Veritas Christian Study Abroad Essay

The Veritas Christian Study Abroad program is a division of International Studies Abroad (ISA) and offers students the opportunity to travel to various nations around the globe. Veritas specifically targets students, such as myself, who would not only like to advance academically with the variety of disciplines offered, but also actively serve, minister and volunteer in the designated community. The Veritas Christian Study Abroad Program that I am applying to, is the intensive summer 2016 semester hosted by Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. Korea University accounts for one of the well-known acronym ‘SKY’. ‘SKY’, consisting of Seoul National University, Yonsei University and Korea University, are considered the equivalents of Ivy League
I’ve been told by counselors and even family members, that studying abroad is too much of a luxury to afford at this point in time. For a while, even I began to believe in the unfair lie that because of my financial situation, studying abroad is essentially impossible. I struggled with the decision to study abroad; “What If I don’t have enough money to pay for the program, or even sustain myself while abroad? Should I use the money I have for something more feasible? What if money is the reason I’m forced miss out on this experience?” I’ve made up my mind, however, to live life to the fullest and face every challenge head on. Studying abroad is an investment that I am confident will supply me with a life time of benefits. The funding provided by the Gilman Scholarship will both help with the program cost, as well as transportation to the host country. South Korea is a fast growing culture, and I can see its influences now blossoming in the United States. Part of an effective college education is branching out and experiencing different cultures and