One Taylor student, all of South Korea.
Junior David Voss spent the spring semester of 2024 studying abroad at Handong Global University in Pohang, South Korea, located in the southeast of the country. He stayed with other exchange students during his travels.
As a political science, philosophy & economics major, Voss took classes on political science, international relations and worldviews.
He found the concepts interesting, and they broadened his perspectives, he said.
“It’s really interesting to see how international politics, especially the U.S., is perceived by countries abroad,” Voss said. “And to just get that unique perspective, and to be the only American, or one of the very few in my classes, when we’re discussing American politics and relations with China and other countries was super fascinating.”
While at Handong, Voss stayed on the second floor of a dorm called International House with three roommates, two of their names translating to David. His favorite food to try with his roommates was Korean double fried chicken he would order late at night.
Voss and his roommates would play soccer and pick-up futsal until 1 a.m.
“I did get to learn the language from taking Korean I,” Voss said, “even though I wasn’t in a host family. But there’s many languages in the dorm. There are people from literally all over the world, and lots of people that were TCKs, or third culture kids, as well. So, it was a really unique environment and a really cool blend of people.”
In addition to double fried chicken, other local foods that Voss tried were tteokbokki and samgyeopsal.
Tteokbokki is a dish that consists of rice and noodles. Samgyeopsal is a barbecue offered at all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurants in Korea, Voss said. He also said there are not a lot of ovens in Korean kitchens, so most food is boiled on a stove.
Voss had the opportunity to travel and see many sights in Korea through Pohang International Community Church, guided by a pastor there.
“So, he’d take us almost every weekend or every other weekend around the city,” Voss said. “I was able to go to Jeonju … There (were) all these big tombs of emperors. I went to Seoul while I was there, and Busan. I saw lots of drone shows, fireworks, tons of good food, ice cream.”
Outside of South Korea, Voss spent ten days in Japan taking a bullet train, going to Mount Fuji, Kyoto City, Nara City and a few other sites.
Voss’s favorite traveling experience during the semester was a waterfall hike.
“There were 11 different waterfalls on this hike, and you’d hike up to these different stages of waterfalls,” Voss said. “And at one point, there was a waterfall coming over into this lake, and you could see some caves a little bit behind it. Some of my friends crossed over the river and the ponds and went in the caves behind the waterfall.”
Voss also went to what he described as the tallest art gallery in the world, located in Seoul and standing 63 stories tall. He attended what he said was the largest church in the world, which astounded him.
Prior to his semester abroad, Voss was looking forward to getting to know the people there. He was curious to see how Christian worship functioned in a different culture. The environment was different from that of Taylor, he said, but he was glad to see that everyone there still loved worshiping Jesus.
“I mean, I was a little nervous,” Voss said, “but honestly, I love to travel, so I was super excited. I was the only Taylor student there, so I went, and I didn’t know anybody on the continent, if that gives you perspective. But it was really exciting, and I got really welcomed in when I was there.”
On several days, there were groups of people playing and singing worship songs together. They held signs saying, “Jesus loves you” as well as some verses. There were also several worship nights designed specifically for international students, and some nights were for the entire campus.
One of Voss’s goals since returning to Taylor is to keep the positive and joyful attitude that he built up during his semester abroad. He hopes to glorify God when remembering the trip, he said.
“That’s something I strive to do,” Voss said. “And just having praise always on the tip of my tongue and always giving God the glory and praising Him. Even when it’s Monday morning and you’re just wanting to walk to class, just keeping in mind that God is good, and He has a good plan for us.”
Voss’s message for students who plan to study abroad is to listen to where God is calling them to go, and be joyful wherever he takes you.
