Going outside of your comfort zone

While double-majoring in Business Management and Community Youth Development and double-minoring in Interfaith Studies and Religious Studies, Meagan Maher ‘20, took a 4-week long trip to South Korea at the start of her senior year at Nazareth College.

Having previously traveled to India, Hungary, Germany, and Poland as a sophomore, and Ethiopia, Ecuador, and Ukraine during her junior year, Meagan was primed for a successful trip to South Korea. She wholeheartedly knew that an opportunity to study at Hansung International Summer School would be a once in a lifetime experience, and she applied for consideration and was thrilled to be accepted. Traveling alone for the first time, Meagan quelled her nervousness and built up confidence in her abilities to be the world traveler she has become.

Hansung International Summer School

During their month abroad, students from all over the world participated in the International Summer School program at Hansung University, earning college credits through participation in a traditional classroom format as well as through visits to palaces, monuments, and other historical sites that most people will only read about in text books. The program’s course work included the study of basic Korean language skills and Korean history.

On any given day, Meagan’s trip afforded her a breathtaking view of temples close to Seoul, pottery making in Incheon, a baseball game, war museum and memorial tours, shopping excursions, and cartoon-themed desserts, all encounters that, to this day, bring a smile to her face. Of particular interest to Meagan was the blend of the old and the new. All throughout Seoul, Meagan was surrounded by awe-inspiring architecture; her sights were set high upon modern skyscrapers and traditional Buddhist temples. Picture perfect sunsets in the midst of mountain tops in the countryside enveloped her in peaceful calm. For Meagan, the culmination of these encounters symbolized Korea's past and its current relationships with other countries of the world.

Most meaningful moments

Watching the sunset over the city of Seoul from the 123rd floor of Lotte World Tower — the sixth tallest building in the world — left Meagan feeling incredibly connected to the city and its beauty. “It has a mix of everything — the past, present, and the future. All the generations mixed. I can see everything coming together there… Looking at the view of the city made me feel more connected to Seoul.”

Meagan was amazed by her visit to the city of Andong. Sprinkled with traditional buildings that represented Korea’s depth and ancient history, Andong’s beautiful landscape, with the Nakdong River flowing through it and open fields and rolling hills around it, reminded her of her hometown which brought more feelings of peace and contentment to her.

Finding sameness and appreciating differences.

During her visit to the Lotte World Mall, which was “huge,” Meagan was shocked by the number of stores she recognized. She knew that she would encounter some big names known in the United States, but she didn’t anticipate seeing the number of fast food restaurants, including Dairy Queen, Auntie Anne’s, KFC, and McDonald's, that she knew so well. The presence of these establishments pushed her to think more about South Korea’s robust economy and how it is similar to that of the United States.

Meagan identified a contrast between the level of respect shown to elders in South Korea as compared to her experiences of such respect in America. South Koreans appreciate and demonstrate a higher level of respect for elders than Americans tend to do. “It is common to be asked your age. It is common for someone to tell you their age.” Traditionally, the oldest person at a meal table is supposed to be the first one to drink and eat. To show respect for elders, the youngest person serves the others by pouring drinks and grilling the meat to be shared. “Paying for the meal is something people often fight over because it’s considered a privilege, and it is commonly the oldest person who picks up the check.”

Recommendations to those considering Hansung’s summer program

When asked what made the Hansung International Summer School program in South Korea experience different from her other study abroad travel, Meagan spoke about the length of the trip having the most impact. Because this trip was longer than her other study abroad experiences, Meagan found time to build relationships with the other two Nazareth students and students from other countries who were also studying in the HISS exchange program. She described the bonds she formed with them as “unforgettable,” and she is sure she “will cherish them forever.” The Hansung program was special to Meagan in that each student participating in the program was assigned a Korean Buddy who acted as a resource and guide for the duration of the trip. “By far the best part of the trip was getting to know our Korean buddies... They were all very friendly and helpful.”

“I think all students should travel abroad. Traveling outside your community or country is an experience that humbles you as a person. Be open-minded and be respectful of other people's cultures. Most importantly, remember to have fun and don't be worried.” Meagan felt homesick by the end of her studies, and was she happy to be reunited with her family. At the same time, she wanted to return to Korea.

Final impressions

“I gained a new appreciation for Nazareth. If I wasn't a student at this college, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to travel and learn... Traveling changes you as a person, and I know I want to go outside my comfort zone more often.”