Hailing from South Korea and passionate about sports, Somin knew that her career ambitions in sports management would be best nurtured in the US, where she could immerse herself in a vibrant sports culture. Today, she is not only a junior at the University of South Carolina (USC) majoring in sports management, but she’s also an International Accelerator Program (IAP) ambassador, representing her university at various international events, including the prestigious Education USA panel at the US Embassy in Korea.
Somin’s journey is one filled with academic achievements, cultural adaptations, and personal growth. Read on to learn more about how she is currently thriving in the US.
From South Korea to USC
For Somin, the choice to pursue sports management wasn’t just a random decision. Growing up in Korea, she was surrounded by baseball, the country’s most popular sport.
“I really love watching baseball games in Korea, because baseball is the biggest sports industry [there]. Even my parents love it. Every time, whenever I went to watch a baseball game, even though I cannot play baseball, I just wanted to be part of [it],” she shared.
However, finding a sports management program in Korea was a challenge. That’s when Somin made the life-changing decision to study abroad. USC, with its strong sports management degree program, was the ideal choice. The school’s excellent academics, alongside its lively and welcoming campus life (particularly during football season), added to its appeal.
The University of South Carolina is renowned for strong academic programs, particularly in sports management. The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management — ranked #3 in the US for Sport Science Schools and Departments by ShanghaiRanking.com (2016) — is among the best in the country, providing students with hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and industry-relevant coursework.
Finding Her Place in the US
Moving to the US came with its own set of challenges, especially adapting to the culture and language. Like many international students, Somin experienced culture shock upon arrival.
“I think in most Asian countries, we don’t really have small-talk culture. The first time I got into the airport in Columbia, someone was suddenly talking to me, like, ‘How are you? How’s it going?’ I was like, ‘why are you asking me that?’, but I don’t feel [that way] anymore,” she said. Now, it’s Somin who initiates conversations and shares that the openness in the US really helped her adjust.
She also attributes much of her smooth transition to the support she received from the IAP program. “We have a class called ‘UNIV,’ which helps international students adapt to American life. We learn about American culture, how to use campus resources like the library and career center, and even how to build a LinkedIn profile.”
For Somin, the IAP program, and especially the UNIV class, helped her adapt to her new home and made the transition to the US easier.
Representing USC on a Global Stage
Somin’s passion for her school and her desire to help other students led her to become a USC IAP ambassador, a role she initially hesitated to accept.
“I was kind of worried, because I’m really [an] introverted person, and my English is not that good, so I was worried a lot, but this job helped me a lot to make a new connection in this field. I think, after I got this job, my personality kind of changed to being extroverted,” she said.
As an ambassador, Somin’s duties extend beyond campus. This summer, she was selected to be a panelist at an Education USA event hosted at the US Embassy in Korea. The event aimed to help new Korean students prepare for their first semester at US universities. Representing USC alongside students from other renowned institutions like Princeton University and New York University, Somin shared her experiences and offered advice to incoming freshmen.
Somin admits she initially felt nervous about being a panelist, but saw it as a valuable chance to represent her university and assist other students. The event, featuring representatives from approximately 10 universities, allowed her to discuss life in the US, American culture, and adapting to university life. Serving as a panelist not only marked a personal milestone, but also highlighted USC’s strong support for its international students.
Somin’s Advice for Future International Students
For international students considering studying in the US, “don’t be afraid,” Somin said. “Keep an open mind. Everyone is friendly and willing to help.” Even when she faced challenges, whether it was with language, culture, or academics, there were always people and resources to support her.
She also encourages students to take advantage of programs like IAP, which she credits for much of her personal and academic success.
The IAP program helped me adjust to life in the US,” Somin from South Korea, sports management major, University of South Carolina
Looking back, Somin noted that when she first came to the US, she couldn’t speak much English and was really shy. But now, she’s more confident and has even been able to represent her school at an international event.
Somin’s journey from South Korea to South Carolina is evidence that with the right amount of support, determination, and cultural guidance, international students can have a seamless and unforgettable study abroad experience. Her time at USC, from attending exhilarating football games to representing her university on a global stage, have shaped her into a more confident and outgoing individual. For prospective international students, her story serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible when you embrace new opportunities in pursuit of a big dream.
