Perfect Timing: Jenni Gomez’s Spring in Seoul
Jenni Gomez ’27 is a psychology and Spanish double major, one of our global ambassadors, and a Gilman Scholar. In spring 2026, she studied abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea through CIEE.
Jenni's Seoul Semester
There are so many things I could talk about, but the best way to describe my Spring 2026 semester in Korea is with two words: perfect timing.
Studying abroad allowed me to fulfill several dreams at once. I finally traveled to Seoul, a city I had wanted to visit for years. I became a student at one of my dream universities, Yonsei University, and had the opportunity to study psychology in a completely different academic environment. While some of my classes, especially those taught entirely in Korean, were challenging, they pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. At the same time, I was fortunate to have an incredible Korean language professor whose encouragement gave me the confidence to keep learning and embracing challenges beyond my comfort zone.
Outside the classroom, every day felt like a new adventure. I tried foods I had never tasted before, including galbitang, naengmyeon, and samgyeopsal, and each meal became an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture. What I loved most about Korea was the variety it offered. There was always something happening, yet there were also places where I could slow down and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. If I wanted the excitement of a city full of energy, places like Hongdae and Gangnam were always alive. If I wanted a peaceful afternoon, I could explore traditional hanok villages, scenic parks, or quiet cafés. Seoul felt like a city with endless possibilities.
Living in Korea also opened my eyes to how connected the world really is. Although I was in Korea, I was constantly surrounded by people, cultures, and foods from all over the globe. I enjoyed trying everything from Vietnamese pho to Japanese sashimi and meeting students from many different countries. Studying abroad showed me that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Some of the most valuable lessons come from conversations with people whose experiences and perspectives are different from your own.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my semester was how everything seemed to happen at exactly the right time. For years, I had dreamed of visiting Korea, and as a long-time BTS fan, I never imagined that their full-group return would happen during the exact semester I was abroad. After six years, they reunited while I was living in Korea. Being able to witness such a historic moment in the country where their journey began felt surreal. Seeing them perform at Gyeongbokgung Palace and experiencing FESTA celebrations in Busan are memories I will cherish forever. Out of all the semesters I could have chosen to study abroad, I happened to be there during a moment that meant so much to me personally. It made me feel incredibly lucky and reinforced my belief that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
As amazing as those experiences were, the people I met are what truly made my semester special. Some were friends I had known online for years, while others I had only known for a few months before meeting in person. Many friendships were completely new and began during my time abroad. What made it so meaningful was seeing these different connections come together. Friends introduced me to their friends, and before long I found myself surrounded by a supportive community of people who made Korea feel like a second home.
Whether we were exploring new neighborhoods, traveling together, trying new restaurants, studying, shopping, singing at karaoke, or simply staying out late talking about life, every friendship added something unique to my experience. It didn’t matter whether I had known someone for five years, five months, or five weeks. Each person left a lasting impact on me. Some of the laughs, conversations, and memories I shared with these friends are things I will carry with me long after graduation. They reminded me that some of the most meaningful relationships can form when you least expect them.
Looking back, studying abroad was about much more than traveling or taking classes in another country. It taught me independence. It taught me confidence. It taught me how capable I really am when I allow myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Living in a different country challenged me to navigate unfamiliar situations, adapt to new environments, and trust myself in ways I never had before. Through those experiences, I discovered strengths, resilience, and confidence that I did not know I possessed.
Most importantly, studying abroad helped me grow into a version of myself that I am proud of. It showed me that some of life’s best opportunities begin with taking a leap into the unknown. The memories I made, the friendships I built, the places I explored, and the experiences I was fortunate enough to have all shaped me into a more open-minded, independent, and confident person.
My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is simple: do it. It may feel intimidating, and there may never seem to be a “perfect” time, but some opportunities like these only come once. Years from now, you may not remember every assignment or every exam, but you will remember the people you met, the places that took your breath away, the moments that made you feel alive, and the growth that came from stepping into the unfamiliar. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and when I look back on Spring 2026, I can honestly say it felt like everything happened exactly when it was meant to. It was perfect timing.
– Jenni Gomez ’27
