By Griselda Estrada, National Marketing Committee
The minute they walk out of the airplane their lives will have changed. A new journey that will provide love, gratitude, and happiness. Moving swiftly through the crowd at the airport they will read the signs some in english others in Spanish or Korean. They will glance around and notice the change in culture, energy, and movement. This is the beginning of a new experience that will change the lives of many of our sisters who study or work around the world. Many of our sisters have gone around the world to either study or work. Kenia and Jennifer have gotten the opportunity to study abroad while undergraduates and have loved their experience. Kenia is currently still in Europe and is enjoying every single day of her stay. Jennifer completed a study abroad trip in Korea and loved the culture she was able to immerse herself in. Both these sisters, have worked hard to dedicate their time and education to study abroad during their undergraduate career. As sisters of Kappa Delta Chi, they have been able to grow and broaden their culture education in different countries. Elizabeth has also completed a study abroad trip in South Korea; furthermore, she has gotten the opportunity to change the lives of little children. Additionally, from her study abroad trip she is now a native english elementary teacher in South Korea. All three sisters have gotten the opportunity to be able to engage in different cultures, traditions, and languages. Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc is a academic and service based community that encourages sisters to enhance their learning and to grow as individuals.
Engage in different activities and do not be afraid to go out and immerse yourself in the beauty of different cultures. As a sister who has recently volunteered in Haiti I strongly encourage you to look for different programs, work openings, volunteering opportunities as many of our sisters have. Going to another country is a beautiful and a breath taking experience. Buy your tickets, pack your bags and assimilate into a new culture.
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Jennifer Garcia is a Global studies student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Beta Alpha, and will be graduating in 2017.
Please provide a brief history/autobiography about yourself -
I was born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. I am and only child but thanks to KDCHI I have sisters all
over ☺ I first attended community college before I transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also love to travel and learn about different cultures! Although I am not sure what job I would like to do in the future, I hope to one-day work abroad helping children.
Are you doing this program because of your major?
Yes! As a Global Studies major, I was required to study abroad for a semester. Since I am learning Korean here at school, I thought the best place to study abroad is in South Korea where I can further my studies in the Korean Language.
If so, How has it helped you grow knowledge in your major?
For my major, we have a specific area where we want to focus on. In my case, I focus on East Asia. Studying abroad allowed me to learn more about East Asian Culture, History, Politics and so much more. With this knowledge that I gained, I hope to be able to apply it to my future career and teach others about my experiences.
Do you think you are using your degree(major) directly or indirectly?
For now, yes! Since my concentration within my major is Human rights, I was able to learn more about the human rights issues surrounding North Korea. I also study Korean at my University, so going to Korea pushed me to learn to communicate more in the language. Since I’ve been back, I noticed I improved a lot!
Is this a job/career (program) that you’ve dreamed about since a child or was this a career you never imagined having?
I remember wanting to be a Nurse but once I started college I knew it wasn't for me. When I realized I loved to explore and interested in different cultures, I decided to chance my major to something that relates to what I love to learn about.
What is the best piece of advice every received?
Don't be scared to travel abroad for few months without seeing your family and friends. They will always be there to support you and only be a phone call away if you ever need someone to talk with. Go out and have the best time of your life! ☺
What are some plans for the future pertaining to your career? Do you feel this experience was beneficial towards your career (major)
Yes! After study abroad in Korea I hope to one-day return to continue my studies there or work for a company/organization that will allow me to return. I am still a little lost as to what specifically I want to do in the future but this experience definitely helped me to decide on what path I should head toward to.
Where can someone find out about your program (or job)?
Look at your schools study abroad website and see if they offer a program in South Korea or in any place you would like to study at! You can also go to your schools study abroad fair to learn more about your options.
What were the necessary steps?
I had to apply first through my school. From there, if I was accepted then I had to apply to the actual school itself. In my case it was Yonsei University. Once accepted, I had to submit any require documents that either my school in Illinois or my exchange school needed.
What advice do you have about the program (or job)?
Be prepared to try new things! Immerse yourself into the culture and try to learn the language. Korean people love when foreign students speak to them in Korean!
Is there scholarships that can help with the finances of the program? (if applicable)
Yes! Your school should offer some scholarships to its students who wish to study abroad. In my case, my school offered the I4I and the IPS. Another scholarships that sister can apply to is the Gilman International Scholarship! This scholarship provides up to $5,000 that can be very helpful if you decide to study abroad.
What is some advice you would give a sister if they were considering doing a program abroad or working abroad?
Definitely research before you commit to a program. Read blogs of previous students who studied abroad in that country to have a perspective of what you can expect when you go. Of course not everyone has the same experience but having a little bit of background knowledge can help. For example, before I applied to my program I had read blogs about what it was like to be in Korea, how to do certain things like applying to the ARC (Alien Registration Card) or how to take the subway and buses around Seoul.
What has been the most difficult transition of living in another part of the world (country)?
I don’t think I had a difficult time because it was actually my second time being in Korea. So when it came time to study abroad there I was already aware of what to expect.
Have you gotten to experience different traditions? Which one has been your favorite?
My favorite thing I experiences was trying on traditions Korean clothing called Hanboks! They are very colorful and very pretty! Hanboks are
normally worn for special occasions such as children’s first birthday or a wedding. In my case, I was able to wear one while touring the Bukchon traditional village in Seoul! Wearing it felt like I went to the past while being in the present!
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Jennifer Garcia - Beta Alpha