If you spend enough time on the internet, you’ve probably heard Gen Z use the phrase “be open-minded” in ways that have absolutely nothing to do with studying abroad. But before spending a semester at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, I never really stopped to think about what being open-minded actually meant.
I thought studying abroad would mean seeing new places, eating new foods, meeting new people, and taking classes in another country. And while it was all of those things, I quickly realized that the most important part of studying abroad was something much simpler: being willing to experience life differently.
Although I was not completely unfamiliar with Korean culture, there was still so much to learn from experiencing it firsthand. Living in Seoul meant stepping outside of routines that had always felt normal to me. From figuring out the subway system to understanding and following everyday cultural norms, there were countless moments when I had to let go of what I was used to and embrace something new. Sometimes that meant being adventurous. Sometimes it meant being patient. And sometimes it simply meant accepting that there was more than one way to do things.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during my time abroad was that being open-minded doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing with everything you encounter. Instead, it means being willing to learn before making a judgment. It means asking questions, listening to other people’s experiences, and understanding that your own perspective is shaped by where you come from.
As someone who considers herself a homebody and sometimes struggles with being outgoing, I knew I had to push myself. Before leaving for Seoul, I told myself I was going to make every day count. I didn’t want to return home and regret that I hadn’t made the most of such an incredible opportunity.
Because of that, I decided to become involved both within the university and outside of it. One of the best decisions I made was participating in Ewha’s PeaceBuddy program, which pairs exchange students with local students. The program helped exchange students settle into life in Seoul while giving us the opportunity to make local friends and create memories together. I am so glad I participated because my PeaceBuddies introduced me to delicious food, fun places around the city, and experiences I may not have discovered on my own.
I also volunteered as an English tutor at the university, which gave me another opportunity to connect with Korean students. Our conversations went far beyond practicing English. We talked about our experiences abroad, our hometowns, our favorite things, and what life was like in our respective countries. These conversations reminded me that even when people come from completely different backgrounds, there is always something we can connect over.
Of course, being open-minded did not mean that everything was easy. There were times when I struggled with the language barrier, culture shock, and missing home. The time difference made it difficult to stay connected with my friends and family, and I sometimes found myself missing the familiarity of home. However, I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. Many of the other exchange students were experiencing the same challenges, and we were able to support each other while finding our own comfort in the unfamiliar.
One of the best ways I dealt with that discomfort was by getting out and exploring. Seoul made it incredibly easy to do that. Whether it was grabbing a late-night snack, finding a small café, taking a spontaneous trip, or simply wandering around a new neighborhood, there was always something to experience. I especially loved how much of the city came alive at night. Some of my favorite memories came from simple evenings spent with friends, exploring the city and trying something new.
I also learned that being abroad doesn’t mean you are surrounded only by people who are different from you. I met locals who would stop and talk to us when they realized we were exchange students. Some would recommend their favorite restaurants or places to visit, while others simply wanted to have a conversation. Just because you are abroad doesn’t mean you are the only person with curiosity. Getting out of my comfort zone and being open-minded gave me the opportunity to meet people I otherwise never would have met.
One of my favorite trips outside of Seoul was to Busan. I visited several beaches and even learned how to surf at a local surf shop. At Gwangalli Beach, I had a picnic with friends while watching the bridge light up at night and a drone show in the sky above us. Sitting on the beach, feeling the cool breeze, and enjoying the moment with friends is something I know I will remember for a long time.
We also visited Gamcheon Culture Village, known for its colorful buildings, shops, historic sites, beautiful views, and cafés. Everywhere we went, we encountered something new, and the kindness of the locals made the experience even more memorable.
Looking back, I think I arrived in Seoul expecting to learn about Korean culture. What I didn’t expect was to learn so much about myself. Being away from home gave me the chance to look at my everyday life from a different perspective and appreciate things I had previously taken for granted.
So, what does being open-minded actually mean?
For me, it means being willing to say, “I’ve never done this before, but I’ll try.” It means allowing yourself to be uncomfortable enough to grow while still appreciating where you came from. It means being prepared, but not overly prepared. You can plan your trip, your classes, and your schedule, but you also have to be ready for the unexpected and be willing to see the unexpected as part of the experience.
My semester at Ewha was about much more than studying in Seoul. It was about becoming more curious, independent, adaptable, and willing to see the world from perspectives beyond my own.
I left Seoul with more memories, friendships, confidence, and stories than I could have imagined. Most importantly, I left with a more open mind and an open heart.
That is something I will be taking home with me.
Tera Schultz
Major: Health Science
Minor: Sociology
Location: Seoul, South Korea
University: Ewha’s Woman’s University
