In this week's Where in the World is Miami Wednesday, we meet Leanne Thomas, a junior East Asian Languages major who is studying abroad in South Korea during Fall 2020. At Miami, Leanne is involved in the African Student Union and Miami University Gospel Singers.

How did the pandemic affect your study abroad plans?

The Coronavirus pandemic has been a formidable obstacle to getting ahead and living life in the year of 2020. Months of planning and preparations were cast aside instantly due to global travel restrictions and national precautions. While many programs were delayed, I learned to become more flexible and forward thinking. As such I found it easy to follow the necessary rules, wearing masks and social distancing, in order to finally arrive at my destination.

What are you studying with your current program?

My current Major is East Asian Languages and Cultures. At Ewha Women's University I am studying Korean, Psychology, History, and Philosophy.

Why did you choose your study abroad program?

I chose the ISEP Direct Study Abroad at Ewha because the school has a wide range of English-taught courses and a beautiful legacy of excellence. Similarly the location, in the middle of Seoul, is convenient and provides a solid foundation to live an authentic Korean experience.

What are the coolest places you have visited on your program?

So far Dongdaemun, Korea's Fashion District, is the coolest place I have visited. Every Fashion Week is held in Dongdaemun so there tends to be a lot of celebrities in that area as well.

What is your favorite part of your program?

At Ewha, there is a very active Language Exchange Club where native Koreans are paired with the Foreign Exchange Students. I love this initiative because I have met so many great people and have had so many great experiences.

How has the study abroad experience changed you so far?

Studying abroad is such a humbling experience. No matter where you go in the world, the sky never changes and people are always the same. However, each human experience is unique, and studying abroad in Korea has only proved this true.

Where in the World is Miami Wednesday is a news article series that features Miami students studying abroad/away and international students. Catch us next week as we continue to travel around the world to feature the amazing opportunities that Miami students are taking and the experiences our alumni have had since graduating!

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