Han-guk sa-ram im-ni-da! For those of you who don't know. I am a Korean-adoptee. During my freshman year I got the bright idea to study abroad in the motherland. There I learned how to speak korean, bow to elders, use chopsticks, and all that. I have no doubt that going there was the best choice I've ever made in my life. I know it's a terrible cliché, but I learned so much about myself and had the most fun of my life. (every study abroader says that) It was cool because I lived in an international dormitory and got to meet tons of people from all over the world. The vast majority were Korean-Americans who just came to have some fun while learning some korean, half kids, and korean adopted kids. But I also met quite a few Japanese (some Japanese-Koreans), Dutch, Russian, Swedish, German, Austialian, and even Mexican students studying in Korea. To this day I still keep in contact with many of them including my German girlfriend who I met in Korea (she's a halfie). It's funny because I originally decided to study there for the fall semester and then return to UNC in the spring. But my tall, Dutch roommate convinced me to stay for the second semester since we were already having so much fun.

For anyone who is thinking about studying abroad, I strongly encourage you to do so. Seriously, there's nothing better than being a student in a foreign country, especially one that you are somewhat passionate about. And once you're there the time will fly, so you should try to stay for at least a year if possible. Here's a list of important points about studying abroad:

1. do lots of research. assuming you've already chosen the country, you should check out all the programs offered there. these may include programs which your school doesn't offer.
2. start learning to speak. whether you are going there to study physics or to go hiking you'll need to order food or find a bathroom as well. so, even if you don't want to learn french, you'll need to know a few important phrases if your stuck at the airport in paris.
3. travel guides are for shit. Instead, talk to actual, real live people who've been there. maps are good though. your last resort should be the guide.
4. start saving up. studying abroad is expensive. although the tuition may be cheaper than what you pay at your home university, you'll probably be spending more money overall when you're abroad. (i.e. travel expenses, going out, hotels, souveniers, getting ripped off at markets)