Penn Abroad Ambassador Fatimah Bisiriyu

Programs:

• PGS: Korean Language and Culture

Ask me about...

This trip was the first time I had ever been not only to a different continent, but also the first time I have ever been out of the country. As a result, this was my first time getting a passport. I am very grateful that this was my first ever experience abroad as it was not only a step into my into my traveling journey, but it also helped me feel confident and prepared to do so on my own.

My Experience:

Despite pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically in veterinary medicine, language has always been something I felt I always have had a knack for.  Korean specifically has been a language that I enjoy both hearing and learning, so as a result I decided to pursue a minor in Korean Language and Culture. One of my goals in learning Korean was to become fluent and this experience has helped towards that goal in that I was able to immerse myself in an environment where the language was spoken in different tones, dialects, and by different ages of people. As a result, I have been able to improve myself speaking Korean as well as understanding the culture a bit better. I believe this will help me not only learn Korean academically but also help me when I eventually come back to study abroad in South Korea and/or pick up work here. Additionally, through this program I was able to be paired with a language partner who I now have as a reference and contact when I need help in my learning journey as well as when I come back for my own future endeavors.

Other Highlights:

• Visiting Gyeongju, a hot spot for a look into Koreas' more religious, and ancient culture. It was my favorite place we visited because I got to look at another part of South Korea and understand multiple aspects of Korean culture including their beautiful landscapes and architecture.

• Visiting Gyeongbok Palace was another one of my favorite aspects of the trip as I got to be even more immersed into Koreas' historical culture by trying on a Hanbok, a traditional Korean outfit. I was able to explore Gyeongbok palace in these Hanboks and even witness an annual parade with actors dressed as a King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

• Another highlight from this trip was visiting Han River Park with friends late at night. One aspect of this trip I particularly enjoyed was the freedom we had to not only explore Seoul and Gyeongju as a group with staff to guide us but the fact that we also got to explore it for ourselves. This was one of the experiences that I was able to do. It made the trip more personal and special.