Reflections on Pre-Departure and the VIH Program

As Global Hub Student Ambassador Erin Lancaster is preparing for her study abroad program in South Korea, we recently had the chance to hear from her about her pre-departure experience. A rising junior and VIH scholarship recipient who is majoring in psychology, minoring in Korean and Linguistics, and earning the Global Distinction, Erin is well on her way to embracing the global citizen life. We are quite proud of her accomplishments and continued drive to reach outside her comfort zone, and we appreciate her sharing her experience so that other students can seek out similar transformative intercultural learning opportunities that Pitt offers!

Here are some questions that we asked Erin as she literally and metaphorically packs for her time abroad:

• How are you preparing for your experience in South Korea this summer?
• What has been your experience in the VIH program so far, and are there any ways that you feel that has helped you prepare for this global experience?
• What are you most excited about when you think about studying in South Korea this summer?

Summer in Seoul: Pre-Departure by Erin Lancaster

About a year ago, I began preparing to study abroad in South Korea. During the previous summer, I saved up some money from my summer job to help finance my experience. In the fall, I applied for study abroad scholarships to further assist with the expenses, and in the winter, I received a scholarship from the Vira I. Heinz (VIH) Program. After that, I went through the necessary steps: apply for the study abroad program, book my flight, and arrange housing. However, it didn't fully hit me that I was actually going to participate in Yonsei University's International Summer School Program in Seoul, South Korea for six weeks. It wasn't until I joined a Discord group with other students in the program and started making plans and meeting new people that I realized that my global experience was really going to happen. Now, I'm back home completing the final tasks before my trip, such as selecting my classes and obtaining an international phone plan. As I prepare for my journey, I'm growing increasingly excited yet anxious at the same time. I can't wait to explore Seoul and make new friends, but I'm also nervous about being so far away from my family and navigating a new environment. Despite my nerves, I'm determined to make the most of my six weeks there and create unforgettable memories.

This global experience will be my first time leaving North America and traveling by myself. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about issues such as passports, vaccinations, and airfare, but thankfully, the VIH program has provided me with tremendous support to prepare for my trip. The program has been there for me every step of the way, from weekly check-ins to attending an inspiring Spring conference where I had the opportunity to meet other VIH members and listen to travel and leadership presentations from former recipients. Being part of the VIH program has been a fantastic experience, and I am grateful for their assistance in making this global adventure possible. Seeing pictures of my cohort's travels has been wonderful, and I look forward to sharing my experience with them. The VIH program has given me a sense of community and helped me prepare well for my upcoming trip.

In ten days, I will embark on a fifteen-hour flight to Seoul. Until then, I plan on spending quality time with my parents, who are still adjusting to my departure and practicing Korean. I am also coordinating plans with my classmates to visit museums and attend concerts together during my time there. As my departure approaches, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. I am so excited to meet everyone in the program and explore the city with them. Additionally, I am excited about the Korean Culture classes I'll be taking and living in my first off-campus apartment. Although I feel both excited and nervous about my time in Seoul, I can't wait to embark on this journey.

This coming Fall semeser, following her time in South Korea, you can find Erin back in the Global Hub - so stop by to learn more about the VIH program, studying Korean, earning the Global Distinction, and more!