Sambat Kim, CLASS OF 2018

Learning Abroad Program:  Summer School: National Taiwan University

U Background: BS, International Studies with Trade & Commerce Emphasis, 2018

Current Position: Utah College Advising Corps College Access Advisor 

MY STORY

My higher education journey was meaningful and memorable. Learning Abroad has changed my life and taught me valuable skills that I cannot replace. As a transfer student from Salt Lake Community College, I had only 2 years before I obtained my bachelor’s degree. I thought learning abroad was not possible, but my Learning Abroad advisors guided me through the process and helped me look for scholarship opportunities.

During my time in Taiwan, I gained language skills, developed intercultural communication, and met new people around the world who spent their summer in the same program. On the weekdays, I spent my time learning Mandarin and Chinese culture. On the weekend, I went to museums, temples, night markets, and bookstores. I applied what I learned in class and practiced Chinese as much as possible with the locals. Taiwanese people were very friendly and kindhearted, from my teacher to local friends that I met in Taiwan. I am grateful for the Undergraduate Asia FLAS Stipend, Harold E & Joyce Tornquist Scholarship, and my Learning Abroad scholarship. These scholarships made it possible for my Learning Abroad program. Upon returning to Utah, I participated in the Global U Program to enhance my portfolio and volunteered at a Learning Abroad Fair to help fellow U of U students navigate Learning Abroad opportunities.

I am currently serving as a college access advisor at Hunter High School. Through this position, I assist first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented populations to obtain higher education. I am helping seniors with college applications, scholarship applications, college entrance exams, FAFSA applications and anything related to higher education. I am very thrilled to help my students to pursue their dreams. I collaborated with local organizations and worked with scholarship donors to fund my student’s education. I don't want money to be a burden or the reason a student cannot go to college. Besides these milestones, I love to share my learning abroad experience with my students and encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity while they are in college. It helps them learn about other cultures and gain international experiences. Throughout my undergraduate and learning abroad journey, I had positive experiences with higher education. I hope to work in international education, foreign service, and nonprofit in my future career.