Studying abroad is a dream for many, but navigating the path to make it a reality can be complex. For me, the journey to University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Songdo, Incheon, began unexpectedly in 2018 at KCon. I attended the convention for my love of Korean culture, but I left with much more—a glimpse of UAC, a school that would eventually become my academic home in Korea.

One Rejection Leading to the Perfect Opportunity

My original plan was to attend Korea University (KU), one of the top universities in Korea. In 2022, after years of planning to study in Korea, I applied to KU, eagerly awaiting the acceptance letter. However, at 4 AM on a quiet morning in June 2022, I received a rejection email. I was crushed. I went back to sleep feeling defeated, but when I woke up later that morning, something in me reignited. A friend suggested I look into UAC, mentioning its strong support system for international students, including financial aid options that aren’t typical in Korea.

So, with a renewed spirit, I applied to UAC that very day. I also filled out my FAFSA (including the Federal Work-Study program) as part of the financial aid process. With encouragement from friends and a spark of hope, I realized this could be the opportunity I’d been searching for.

Finding a Community and Supportive Network

One major factor that drew me to UAC was the support network I knew I’d have. I already had a friend attending UAC, and another studying in Daegu on the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. Hearing their experiences reassured me that I wouldn’t be alone in navigating life as an international student in Korea. Although information about UAC and life at Incheon Global Campus (IGC) was somewhat limited online, I was able to find bits of helpful content on UAC’s website and a few YouTube vlogs from past students, which painted a picture of campus life.

Knowing that UAC had a community of international students and a supportive staff, such as the Visa Specialist and International Student Coordinator, was a game-changer. These resources help students like me feel welcomed and guided through processes that can otherwise be overwhelming.

Why I Ultimately Chose UAC

Since 2017, I had been planning to move to Korea—not just for the academic experience but for personal growth and cultural immersion. UAC offered the perfect balance for my goals. Though it’s part of an American university system, UAC operates in Korea, giving me access to a familiar education structure with the benefit of being immersed in Korean culture.

One of the biggest draws for me was UAC’s financial accessibility. While studying abroad can be expensive, UAC offers options that make it more affordable. UAC accepts U.S. financial aid, including FAFSA, which is unusual for a school in Korea. The cost of attendance for a master’s degree at UAC is around $11,000, which is substantially lower than the $75,000 I would be paying at the main campus in the United States. Although UAC is more expensive than many Korean universities, this balance of affordability, location, and support made it the ideal choice for me.

Additionally, UAC’s location in Songdo, Incheon, is unique. Songdo is a modern, international city with resources and conveniences tailored to international students. Living here has allowed me to adapt to life in Korea more smoothly than if I’d moved directly to a more traditional or rural area.