By: Larsa Yang (Class of 2016 & 2019) and James Yang (Class of 2020)
Larsa’s Story:
Hey, my name is Larsa and I studied abroad in Japan for a full year and participated on the short-term program to Laos, Thailand and Malaysia. I wanted to study abroad because I was really tired of the everyday life in Minnesota. Minnesota is cool, but I think there are so many other things you can learn by learning from others outside of Minnesota and even the US. Study abroad encouraged me to think culturally about a lot of things that would’ve never occurred to me if I never traveled abroad. I purposefully took a leave of absence from my graduate program to study in Japan as an undergrad. Do I regret it? Not at all, I loved my experience. If anything I wanted to push myself to become a better person, and that’s exactly what happened. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
Check out some of Larsa’s education abroad photos:
James’ Story:
During my time at St. Cloud State University, I participated in a short-term program and one long-term study abroad program. In December of 2018, I went on the short-term abroad program to Laos-Thailand-Malaysia (LTM) during winter break. In the fall semester of 2019, I went on the STEM, Social Sciences & Liberal Arts program at Korea University through International Studies Abroad (ISA).
I wanted to study abroad because I’m an exploring enthusiast who enjoys experiencing new cultures and learning history. What started as a family trip overseas to Laos ended up as a life-changing event; it made me realize how much life I haven’t experienced. The urge to study abroad became more and more prominent during my time in college; in my third year at St. Cloud State, I knew it was my last chance to study abroad. I seized the opportunity and mapped out every possible program and scholarship I was eligible for.
The next thing I knew, I was abroad and it was the best feeling ever. One of my favorite moments abroad was exploring the Mekong night market in Laos. I was surrounded by so much life – kids were running around playing, vendors were marketing their goods, the smell of delicious street food filled the air, fireworks shot in the sky celebrating the New Year, and crowds of people gathered to watch the live performances, all while the Mekong River was silently running in the background. It was the perfect environment to immerse myself in a new culture; I had a blast throughout the night.
One thing I learned about myself through education abroad was that my environment heavily influenced my actions. The accessibility to new activities and resources sparked new interests, and before I knew it, I picked up new hobbies without realizing it. I grew interested in karaoke, rock climbing, photography, K-Pop, history, philosophy, and trying exotic foods.
A piece of advice for students who’re debating about studying abroad is that your money will return, but your time abroad is forever. Enjoy every moment and experience abroad because your program is bound to end, and the memories made will last a lifetime. It is almost as if your abroad journey is a movie in your life and whatever happens, it is up to you to make it happen.
Check out some of James’ education abroad photos:
About the series: HMoob (Hmong) around the World was brought to life to inspire, to ignite, and to reimagine the hope of education abroad opportunities for students in the near future. I hope you find courage, I hope you find strength, and I hope you study abroad. HMoob (Hmong) around the World will showcase a series of testimonials from HMoob alum who look like you, speak the same language as you, and may have experienced similar things as HMoob (Hmong) American college students. These are their education abroad stories.
This series is coordinated and edited by Sabrina Nkauj Nag Yang.