Bhavika Choudhary, ’28, is a Computer Science major studying at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) this Fall 2024.
My journey into the Korean language began with a mix of curiosity and excitement. I’ve always been fascinated by Korean culture, music, and food, and I wanted to go beyond just admiring it from afar. That curiosity sparked my decision to enroll in Korean I at Drexel, and eventually, I took the leap to study abroad in Korea. I had no idea then how much this choice would challenge me but also how much it would help me grow, both personally and academically.
When I started Korean I, I was starting completely from scratch. Learning the basics—Hangul, simple sentences, and basic vocabulary—in a classroom setting gave me a structured and supportive environment. The class had a clear plan, and the instructors were always there to help us through the tricky parts of grammar and pronunciation. But as a total beginner, it wasn’t easy. Memorizing vocabulary and making sense of sentence structures felt overwhelming at times. Still, I was able to build a foundation that gave me the confidence to keep going and inspired me to explore the language outside the classroom.
Studying abroad in Korea felt like the next natural step, even though it was a bit of a scary one. I decided to skip Korean II and dive straight into an immersive experience. From the moment I arrived, I realized how different classroom learning was from actually living in Korea. Just ordering food or asking for directions felt like a huge challenge. I quickly learned that I’d have to rely on creativity, patience, and a lot of trial and error to get by.
My first attempts at speaking Korean in real-life situations were definitely messy, but every little interaction—even the awkward ones—taught me something. Slowly, I started to feel more comfortable, and those moments when I got something right felt like small but meaningful victories.
One thing that made a huge difference was joining a language exchange program. I met with a language buddy every week, and we’d take turns practicing Korean and English. These sessions were casual but structured, and it was so helpful to learn from someone who could explain things from a native speaker’s perspective and introduce me to things like Youtube channels and vlogs with a natural Korean accent and tone. Beyond the language, these conversations gave me a deeper understanding of Korean culture, from everyday etiquette to more modern trends. It was like getting a peek into life from a local’s perspective.
I also leaned heavily on Korean media to help me learn. Watching Korean shows and listening to music, suggested by my Korean friends, became more than just entertainment; they were a way to pick up vocabulary, improve my listening skills, and understand how the language is used in real life. It was fun and motivating to recognize words or phrases I’d learned and hear how they’re actually spoken.
As I started using Korean more in my daily life, I noticed how different conversational Korean is from what you learn in a classroom. There are so many informal expressions and slang words that just don’t come up in textbooks. Simple things, like chatting with shopkeepers or ordering food at a restaurant, pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over time, those small interactions helped me build confidence and made the language feel a little less intimidating.
Looking back, I’ve learned that combining different approaches is key. Formal classes gave me a solid starting point, but immersion and real-world practice were what really brought the language to life. Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were moments of frustration and plenty of mistakes along the way, but each one was a step forward.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad and learning a new language, my biggest advice is to try everything—classroom learning, language exchanges, media, and just putting yourself out there. It’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how you learn. For me, studying Korean has been so much more than just picking up a new language. It’s opened up a whole new world of experiences, connections, and personal growth. I’m excited to keep going and see how far I can take it.
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