Andrew Steiner '26 studies Political Science and History at Virginia Wesleyan. He studied at the Keimyung University, South Korea in the spring of 2024.
What made you choose the location you studied at? How did you pick your program?
I chose Keimyung University, South Korea because I wanted to visit somewhere completely different from my hometown and other places I've visited in the past. I believed that the cultural disconnect would lead to greater learning and appreciation for the international experience.
How were the classes there different from the classes here?
Classes here are far more lecture based than discussion based, even humanities and social science classes. The grading structure emphasizes tests such as the midterms and finals, which I've learned is also a cultural thing. One of my classes the midterm and final grades combined for 70% of the overall grade!
What was your favorite place you visited during your time abroad?
So far, my favorite place to have visited is Apsan Mountain, which is a 600-meter tall mountain nearby Daegu. I went hiking up there one of my first weeks in Korea, and it's been a highlight of my trip so far. The atmosphere and sightseeing was top-notch!
What is your favorite word or phrase that you picked up in the language of your study abroad location?
My favorite word or phrase is probably "감사합니다" which is the word for thank you in Korean (pronounced "kamsamnida"). It's pretty basic but since it's very commonly used it's grown on me.
Did you cross off anything from your bucket list?
I've definitely crossed things off my bucket list. I've made Korean and international friends here, learned a little bit of the language, and partaken in a lot of Korean traditions.
What is the most interesting thing you learned about the culture you were part of?
One of the most interesting things I've learned about Korean culture is how group-oriented it is. Koreans often go to eat together after work or school and rarely eat or study alone. They're also very fast-paced--for lunches or breakfasts it's not uncommon for them to eat and go in under fifteen minutes.
What is the most interesting thing you learned about yourself?
One of the most interesting things about myself that I've learned is that while I look Korean, my mannerisms and speaking habits give away my American-ness quickly. I've had numerous people come up and talk to me thinking I was Korean (I'm an adopted Korean-American so ethnically they're correct) and later comment on my "accent" afterwards. I've also been told my sense of humor and dress style (I wear a lot of athletic shorts/dri-fit shirts) stand out as well, which was initially surprising to me since in America I'd taken those as normal.
What was the most common thing people there asked you about?
People usually ask me where I'm from and whether I own a gun! One of the first things Koreans usually ask after I tell them I am American is whether I've shot or owned guns. They'll also usually ask about music tastes and whether I've heard of various Korean kpop groups, dramas, or foods.
Did you face any reverse culture shock after returning home?
Can't say because I'm not back yet but I'm anticipating it.
What advice would you give to anyone studying abroad? Studying at the location you chose?
I would advise them not to overthink their travels. It's easy to try and make a 100-item long bucket list, but the best experiences I've had aren't things I would have seen on a tour guide or a travel advisory. Locals usually know the best spots--and the most authentic or genuine ones! I would also advise them to bring a few dollars in cash since they make great souvenirs and currency swaps can be a fun activity with other students. I now have Polish, Russian, Korean, and Mexican currencies. For traveling to South Korea or Keimyung I would advise to bring a lot of clothes for extreme weather since Daegu and Korea in general has pretty crazy climate swings--very very cold winters and very very hot summers. I would also advise them to bring aerosol sunscreen spray with them because if you like using it (like I do) Koreans don't use it and it's hard to find in stores.