenge you to grow. It is filled with people who are sincere and caring and then there are also people who will contest your boundaries. Even though we may seem different, you will realise that we are pretty much the same.
Shakespeare had it right all those years ago: we are all different flowers but part of the same garden. It is a place where you will evolve as it is evolving. This is a place of magic and only for those who truly seek novaturient adventure.