Student Testimonial: Caroline (South Korea)

Caroline's Bio: Caroline is a fifth-year student at the Rotman Commerce program, studying management with a focus on marketing and consumer behaviour. In Caroline’s free time, she enjoys singing, swimming, and spending time with friends.

For Caroline, the Summer Abroad program in South Korea was the perfect fit. From feeling awe on the tour through Hyundai’s Ulsan Assembly Factory to building valuable skills for future success, and most importantly, making lasting connections with classmates, her reflection is a true testament to the efforts the Summer Abroad program staff put into ensuring that students had the best possible experience.

Read Caroline’s testimonial below to learn about the enriching opportunity the Summer Abroad program brought her in South Korea.

How would you describe your Summer Abroad experience in South Korea?

Overall, I would describe my Summer Abroad experience as both enriching and meaningful. I had the opportunity to visit some of Seoul’s most significant destinations, including the DMZ, Namsang Tower, City Hall, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where I deepened my understanding of the country’s history, marked by both hardships and achievements. The resilience of the South Korean people was evident in their dedication to culture, public life, and architecture, all of which were highlighted in the places we explored.

Beyond these field experiences, the friendships I formed made my time even more memorable. I built lasting connections with my classmates, who encouraged me to grow and supported me in being myself. I am especially grateful that my first roommate experience was such a success; our strong bond and clear communication were not just a matter of luck, but a reflection of the effort our professor and Ewha Women’s University put into ensuring that students had the best possible experience.

What was your favorite place you visited in or around South Korea, and why?

My favourite place that I visited in South Korea was Hyundai’s Ulsan Assembly Factory. Our class had the unique opportunity to walk through the facility and observe the process of Hyundai vehicles being assembled into finished cars, even witnessing them being prepared for shipment. From starting with just the outer shell to adding the doors, steering wheel, and other details, it was fascinating to see how every customized specification—such as the colour or destination country—was recorded on a single sheet of paper taped to the front of the car.

It was especially impressive to watch the workers assemble over 2,000 parts and produce a completed car every 9.6 seconds. This experience gave me a greater appreciation for Hyundai’s core values, particularly their commitment to supporting workers rather than over-relying on automation, all while maintaining quality and efficiency. Although we weren’t allowed to take photos inside the facility, I will never forget the sense of awe I felt walking through such a professional, organized, and immaculately clean environment. This was a truly special experience that I would not have had without the Summer Abroad program, and I found myself pausing every few steps just to take in each stage of the process.

Can you share a memorable moment of learning outside the classroom – perhaps through a conversation, an excursion, or a cultural experience?

A memorable moment of learning outside the classroom was a lunch I shared with my roommate, Viola. From our very first interaction, we got along well and enjoyed spending time together, but we hadn’t yet had the chance to share a proper meal. Since she is vegan and much of Korean cuisine is meat-based, her dining options near campus were limited. One day, we decided to venture out to a Korean vegan restaurant, where we could finally sit down for lunch together. As each dish arrived at the table, I could see the excitement and appreciation on her face. It was eye-opening for me to try a diet I wasn’t accustomed to and rewarding to see her experience Korean food without compromising her values.

We enjoyed vegan kimchi pancakes, japchae, marinated mushrooms, and spicy radish—each dish delicious in its own way. Over lunch, we talked about our families and lives, bonding over our shared background of being from Taiwan and growing up in North America. We also connected over our mutual interests in photography and business. In that moment, I felt genuinely happy and safe, grateful for the chance to deepen our friendship beyond the classroom. This experience reminded me of the power of food to bring people together, and it helped me appreciate Korean culture even more by showing that it offers inclusive and equally flavorful vegan-friendly options.

What’s your advice to a student who’s unsure if they should apply to the South Korea Summer Abroad program?

As someone who was certain about choosing the South Korea Summer Abroad program, I’d like to offer some advice if you are feeling unsure about applying. I had a background in business modelling, but you don’t need to be an expert to benefit. If you are interested in business and open to new experiences, this program is for you. It places you in the best environments to learn, grow, and build valuable skills for future success.

For me, South Korea was the perfect fit because I enjoy meeting new people and forming meaningful connections—an important part of both personal and professional growth. The program emphasizes teamwork, with course content centred around group projects and presentations, while field experiences give you the chance to bond with classmates. Since much of the learning happens outside the classroom, it helps to keep a journal of the interesting facts you encounter along the way and to take plenty of photos to capture those moments.

This program is also a unique opportunity to meet people you might never cross paths with at school. It isn’t limited to business students, which means you can learn from classmates with diverse perspectives and interests—from Korean art and music to fashion, makeup, and cuisine. Together, you not only gain academic insights but also share in the experience of exploring South Korea’s vibrant culture.