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I went on this trip in summer session 1 summer 2024, before you read more, know that i got into this trip being HOMESCHOOLED, so for all the homeschoolers out there who don’t think the trip will let them go bc they are homeschooled, it is possible! I went!

My highlights over the 3 weeks spent in Seoul: the Namsan tower, the FOOOOOOD, the scenery and riding the subway, the shopping, and most of all, getting to meet Korean high schoolers and tour their school, AND spending the weekend with our Seoul Mates, Korean high school/early college students (plus some surprise visits!!)

My lowlights: there was a lot of drama that happened under my, and the Program Leaders radar until the last few days of the trip, and i wanted things to be cleared up, or talk with the other students that were apart if this drama but i feel the students that were involved and involved ME weren’t open to having a conversation without it turning into a interrupting contest.

Our PLs (program leaders) i loves them all! Brittney, Christina, and KT All were so fun and very easy to talk to, and then being easy to talk with made it easy to let them know if i needed anything. I feel like the PLs were especially great because i can tell they love their job and we’re excited about Korea with us teenagers, but also we’re able to put on the leader/teacher hat when needed.

Cost: it’s expensive.. but then again ALL study abroad programs cost something. I mean no offense to anyone when i say this but i think that scholarship and/or financial aid money should be awarded to, yes of course anyone who needs it, but equally to students who aren’t ethically part of the race your average persons would assume needs the money most. You get what I’m saying?
I went on a scholarship, but a very small scholarship AND fundraiser my butt off to get to Korea, coming from a more low income family. It’s possible! Only thing i wish i had done was to start saving WAY sooner

The flight: there’s a group chaperone flight or you can fly solo, if your scared to fly solo, don’t be, you know yourself best but, i took the chaperone flight bc i was scared to fly solo but i think i totally could have done it, the airport is actually way more do able then it seems especially if you can read the signs.

Doing what’s actually in the program name:
That being K-pop themed activities, we did that! I’m also really greatful for the amount of freedom students were given to explore and shop in the city. I did hear the the second session had a much much later curfew then the first session which i find really unfair…

My summer in Madrid was quite a change from my normal summer routine. I lived right next to a well-known and very calm park. El Retiro was such an amazing park to spend hours in, I did indeed spend hours sitting on benches watching people and little cute dogs go by. I also got to explore the city with CIEE with friends, and by myself which I would have never done where I live in the USA. I also got to go out of the city and see towns with beautiful beaches or historical landmarks and castles. I got to try new foods that would never have crossed my path. And I got recipes for some dishes to make when I got back home. I got to experience the fun daytime of Madrid, and the amazing nightlife of the city. I had gone to Madrid in Session 1, at the start there was rain, hail, and fogginess in the city. However, by the end of the session, the weather's temperature would start going up. I would recommend going to Madrid in Session 1 if the heat may be a problem for some.

You will never have an opportunity like this in America. Traveling to other countries with different cultures, history, food, and experiences is something you'll never forget. You'll see fairytale-like places and eat food that you just can't get in the States. I went to Italy, Malta, France, Germany, Czechia, Hungary, and Austria. I didn't regret a single trip I went on, but at the end of the semester, you'll be out of money. It goes by very fast so try to do as much as possible while balancing school and travel. Lots of fun and have made memories that I will always remember.

Everyone says that college is the best four years of your life and thus far, this has been true for me, I knew that I did not want to leave my college campus for an entire semester, so I when I heard that I could study abroad during the summer, I knew this is what was meant for me. I truly have a hard time putting my experience into words because it was so amazing. I met people in my program that I know are going to be lifelong friends. The support I received throughout my entire program is something I was not expecting, but am so glad I had this support. The psychology that I took in Prague is now preparing for my course load this semester. I honestly can say that this program and this opportunity was absolutely the greatest thing I have ever taken in my life. On top of everything, how cool is it to come back to college and tell me that you studied abroad in Europe for five weeks... so cool!!!!!

I spent three weeks in Mohammedia on a Leadership and Service in Youth Development program, and it was amazing! Our group discussions looking into biases, saviorism, ethical volunteering and more were incredibly valuable to my experience in the culture. The food was really good, and scenery was surprising and beautiful. Working with the children during our service time taught me a lot about my own community and my outlook on many issues, as well as inspiring me to redirect my thoughts in more positive ways. I was glad to learn some Darija and be able to navigate some of the city, which definitely helped in the immersive experience. Being part of this program changed me in many ways, and I hope it changes more people than just me.