Abbigail Sproul’s Life-Changing Semester in Seoul

Abbigail Sproul, a double major in anthropology and history at Florida State University, recently embarked on an unforgettable semester abroad at Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea through FSU’s Global Exchange program. Immersing herself in a new culture and environment, Abbigail’s experience was filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth as she is the first FSU student to attend SNU on a Global Exchange.

For Abbigail, there wasn’t just one standout memory—there was an entire program that enriched her exchange experience. “SNU has a buddy program called SNU Buddy that pairs exchange students up with full-time students at SNU,” she shared. Through weekly activities and personal outings with her buddy, she explored some of Seoul’s most iconic sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. “This was probably my favorite thing that I did with SNU Buddy. But I always looked forward to the events they had planned,” she said.  

The transition to life in a bustling global city wasn’t easy at first. Abbigail noted that living off-campus and not knowing anyone made the initial days more challenging. “Since the environment is so different from Tallahassee, I think being alone initially made it a little more difficult to adapt,” she said. However, the connections she made during her first week—with fellow exchange students in her building and through the SNU Buddy program—eased the adjustment. Having people in similar situations to share experiences with and a local buddy to guide her made navigating her new surroundings more manageable.  

Abbigail’s time in South Korea forced her to confront her fears and embrace independence. “I’m the type of person who is very anxious when I have to do things outside of my comfort zone,” she admitted. This challenge surfaced almost immediately when she had to visit a doctor in Seoul for a recurring respiratory infection. Despite her nerves, she pushed through. “The idea of going to a doctor in a foreign country was loads more stressful than going home, but it was something I had to do,” she said. The experience proved pivotal in building her confidence. “Once I did it, the idea of doing most things by myself didn’t seem that bad afterward.”  

Through these challenges, Abbigail discovered a side of herself she hadn’t fully recognized before. “I learned that I am more independent than I thought I was,” she reflected. The realization that she could navigate both big and small challenges on her own was empowering. “I think once you realize that you are capable of doing stressful things, it becomes easier for you to tackle smaller things daily,” she explained.  

Abbigail’s semester in Seoul wasn’t just about cultural exploration—it was also a way to test the waters for her academic future. “One of the main reasons that I went on this exchange was because I was heavily considering applying for graduate school in Seoul,” she revealed. The experience solidified her decision. “This exchange program has increased my determination to make that happen.”  

Abbigail was particularly struck by the convenience of daily life in South Korea. From 24-hour restaurants near her apartment to an efficient public transportation system, the infrastructure left a lasting impression. “The subway system is very extensive, and the city bus system is also very convenient for traveling both within my neighborhood and across the city,” she said. While she initially found the thought of using public transportation daunting, it quickly became a highlight of her daily life.  

One of Abbigail’s favorite memories was attending the International Fireworks Festival along the Han River in October. “The set that we saw lasted for around 30 minutes and was amazing,” she said. “There were these big barges on the river shooting fireworks, and it looked like fireworks were being launched off the side of some of the bridges. It was really beautiful.”  

Living in a new culture allowed Abbigail to see the world through a different lens. “I think this experience has made me appreciate different cultures and worldviews more,” she said. Although her anthropology coursework at FSU exposed her to the study of cultures, living abroad gave her a deeper understanding. “I think it has shown me that I am capable of doing more than I initially think. Just because something seems super challenging doesn’t mean that I can’t handle it.”  

For students considering a global exchange, Abbigail offers simple but heartfelt advice: “If you can make it work with your academics, then you absolutely should,” she said. “You’ll discover so much about yourself academically and personally that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to see otherwise. It will be difficult, and there will be challenges, but it is 100% worth it.”  

Reflecting on her time in Seoul, Abbigail rated her experience a 10 out of 10. “This is the absolute best semester of my time in college,” she said. “I’ve learned more about myself than I expected, and the things that I did here and the friends that I made I know will stay with me for a long time.”  

Abbigail’s semester at Seoul National University is a testament to the transformative power of FSU’s Global Exchange program. From academic growth to personal discovery, her journey highlights the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.