Yonsei University Aquamour Swim Club

NAME: Hana Vuoung

MAJOR: Business Administration

PROGRAM: ISEP Direct –Yonsei University – Fall 2024

EMAIL: hana.vuong@sjsu.edu

BIO: 

Hi, my name is Hana Vuong (she/her). I graduated from San Jose State University in Spring 2025 with a with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in International Business and specializing in Marketing. I’m now continuing my journey as an MBA student at SJSU!

During my time as an undergraduate, I studied abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea through the ISEP Direct program. That experience was truly transformative; it pushed me to grow more independent, immerse myself in Korean culture, and embrace being more adventurous.

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. Living and learning in a place where I wasn’t familiar with the language or culture allowed me to see the world from a fresh perspective and reminded me how much there is to explore beyond what we already know.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

When I chose to study abroad, I set personal, academic, and professional goals for myself.

Personally, I wanted to challenge myself to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments. At home, my daily routine had been the same since grade school, so I was eager to break out of that pattern, experience life at a different pace, and embrace new adventures.

Academically, my goal was to deepen my understanding of international business and cross-cultural communication. As a fan of K-pop, I was especially curious about the business side of Korea and how its practices differ from those in the U.S. With so many exchange students in my classes, I also looked forward to hearing diverse perspectives and comparing how my American point of view on international business might contrast with someone who grew up in Korea.

Professionally, I wanted to build skills that would prepare me for a career in international markets. My dream is to work in the global music industry, so developing a global mindset and learning how to collaborate across cultures and languages was essential. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to start building those skills and preparing for the kind of career I aspire to.

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

The biggest impact that my study abroad experience had on me was the confidence I gained in stepping outside my comfort zone and adapting to completely new environments. Living in Seoul without my family pushed me to navigate challenges independently. It taught me to be flexible, resilient, and embrace the uncertainty as there is always an opportunity for growth.

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?  

While studying at Yonsei University, I took four courses: Digital Media, Emerging Markets, International Marketing, and Strategic Management. Before leaving, I worked closely with my study abroad advisors to confirm that my credits would transfer back to SJSU. Since course registration at Yonsei is first-come, first-served, I prepared backup options—but fortunately, I was able to enroll in all the classes I wanted.

The courses were more project-based than what I was used to at SJSU, where classes often rely on smaller weekly assignments. I adapted quickly and did well academically, earning three A’s and one B+. To stay on top of my studies, I made it a priority to attend every class, review material ahead of time, and stay disciplined about deadlines.

At the same time, I knew balance was important. After finishing assignments or studying, I made sure to give myself breaks by exploring nearby cities or trying something new. This helped me avoid burnout and kept me motivated to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? 

During my study abroad experience, I strengthened key skills that continue to support my academic and professional journey. Living in a new culture sharpened my adaptability as I navigated unfamiliar routes and language barriers with limited guidance, while studying in a global environment enhanced my cross-cultural communication through group projects with students from diverse backgrounds. I also became more independent and confident in my decision-making, which has not only contributed to my personal growth but also prepared me to thrive in globally connected professional environments.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world? 

As part of the ISEP Direct program, I lived off-campus in an apartment shared with local Koreans, which gave me a more authentic experience of daily life in Seoul compared to living in a dorm with other exchange students. Immersing myself in the local community taught me to appreciate home in new ways and highlighted the importance of open-mindedness, as I built connections with both my neighbors and fellow exchange students who all had unique reasons for studying abroad but shared the same desire for new experiences. Living in Seoul also showed me how deeply culture shapes lifestyle; adjusting to the city’s fast-paced rhythm was challenging at first, especially coming from California’s more laid-back pace, but over time, the experience strengthened my adaptability and confidence to thrive in dynamic environments.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future? 

Studying abroad has prepared me for my future by strengthening my skills and mindset needed to succeed in a global career. Many careers look for candidates who have strong adaptability, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills, which my study abroad experience equipped me with. My time in Seoul taught me how to navigate new environments with confidence and remain resilient through uncertain experiences. I now feel more prepared to pursue opportunities in a globalized industry, collaborate with diverse teams, and embrace new opportunities with an open mind.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?  

My biggest advice to a future Global Spartan is to keep an open mind and fully embrace the experience, even when things feel uncertain. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, such as trying new foods, exploring unfamiliar places, and talking to the locals there, even if there is a language barrier. Take in everything, as your study abroad experience is very short and will go by faster than you would know. The lessons you learn abroad will stay with you for a lifetime. Another advice is to document your journey, whether that is through photos, videos, or just blogging. You’ll appreciate to have something to look back on when coming back home.