Oklahoma Christian University’s first trip to South Korea brings new possibilities.
A group of 12 students traveled to South Korea this past summer, opening the door to more study abroad opportunities.
The renewed connection also expanded the student body and brought two South Korean students to Oklahoma Christian.
Sophomore Noah McCoy, global community liaison officer, was one of 12 students who visited South Korea this past summer.
The trip is opening doors for more Oklahoma Christian students to experience South Korea.
“I know OC is planning on doing another week-long trip to South Korea and there’s at least one student who’s planning on doing one semester,” McCoy said.
The trip will be available through Oklahoma Christian’s established programs.
“This will take place along with the Asian studies,” McCoy said.
A recommendation from across the globe brought Yenim Kwon, a freshman marketing major from South Korea, to Oklahoma Christian University.
“My university is in partnership with OC, and I connected with my professor,” Kwon said. “My professor said it is the best option because OC students and employees are very kind and the campus is very beautiful.”
Kwon explains the opportunities South Korea provides.
“A lot of students come to South Korea, our university has a lot of international programs,” Kwon said.
After years apart, Oklahoma Christian University and Gangseo University are fostering new connections.
“This is the first time Gangseo University has sent exchange students because we didn’t connect with each other during COVID-19,” Kwon said. “Now that we are reconnecting, I think they will be more willing to send students here.”
Kwon noticed several differences between life in Oklahoma and in South Korea.
“This is very peaceful because Korea is very cloudy and too cold,” Kwon said. “It is not as busy here and I can rest at any time.”
Kwon found simple comforts in the slower pace of life at Oklahoma Christian.
“I can just sit on a bench and not do anything else,” Kwon said. “I can’t do that in Korea.”
Kwon highlights an aspect of campus life.
“I think the cafeteria is good,” Kwon said.
As one of the students who visited South Korea, McCoy noticed several differences between the two places.
“We were only there for two days but the student atmosphere was very quiet,” McCoy said. “There was not a lot of people chatting everywhere.”
McCoy’s experience left him more curious about South Korea.
“I wish we got to spend more time there, especially interacting with students because we got maybe about 30 minutes total,” McCoy said.
McCoy shares the history of the university.
“Gangseo University is a Christian school founded by missionaries,” McCoy said.
In times to come, McCoy hopes to see more interactions between students.
“It seems the relationship between a lot of Korean people and American people could be really good if there’s more intermingling,” McCoy said.
McCoy encourages students to go abroad and find a new perspective they won’t get at home.
“Study abroad is a very good opportunity,” McCoy said. “It definitely changes the way you see things.”
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