Study Abroad Sophomore or Junior Year?

Applying to College
1

<p>I’m having a problem deciding to study abroad in South Korea my sophomore year (2011-2012 full academic year) or junior year. I don’t have much time to decide, as I soon have to get recommendations for the study abroad scholarship I hope to receive. Everything would be approved by my university, and I would be able to satisfy academic requirements if I studied abroad for either year as the university in South Korea has a large English curriculum. Before I began my freshman year, I was certain that I would be studying abroad my sophomore year because I had always wanted to study abroad as soon as possible. However, I am now wondering whether waiting an extra year to acclimate myself to college would be a better option.</p>

<p>My main concern is whether I will be proficient enough in Korean to experience my time abroad in the most enjoyable and comprehensive way possible. I began learning Korean before I started college (two years at high school level) and I am currently in the beginning Korean level at college. As well, I applied for a program for intensive language study in South Korea during this coming summer, and my professor told me that he was contacted by member of the committee who was impressed by my application. So there is a possibility that I would already have studied in Korea for a few months and be at second year Korean proficiency if I studied abroad next year. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any opinions on whether study abroad sophomore or junior year is a better decision or how important proficiency is when studying in a foreign country?</p>

2

<p>People always have different opinions on whether or not you should go as a sophomore or a junior. If you’re a sophomore, you’re technically “not doing anything” during your year, so some think it’s great for a year. Others think that when you’re a junior, you’re pretty much the same as a junior except that you’re taking more specialized classes focusing on your major. The problem comes up when the university you’re going to doesn’t have the classes you need for your major (At least for some people). Some state that junior year is a better year to go because you’re more mature and can handle being alone in a foreign country. It’s best to talk to your advisor about this since I’m not sure what your major or career plan is! :)</p>

<p>It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re proficient in a language or not before you go.
One of my very good friends received a scholarship from the U.S. government to study abroad in Germany for a year, and he didn’t have any previous German experience. When he got there, he was willing to learn and try new things. By the end of the year, he had very little trouble understanding daily conversations in the workplace and college.
If you’re afraid of making mistakes, then you’re not going to enjoy yourself or learn more. :slight_smile: Don’t feel as if you ALWAYS have to be perfect when you’re speaking (No one likes talking to robots…). Bring an electronic dictionary (or regular one) along with you! You should just be yourself and try to speak their language! You’ll learn from your mistakes quickly.</p>

<p>If you put yourself out there and try, then you’ll be fine. As long as you’re open and willing to learn, I don’t think you should worry at all about language proficiency. You’ll be surrounded by Korean everywhere (On your TV, on your radios, textbooks, etc.), so stay optimistic and you’ll be fine! :slight_smile: Good luck. Studying abroad is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have whenever you decide to go. Personally, I wouldn’t worry about going either sophomore or junior year just as long as you go!</p>