Ever since I was a little kid, I knew I wanted to travel. My dad bought me a giant map that we hung on our wall, and together we marked every place we dreamed of going. That map sparked a curiosity that never left me. As I grew older, I began to imagine not just visiting another country, but actually living and learning in one. I wanted to experience life beyond my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, where I had lived my entire life. It was not until my junior year of high school that I first heard the term study abroad. I remember thinking, This could actually be my chance to go somewhere. Once I started college and explored the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s study abroad programs, that idea became a real goal. I began planning seriously and decided that my junior year would be the perfect time to go abroad. After meeting with my advisor and carefully reviewing my options, I ultimately chose to study in Gwangju, South Korea, during the Fall 2025 semester. I did not initially have a specific country in mind, but I knew finances would be my biggest challenge. Gwangju stood out as the most affordable option that still offered rich cultural and academic opportunities.
Determined not to let money stop me, I applied for scholarships, worked two jobs, and even started a fundraiser to help cover the costs. All of that hard work paid off, and I was able to fully fund my program, which is something I am incredibly proud of. Although I had been fortunate enough to travel to two other countries before, I had never left the continent, nor had I ever traveled completely on my own for four months. As my departure date approached, the reality of what I was about to do finally set in. Packing my bags made everything feel real. Leaving my family was the hardest part. I am very home-oriented and do not always adjust easily to change, but I knew that this experience was something I deeply wanted and needed, even if it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone.
I spent four months in Gwangju, South Korea, and it was truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I learned more, met more people, and grew more in those four months than I ever expected. I immersed myself in Korean culture, ate incredible food, explored both cities and nature, and built friendships with people from all over the world. Through this program, I met students from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, East Asia, Australia, and beyond. Simply getting to know people with such different backgrounds and perspectives broadened my understanding of the world in ways no classroom ever could.
Academically, I had the opportunity to take a Korean language course, which allowed me to learn how to hold simple conversations and connect more meaningfully with people in daily life. Being able to use the language, even at a basic level, made my experience feel more authentic and rewarding. Outside of Korea, I also had the chance to travel to Vietnam and Japan, which is something I never imagined I would be able to do at this stage in my life.
Studying abroad taught me independence, resilience, and openness. I learned how to navigate unfamiliar environments, embrace discomfort, and appreciate cultures different from my own. Gwangju itself felt unique because it offered a balance of vibrant city life, rich history, and a strong sense of community.
Choosing this program gave me not only an education, but a second home across the world. I miss my time abroad deeply, but I am endlessly grateful for the experience. Studying abroad did not just show me new places, but it also showed me new versions of myself. For any student considering studying abroad, I cannot recommend it enough. It is challenging, exciting, and life-changing in ways you do not fully understand until you live it.
Daisianna Arnwine (BS Psychology and BS Biology – Pre-Professional) spent the Fall 2025 semester studying abroad in Gwangju, South Korea with USAC. Daisianna had the following to say about studying abroad, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Studying abroad taught me that growth does not come from everything going perfectly, but from stepping into the unfamiliar, making mistakes, and continuing forward anyway. Even the moments that felt uncomfortable or scary became the most meaningful lessons, and those lessons, along with the memories, stay with you long after you come home.“
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