Michelle Kersey, CLASS OF 2016

Learning Abroad Program: Yonsei University Exchange

U Background: BA, Communications-Journalism, 2016

Current Position: UX Designer & Content Manager at Stanford Law School

My learning abroad experience taught me so much about my own capabilities and what I am able to accomplish when I put my mind to something. Before my program started, I had to figure out logistically how I was going to afford the program. Luckily, the Learning Abroad office offered a lot of scholarship opportunities to make the financial part achievable. Prior to my program, I was waitlisted for housing due to the very limited dorm space at Yonsei University. That meant I had to figure out my living accommodations once I got to South Korea, which was a stressful experience given I had no internet, resources, or language fluency at the time. However, looking back, being forced to live outside of the school is the reason why I was able to have so many incredible experiences during my time in Seoul. I'm so grateful I was given the opportunity to really immerse myself in the city. I met a lot of other students living in my neighborhood and became friends with locals who showed me how to navigate the city and where to find the best food. Living in an unfamiliar place on my own really pushed me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone when I was faced with language and culture barriers. By the end of my program, I had made so much progress with both my Korean language skills and my ability to live and explore on my own. It really prepared me for life after graduation when I decided to move to a new city because I knew from my learning abroad experience that the challenges that initially come with taking new risks tend to be worth the hard work.