South Korean TAMIU Exchange Students Share Their Stories

Four university students from Sungshin Women's University, a private institution in Seoul, South Korea, have embarked on a brave journey this semester, traveling far away from home to Laredo to participate in a six-month student exchange program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).

Although their academic backgrounds vary, their experience at TAMIU has been inspirational, marked by new friendships, cross-cultural interaction, and personal growth. They affirm that Laredo and TAMIU have welcomed them to a warm and embracing community where their peers treat them with respect and genuine interest.

Eunji Ok, a senior Kinesiology major, studied Exercise Rehabilitation at her university prior to coming to TAMIU. She said she decided to participate in the exchange program to learn English and to experience student life here prior to applying for graduate school in the U.S.

 "What impressed me the most at TAMIU was that my friends treated me without any prejudice and genuinely wanted to get to know me," she said, "In Korea, it’s relatively rare for people to start a conversation first or greet strangers in passing, but here, everyone smiles, greets each other, and talks together. I found this very impressive, and I really loved it."

She also said she enjoyed the opportunity to experience local food with TAMIU friends and watching the Super Bowl together. The experience, she said, has left a lasting impression on her.

Looking ahead, Ok said she hopes that her time at TAMIU will serve as an advantage in her graduate school applications.

Another student, Minji Oh, a junior majoring in Service Design and Engineering with a focus on UX/UI, has found her time at TAMIU both inspiring and transformative.

With a deep interest in AR/VR technology, Oh decided to participate in the TAMIU student exchange program because she wanted to immerse herself in a new learning environment and explore how different cultures approach design and technology.

"Collaborating with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds was a huge motivator for me," she said, "I strongly believe that true innovation happens when multiple perspectives come together. I’ll be at TAMIU for one semester, but I know the insights and connections I gain here will last far beyond that."

Exchange students from South Korea's Sungshin Women's University studying this semester at TAMIU include from left to right: Minji Oh, Eunji Ok, Yerin Kwak, and Gahee Yang.

TAMIU has welcomed her with an incredibly open and warm atmosphere, Oh said.

"The way students and professors actively exchange ideas and engage in discussions has been inspiring," she said, "One thing that stands out to me is the energetic and dynamic vibe of this campus - it’s been a huge source of motivation."

The TAMIU exchange program has significantly broadened her perspective on design, technology, and global collaboration, Oh said.

"Engaging with different educational approaches and cultural backgrounds has enhanced my adaptability and creative problem-solving skills," she said, "Additionally, being in a new environment has given me more time to focus solely on myself—allowing me to deeply reflect on my values, beliefs, and long-term aspirations."

After completing her semester at TAMIU, Oh plans to continue her work in UX/UI design, focusing on creating human-centered digital interactions that push the boundaries of innovation.

For Gahee Yang, a senior Computer Engineering major, TAMIU’s exchange program also helped her broaden her perspective.

"If someone is considering studying abroad or participating in an exchange program, I would absolutely recommend going for it," Yang said, "Even a short period of living in a foreign country and experiencing a completely different way of life can become a turning point in one’s life. Additionally, it allows you to think about things you never considered before, leading to a wider range of goals and aspirations."

Yang said she enjoys meeting new friends and taking on new challenges.

"Listening to and sharing thoughts that I hadn’t considered before is truly exciting. I also love hearing about people's values," she said, " I have gained and realized so much during my time here, but above all, the strong spirit of challenge among the people here has greatly inspired me for my future studies and career. It is truly admirable how everyone is willing to take on new challenges without hesitation, even if it’s their first time trying something."

Upon graduation, Yang said she plans to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. with the hope of leveraging her major in Intelligent IoT to work in the autonomous vehicle or robotics industry.

Yerin Kwak, a senior majoring in Political Science and International Relations, came to TAMIU to gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives.

"I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and become someone who understands the wider world," she said, "I enjoy challenges, but challenges are not always free from fear. Through the exchange program, I wanted to meet diverse friends from around the world, experience their cultures, and truly understand them, going beyond the perspective I had in Korea."

Additionally, as a Political Science and Diplomacy major, Kwak said she wanted to explore what Korea looks like from the perspective of a third country.

I’ve been able to experience diverse cultures," she said about her stay at TAMIU, "What’s special about this place is that I can experience both American and Mexican cultures. For example, I found it interesting that people here say 'Bless you' when someone sneezes, and that unlike in Korea, people don’t usually take off their shoes when entering a house. Discovering these small cultural differences in daily life has been really fascinating and enjoyable."

Kwak continued, "I’ve had the chance to meet amazing friends from different cultural backgrounds, including México, the U.S., France, and Japan. Through our conversations, we share languages and learn about each other’s cultures. This has really broadened my perspective on the world."

In the future, Kwak hopes to play a role in addressing various social issues and to play a role as a diplomat, assisting Korea and other countries in working together to find good compromises.

"While I'm not entirely sure what I'll be doing, I want to be someone who does their best to help the world move in a better direction," she said, "I want to live with the belief that the world is still worth living in and to spread happiness."

For more information about TAMIU's Study Abroad and exchange programs, please contact the Office of International Experiences at 956.326.2566, email  yamel.muzquiz@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 206.

Registration for Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Maymester, Summer and Fall 2025 courses begins Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8 a.m. online via Uconnect. 

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