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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I wanted to experience a completely different culture, step outside my comfort zone, and discover new perspectives on life. After spending many years in Austria, I felt that it was time for a new chapter, one that would challenge me, help me grow as a person, and allow me to learn more about myself. Moving to South Korea was not just about exploring a new country, but also about gaining meaningful experiences, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning to see the world through different eyes. I wanted to become more independent, open-minded, and confident while creating memories and connections that would stay with me for a lifetime.</p><h3>Why did you choose Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)?</h3><p>I chose this organization because, from the very beginning, it made me feel safe, supported, and well-informed. Moving to a completely different country can be overwhelming, especially when you are unfamiliar with the culture, language, and everyday life. The organization provided me with clear information, answered my questions, and helped me understand what to expect. This gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to take such a big step. Knowing that I had someone to turn to if I needed help made the entire experience feel much less intimidating. It allowed me to focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter rather than worrying about all the uncertainties.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3><p>Honestly, everything! I fell in love with South Korea in a way I never expected. From the beautiful balance between tradition and modern life to the food, the language, the little streets, and the kindness of the people, there is something about this country that makes me feel at home. Seoul is such a vibrant city, full of life and endless opportunities to discover something new, yet it also has so many peaceful corners where you can slow down and appreciate the little things.

But what I love most is the feeling of belonging that I found here. What started as an adventure to experience a different culture slowly turned into something much more meaningful. Somewhere along the way, South Korea stopped feeling like a foreign country and started feeling like home. I came here hoping to discover a new part of the world, but instead, I discovered a place where I truly want to build my future. I fell so deeply in love with the culture, the people, and everyday life that I honestly cannot imagine leaving. I came to South Korea as a visitor, but I found a place I now call my second home.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3><p>What made my experience in South Korea truly extraordinary was, without a doubt, the people I met along the way. I arrived in a country where I barely knew anyone, but over time, strangers became friends, and some of those friends even became family.

I was incredibly lucky to meet so many kind, welcoming, and inspiring people who made me feel accepted and appreciated. Through my work as an English companion for Korean families, I was given the opportunity to experience Korean culture in a much more personal and meaningful way. What started as a job slowly turned into genuine connections, shared memories, laughter, and a feeling of belonging.

Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t just the places I visited or the things I experienced that made this year so special. It was the people who shared those moments with me. They taught me that home isn’t always the place where you were born, but sometimes the place where people make you feel like you belong.

I came to South Korea hoping to discover a new culture, but I left with friendships, memories, and people who will always have a special place in my heart. And that is something I will carry with me wherever life takes me.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>The local staff were incredibly supportive throughout my experience, especially during moments when I needed help the most. One situation that really stood out to me was when I became sick during my stay in South Korea. They immediately offered their support, made sure I was doing okay, and helped me communicate with my workplace so that everything could be handled smoothly.

Being sick in a foreign country, far away from home and in an environment where you don’t always speak the language fluently, can feel overwhelming. However, their kindness, understanding, and willingness to help made the situation much easier for me.

What I appreciated most was knowing that I wasn’t alone and that there were people I could rely on whenever something unexpected happened. Their support gave me a sense of security and reassurance, and I am truly grateful for the care they showed me.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3><p>If there is one thing I wish I had done differently during my time in South Korea, it would be to dedicate even more time to learning the Korean language. Although I learned a lot through everyday conversations and interactions with local people, I sometimes wished I could express myself more freely and connect with others on an even deeper level.

I realized that language is so much more than just a way to communicate. It is also a key to understanding a country’s culture, traditions, humor, and way of thinking. There were moments when I wished I could fully participate in conversations without relying on translations or English.

Looking back, I would have loved to study Korean more intensively from the very beginning. However, this experience also motivated me to continue learning the language and improving my skills. Since South Korea has become such an important part of my life, learning Korean is no longer just a personal interest but something I genuinely want to pursue for my future.</p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3><p>A typical day in my life in Seoul was a beautiful mixture of exploring the city, working, and enjoying the little moments that made everyday life so special.

I usually started my morning with a nice cup of coffee before heading out to discover a new corner of Seoul. One of my favorite things about living there was that no two days ever felt exactly the same. There was always a new neighborhood to explore, a hidden street to wander through, or a charming little café waiting to be discovered. Around lunchtime, I would often stop at a cozy café, enjoy some delicious food, and simply take in the atmosphere of the city.

In the afternoon, I would head to work as an English companion for a Korean family. This was always one of the highlights of my day. Rather than feeling like just a job, it became something I genuinely looked forward to. We would spend time together, talk, laugh, and share little moments that eventually turned into wonderful memories. In the evening, I would often have dinner with the family, which gave me another opportunity to experience Korean culture and everyday family life.

Afterward, I would make my way back to my own home, sometimes enjoying the beautiful city lights of Seoul along the way. I usually ended my day by watching an episode of my favorite series before going to bed.

Looking back, what made these days so special wasn’t anything extraordinary. It was the simplicity of everyday life, the people I shared it with, and the feeling that I wasn’t just visiting South Korea anymore. I was truly living there, building my own little routine in a place that had slowly become my home.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3><p>During my free time in South Korea, I loved spending time with the wonderful friends I made along the way. Whether we were exploring new neighborhoods, discovering cute cafés, trying delicious Korean food, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments became some of my favorite memories.

I also took every opportunity to travel beyond Seoul and discover more of South Korea. I wanted to experience as much of the country as possible, from its beautiful landscapes and smaller cities to its traditions and local way of life. Every trip gave me a new perspective and made me fall in love with Korea a little more.

One of the most special moments was when my family came to visit me. Being able to show them the country I had grown to love so deeply was incredibly meaningful. I finally had the chance to share a part of my new life with the people who had known me long before this adventure began.

Looking back, my favorite memories aren’t necessarily the big adventures, but the little moments in between: laughing with friends, getting lost in unfamiliar streets, sharing meals, and realizing how many beautiful connections I had made. My free time wasn’t just about exploring a new country. It was about creating a life filled with friendships, experiences, and memories that I will always treasure.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>During my time in South Korea, I lived in a one-room apartment, which is a very common type of accommodation in Korea. It was a small, simple space, but surprisingly practical and functional. Everything I needed was thoughtfully arranged in one room, making everyday life comfortable and convenient.

What I liked most was how such a small space could still feel like a proper home. It taught me that you don’t need a big apartment or lots of belongings to feel comfortable and happy. I actually enjoyed the simplicity of it, because it made life feel less complicated and allowed me to focus on the experiences happening outside my apartment.

Having my own little space also gave me a sense of independence. After a long day of exploring Seoul or spending time with the family I worked with, I always appreciated coming back to a place that was entirely mine.

It might have been just one room, but over time, it became my own little home in the middle of Seoul, and that made it special to me.</p><h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3><p>One thing I would tell every future participant is: don’t let your fears or worries stop you from having an incredible experience.

Before my program started, I was honestly quite nervous. Moving to a completely different country, not knowing exactly what to expect, and leaving behind everything familiar felt like a huge step. I had so many questions and uncertainties, and I sometimes wondered whether I was making the right decision.

But looking back, I can confidently say that taking this step was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

What I didn’t expect was that I would not only discover a new country and culture, but also meet people who would become such an important part of my life. Through the program, I made wonderful friends who I am still regularly in contact with today. Some of them have even become my closest friends, and I honestly cannot imagine my life without them now.

So, if I could give one piece of advice to anyone about to start this journey, it would be to trust the process. Don’t worry too much about everything that could go wrong. You are in good hands, and there are people who genuinely want to support you along the way.

Be open to new experiences, say yes to opportunities, meet new people, and most importantly, enjoy every single moment. Even the unfamiliar and challenging moments will help you grow.

Sometimes the most beautiful chapters of our lives begin with a little uncertainty. Trust that everything will work out, because this experience might give you so much more than you ever imagined. It certainly did for me.</p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3><p>Yes, absolutely! I would recommend this program to anyone who dreams of experiencing life abroad but might feel a little nervous about taking that first step.

Thanks to this program, I found the courage to step outside my comfort zone and do something I had always dreamed of but wasn’t entirely sure I was brave enough to do. Moving to a completely different country, surrounded by a new language and culture, was a huge challenge at first. However, knowing that I had the support of the organization gave me the confidence to take that leap.

What makes this program so special is that it offers much more than just an opportunity to work abroad. It gives you the chance to grow as a person, become more independent, discover new perspectives, and build meaningful connections with people you might never have met otherwise.

Through this experience, I not only discovered a country that I fell deeply in love with, but I also found lifelong friendships, became part of a Korean family’s life, and learned so much about myself.

Looking back, I realize that the person who arrived in South Korea was not quite the same person who left. I became more confident, open-minded, and willing to embrace the unknown.

This program didn’t just help me move to another country. It helped me overcome my fears and discover a whole new version of myself.

And for that, I will always be grateful. Sometimes all it takes is a little support and the courage to say yes to an opportunity that might change your life forever.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3><p>I believe the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that you don’t just discover a new country, a different culture, or meet new people. You also discover yourself from a completely different perspective.

When you leave behind everything familiar, your daily routines, your surroundings, and the people you have always known, you suddenly have the opportunity to see who you are outside of the life you are used to. You begin to question things you once took for granted, challenge your own beliefs, and discover strengths you never knew you had.

Living in South Korea taught me so much more than I could have ever learned from books or traveling as a tourist. I learned to become more independent, to embrace uncertainty, and to appreciate different ways of thinking and living. Most importantly, I discovered sides of myself that I might never have found if I had stayed within my comfort zone.

I think one of the most beautiful things about experiencing life abroad is realizing that there isn’t just one way to live, one way to think, or one way to define happiness. Every culture, every person, and every experience teaches you something new, not only about the world but also about yourself.

You travel to discover the world, but somewhere along the way, you end up discovering yourself.

And perhaps that is the greatest gift of all. You return with more than memories and photographs. You return with a broader perspective, a deeper understanding of others, and a new understanding of who you are and who you want to become.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>Even though I am back in Austria for now, I feel like a part of me never really left South Korea. My time abroad has changed me in ways I never expected, not only in how I see the world, but also in how I live my everyday life.

I have noticed that I have brought many of the habits, values, and perspectives I learned in Korea back home with me. The way I interact with people, appreciate small moments, and approach certain situations has changed. I have become more open-minded, more independent, and more aware that there are so many different ways to experience and appreciate life.

But perhaps the biggest impact is that my journey with South Korea is far from over. What originally started as a one-year adventure has turned into something I want to make a permanent part of my future. I have decided to return to Korea to attend a Korean language school, where I can dedicate myself to learning the language more intensively and understanding the culture on an even deeper level.

Looking back, I realize that this experience didn’t just give me beautiful memories. It gave me a new direction in life, new dreams, and the courage to pursue them.

I originally went abroad to discover a different part of the world, but I ended up discovering a different version of myself and a place where I truly feel at home.

Coming back to Austria has made me realize just how much South Korea means to me. And while my first chapter there has come to an end, I know that my story in Korea is only just beginning.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>To me, meaningful travel is about so much more than visiting beautiful places, taking pictures, or crossing destinations off a bucket list. It is about taking the time to truly immerse yourself in a different culture, understand the people who live there, and experience the world through a new perspective.

I believe that traveling becomes meaningful when you stop being just a visitor and start becoming part of the world around you. When you take the time to learn a new language, appreciate different traditions, listen to people’s stories, and embrace ways of living that might be completely different from your own.

For me, meaningful travel is also about collecting things that cannot fit into a suitcase: memories, friendships, dreams, experiences, and little moments that stay with you long after your journey has ended.

My time in South Korea taught me that the most valuable souvenirs aren’t the things you buy, but the people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the person you become along the way.

I arrived with a suitcase full of belongings and a heart full of curiosity. I returned with a heart full of memories, new dreams for my future, and people who had become an important part of my life.

I believe meaningful travel isn’t just about discovering new places. It’s about allowing those places, the people, and the experiences to leave a lasting mark on who you are.

Because in the end, the most beautiful thing about traveling isn’t how many places you have seen, but how deeply you have allowed yourself to experience them.</p>

Lisa Hinterberger

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Lisa Hinterberger who participated in Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia) program.

Lisa Hinterberger | Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

Alumni Interview with Lisa Hinterberger

On my lunch break telling off some monkey for trying to get my food

Marleen Duindam

Get to know the people behind IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute}! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Marleen Duindam.

Marleen Duindam | IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Interview

<h3>What inspired you to work for your organization?</h3><p>My favorite part of research has always been the fieldwork, so to be able to do that full-time was so exciting. On top of that, it was a great opportunity for me to share all the knowledge and experience I gained to the next generation of marine scientists and/or conservationists. I love experiential education, so to teach my favorite topics in one of my favorite places in the world was an easy sell. It is incredibly rewarding to watch students progress over the course of 1, 2, sometimes 3 months, watching them build skills and grow in confidence. The connections I still have with many of my former students, following where they've gone in their careers has been so inspiring. It's wonderful to contribute to a small fraction of the large ORI alumni network of ocean stewards.</p><h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3><p>Don't stress too much about what you can't control! If you prepare well and have confidence in your ability to figure things out and make a plan, then you'll be able to sort through almost anything. There will be hiccups and unpredicted situations, but the kindnesses of friends, chosen family and strangers will warm your heart and inspire you to pay it forward. Don't be afraid to start the conversation or say the thing-you never know how many doors to friendships and memories and hilarious stories those interactions can open! In terms of practical advice, figure out your SIM card and outlet adapters in advance, and always, always, always, always, ALWAYS travel with some cash on hand! My mother was right about that. If it weren't for the kindness of a stranger after a cancelled bus, a broken ATM, and no way to get cash to buy cellphone data and buy a new ticket before nightfall, I would have gotten stuck in a small town 2 hours from home!</p><h3>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h3><p>A key reason folks should choose Oceans Research Institute over other competitors is because the program is not solely about teaching folks how to execute a specific method. The entire program is catered towards teaching students about marine field work, from data collection to boat maintenance, gear maintenance, coursework, literature reviews, data entry and more. Not only that, the data students collect is not just about collection for collections' sake. The data goes towards real research projects. The foundational project, the great white shark population dynamics study, is one of the largest datasets of its kind (photo ID) in the world. Every single trip the students take out to look for white sharks goes towards this immense data set that is used in current research projects and government reports. Students are also encouraged to demand more of the program-what you put in will equal what you get out of it. </p><h3>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3><p>ORI's mission is to give students real, hands-on marine field research experience that contributes to real science and conservation efforts in South Africa. I always made sure to teach the "why" behind every lesson or correction. It is one thing for students to just copy and execute what you've told them to do, but it is another entirely if you remind them that what they're working towards has real world impacts on the ecosystems and wildlife they're trying to observe and record. I always engaged students about their "why", to put into context what they were doing, as it can be easy to forget (believe it or not) when you are in a fully immersive experience in an entirely new country, and possibly new continent, for most students. </p><h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3><p>There are a few key traits, habits, and lessons I hoped my students learned during their tenure with Oceans Research. The first was my favorite phrase: teamwork makes the dream work. Not just as a rhyming quip, but as a phrase that permeates all aspects of their life, enabling them to see the power of community and learning from a diverse group of minds. I also wanted students to gain confidence in themselves, to know that learning is a process and it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. I didn't expect everyone to love every project or aspect of the program, but I did want them to explore what their reactions taught them about where they wanted to go next in their lives, in their schooling or their careers.</p><h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3><p>It is profoundly important for folks to realize how vast this world is and to recognize that what they assume everyone knows, values or has access to might not be the lived reality of many, if not most, other folks on the planet. It's also incredibly important for students to learn self-awareness-what might be respectful or normal in their home country might not be received similarly in a new country. It's important to learn how to respect a different world while simultaneously bringing their own unique insights, joys, and contributions from their home country or culture. I, myself, found that I felt more at home in a different country and surrounded by different cultures and values than where I grew up. It's so important to explore what is out there so you know what your options are for you AND for other people.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>Meaningful travel has the capacity to change the course of your life in ways you cannot begin to imagine! For me, I felt more at home in a different country than in the town where I grew up. It means gaining emotionally significant experiences and making real, sincere connections with people and places that you carry with you for the rest of your life. They do not have to be grandiose either-the small, daily interactions with a local coffee shop barista can change the way you move through the world, perhaps giving you confidence to build a home or community in a new town, city, or country down the line. It can also build resilience-turning defensiveness and judgement into patience, curiosity and kindness-ingredients the world needs a lot more of these days.</p>

Co-leading a necrospy for a great white shark that washed ashore in Mossel Bay.

Lacey Williams

Get to know the people behind Oceans Research Institute}! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Lacey Williams.

Lacey Williams | Oceans Research Institute Interview

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