안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo / Hello)! My name is Laura, and I am 21 years old. I was born in Randallstown, Maryland, later moved to Catonsville/Ellicott City, Maryland, and now study Linguistics with a focus on Korean language and culture at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I’ll also be celebrating my 22nd birthday here in Korea this October!
My love for Korean dramas and K-pop first brought me closer to my sisters and sparked my deeper interest in the Korean language and culture. This semester, I am studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea, where I look forward to experiencing both traditional and modern parts of the city — from palaces and markets to trendy neighborhoods, cafes, and live music. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, exploring fashion, and trying new and traditional foods.
I feel very blessed to be here, thanks to the Gilman Scholarship and other scholarships I received through UMBC, which helped me tremendously with the costs of this program. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you in Korea and inspire you to achieve your dreams!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
