The Korean peninsula is not only important to Americans as a reminder of the lingering effects of the Cold War, but as South Korea’s economy is closely related to that of the United States, an economics and East Asian languages and literatures double major from the University of California, Los Angeles studied the effects of the Asian financial crisis in 1997 on the U.S. economy. This scholar was able to fulfill requirements for both his majors by taking comparative political economics, Korean international relations, as well as a two and half hours a day of intensive Korean language courses.

While being able to complete some of his major requirements in Korean, this Boren Scholar found the most rewarding aspect of his study abroad experience to be working closely with public relations and finance professionals in an international accounting firm through an academic unpaid internship organized through his study abroad program. He notes in his midterm report that, “They have provided great insights not only about the profession in which they practice, but also about the Korean society.” He described a strict and tacit work hierarchy embedded in Korean culture. As a novice to the office that he observed, he was required to exhibit respect to his seniors, but in return he was treated very paternalistically. His seniors would buy him food, drinks, and offer insights and advice into their professions and society in general.

In his free time, he participated in a language exchange program set up through a group on his Korean university’s campus. Through this exchange with native students, the scholar increased his colloquial vocabulary to include commonly used slang terms. The skills he developed through his intensive study, exposure to a professional environment, peer language exchange, constant contact to the language, and final language proficiency test score of superior can only support his aspirations of work in relations with East Asian countries.