Studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven itself to be a challenge for many university students. With programs getting canceled due to country restrictions, an increase in cases, as well as the omicron variant, the pandemic has interfered with the opportunities students would have otherwise had to study abroad.
Towson University alum, Zack Smith is one such person. After befriending several exchange students from China during his time at Towson University, Smith was inspired to study abroad in Spring of 2020. However, like many current seniors and alumni, Smith didn’t have the opportunity to study abroad during his sophomore or junior year. No one could have predicted how long the pandemic would last, and students didn’t realize just how much time would pass before they would be able to return to in-person learning let alone travel to another country. Still, with the shift back to in-person learning in the United States, many seniors have not been able to study abroad due to continued travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
While Smith couldn’t study abroad with Towson University, he made an effort to seek out professional opportunities internationally so that he could still fulfill his goal of traveling to South Korea. In early November of 2021, Smith made the move to South Korea and now lives in Suwon working as an English teacher.
A key component of studying or working abroad during the pandemic is the quarantine period that many travelers undergo upon arrival to their country of choice. For many, it can be a very isolating experience, especially being so far from home. When Smith arrived in Korea, he was directed to quarantine for 10 days. “Since I arrived I have had a roller coaster of emotions and cried a bit and been second guessing my decision every minute,” he said; a well understood sentiment that many people experienced during the first month of quarantine in 2020. “I keep getting told by friends, family, and the internet, to just hold out and that it will be worth it. Soon the year will have gone by and it will just be a memory and something to reflect, talk, and laugh about.”
Though Smith had a difficult time adjusting during his quarantine, he has since adapted to his routine as a teacher. Many of Smith’s coworkers are also from the US and he describes them as friendly and welcoming. “Despite being from different places in the states it is easy to socialize because they are the most familiar thing you know,” he said.
Even though quarantining was a significant challenge for Smith, his experiences in Korea thus far have already fostered personal and professional growth.
“It is an unreal experience and I would strongly encourage anyone with the itch to travel to do it anyway you can – vacation, studying abroad, work, etc. The perspective you will be forced to see from that is different from your own will change your life!”
To learn more about post grad opportunities, check out the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and register to attend the info session on Monday, February 21 at 2PM via Zoom.