Kaitlin McGovern, '18, KI Undergraduate Summer Language Study Grant to Ewha, Summer 2015

Every day of my four weeks in Korea was a wonderful experience. Though I’ve been to Korea twice before, this experience was completely different from the rest. I learned so much, made lifelong friends and enjoyed and experienced the beauty of Korea.

One aspect of the trip that made it so enriching was having the opportunity to study at a college in Korea alongside Ewha students as well as students from different universities from around the world. It was great to learn with and from each other. The Korean classes at EWHA were really enjoyable and well taught. My Korean skills advanced immensely. I feel like I can now get around in Korea without using English if I needed to. I was so excited be able to take a finance class this summer, as well. The professor was so kind and really interested in what he was teaching. Taking this class opened my eyes to a field that I’m really interested in pursuing.

Another aspect of the trip that made it enriching was living in one of the most lively places in Korea. In addition to my daily classes, I was free to explore the fastpaced life of Seoul on my own, traveling around with my new found friends eating delicious kimchi and bulgogi along the way. We traveled to midnight marketplaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Tower and many noraebangs. We grew closer over the shared experience of living in this amazing city together. The Ewha PEACE buddy program was awesome and gave us opportunities to experience important cultural and fun aspects of Korea.

What I am most thankful for about this trip is having the opportunity to meet the people that I did. I met fellow Harvard classmates, alumni, students from around the world and Korean natives. I made friendships that will last my whole life and learned so much. Studying abroad was an incredible experience that I think that everyone should have. The support system in Korea was incredible and left me feeling completely comfortable and safe during my time there. I am so thankful for Harvard and Ewha’s support systems. I’ll end this report with my favorite memory of the trip. We were very fortunate to be invited to Dean Eun Mee Kim’s country home for a delicious barbeque meal prepared by herself and her husband. Dean Kim and her husband were so hospitable, generous and kind to welcome us into their home. It was so nice to be able to talk fellow peers, friends and professors in such a beautiful and peaceful setting. It really put into perspective how incredible and unique my experience in Korea was. I will cherish these memories for my lifetime.