Kayla Andrews, '27, Economics, Harvard Summer School Abroad Program in Korea, Summer 2024

My summer abroad in Korea through the Ewha-Harvard Summer School Program was one of the most memorable,
life-changing experiences I have ever had. Growing up half-Korean, I always felt like an imposter calling myself Korean.
I couldn’t speak the language, I barely knew anything about the culture, and I didn’t even look very Korean. I had always wanted to visit Korea to connect to these roots of mine, but the opportunity never arose and by no means could I afford such a trip. So, I was beyond thrilled upon finding out that not only was I accepted into the EHSSP, but the Korea Institute would fund the experience for me. Without it, I neverwould have been able to experience some of the greatest two months of my life.

Living in another country is truly such a unique experience. You really get to learn about how the people in that country live and go about their daily lives. It was one of the strangest andmost wonderful things to eventually fall into this rhythm too. From entering the country terrified of my inadequate Korean-ness to becoming completely immersed in and connected with theculture as well as my roots was euphoric and gratifying. To live and study for two months in the
same city my mom was born in and my 할머니 grew up in was genuinely surreal.

Being a STEM concentrator, I didn’t see more years of Korean fitting into my schedule nor the time to venture into humanities courses that caught my interest. However, I’m so gladthat I was given the opportunity to do both during my time in Korea. Korean 120A pushed memore than ever before and it was definitely a challenge, but it was also one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken. In just barely 4 weeks, my Korean language writing, reading, comprehension, and speaking skills expanded exponentially. Coupled with a complete immersion into the language and culture, I couldn’t be prouder of how much my Korean improved. Furthermore, the anthropology course on Global Korea was another incredibly fulfilling classand experience I’m immensely thankful for being granted the opportunity to take. From the hands-on field work to the riveting readings, to the engaging in-class discussions, I was thoroughly captivated the entire time. Not only was I able to get exposure to a course I never would have taken during the academic year, I was fortunate enough to have the topic of that course be one that I find fascinating.

Lastly, the friendships born from this program are another one of the things I will forever be grateful for. I only knew two of the other Harvard students in the program, so it was so nice tobe able to not just befriend fellow colleagues but form deep bonds with them through late night 노래방, Korean exam and presentation stress, and spontaneous adventures, and inevitably getting lost, around Seoul. The friends I made during this program will be friends I’ll have for many years to come. Moreover, what surprised me most was how well we all bonded with the Ewha students when they joined us halfway through. I was a bit skeptical since we would only know each other a few weeks, but we all connected so well and so quickly. Talking with these Ewha students was such a fun, memorable way to not only practice Korean, but truly learn aboutone another’s cultures.

Overall, my summer experience in Korea with the EHSSP was truly one of the most transformative, unforgettable experiences of my life and I will forever be grateful to the KoreaInstitute for making it possible.