Hello, my name is Lauren Tran, and I am a sophomore majoring in Business at the University of Utah. I was born and raised in Utah, and during my senior year of high school, I learned about the University of Utah Asia Campus. Since I had already planned to attend the University of Utah, discovering that there was a campus in South Korea immediately caught my interest.
Although I had never been to South Korea before, my family visited shortly after my graduation. During that trip, I had the chance to tour the Utah Asia Campus, and I instantly knew I wanted to apply. From the food to the culture, everything about South Korea fascinated me, and I was excited by the thought of calling it home.
I officially began my journey here in the spring semester of my freshman year, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Before classes started, I had a week to explore Seoul with other students. We spent our time shopping, café hopping, sightseeing, and even visiting amusement parks. Those early experiences made it easy to build friendships and feel part of the community right away.
Adjusting to classes at the Utah Asia Campus took some time, as they were quite different from those at the home campus in Salt Lake City. With smaller class sizes and all courses held in a single building, it initially felt unusual—but I quickly grew to appreciate it. The setting allowed me to connect more closely with both professors and classmates, making the learning experience more personal and engaging.
Living in the dorms was another defining part of my experience. It was my first time living away from my parents, and while it was an adjustment, it gave me independence. I learned how to manage my schedule, take care of myself, and balance academics while exploring a new country. On weekends, I enjoyed shopping, karaoke, concerts, and experiencing Korea’s vibrant nightlife.
One of the biggest highlights has been the chance to travel. South Korea’s location made it affordable and easy to explore other parts of Asia. I visited Busan, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China—all within just a few hours by plane. Each trip gave me unforgettable memories, from eating sushi in Osaka to exploring night markets in Taichung. Visiting China was especially meaningful, as I am Chinese, and it gave me the chance to practice my Mandarin in real-life situations. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for cultural richness in this part of the world.
As the semester drew to a close, I couldn’t imagine leaving Korea, so I decided to stay for a full year. This fall, one of my childhood friends also joined me at the Utah Asia Campus, making this semester even more special.
Studying in South Korea has truly been life-changing. I’ve become more independent, gained confidence in navigating new environments, and built friendships with people from around the world. Most importantly, it reminded me just how big the world is and how much there is to experience beyond my comfort zone in Utah. If you are considering applying to the U Asia Campus, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap—you won’t regret it.
– Written by Lauren Tran, Fall 2025 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communications Center, University of Utah Asia Campus
