Azucena Maldonado Aguilar
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Information Science
Program: Yonsei University (International Summer School)
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Email: azua@unc.edu
Term: Summer 2024
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because I wanted to gain a new experience that will benefit my life by learning new things from a different culture and gaining insights from the program. I selected the program based on the location and love for the country.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I can be confident when meeting new people and that it's very easy to get along with most people. I am confident in my social skills as well as my spending habits. I did not go over budget and I learned that I can manage my money pretty well.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
My favorite memory is finding an amazing group of people to connect with and make friendships in just a short span of time and spending time enjoying the places we visited and the food we ate. I made friendships with the local people as well as people who were also visiting the country from different parts of the world.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
My advice is to don't be afraid. This experience can change your life for the better and the world is so much bigger than one can think. Living this experience can help you get out of your comfort zone and take the chance to experience what you want to experience.
How do you identify?
Student of color, First Generation College Student, Covenant Scholars, Scholarship Recipient, $5,000 Summer Study Abroad Fellowship Recipient
Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Focus on making the best out of your experience, it is for you and don't mind how others view you.
Memories
