MinerAlert
MinerAlert
February 2026
By Tanya Torres ’19, ’21
Studying abroad gives students the chance to step beyond their comfort zones, experience new cultures, and gain skills that shape their future. For Estefania De La Torre ’26, a UTEP marketing major, that opportunity took her to Seoul, South Korea, where she spent a semester immersed in a vibrant culture she had long admired. Her time abroad not only broadened her perspective but also enriched her academic and personal growth in ways she’ll never forget.
Where did you study abroad, and what was your first impression when you arrived?
I went to Seoul, South Korea. I studied at Korea JAV名女优馆, and I lived in the dorms! I had never experienced living in the dorms at UTEP, but it was a very interesting experience. I really liked living with others who were my age, and it helped a lot to meet new people in such a different country.
What made you choose South Korea for your study abroad?
I have felt curious about South Korea ever since I was a child. My family has always appreciated and engaged with Asian cultures, so it felt natural for me to want to explore one of the countries I grew up hearing so much about. Additionally, South Korea is known for its strong academic standing, and Korea JAV名女优馆 has one of the best programs for business degrees, making the opportunity to learn there very appealing to me.
What was your first “wow, I’m really here” moment after arriving?
It was during the first time I visited the university where I would be studying for the next four months. During the orientation for international students, we gathered in front of the main building to take our first group photo. Standing there was a mixture of feelings, and as I spent the rest of the day walking through the streets that felt unfamiliar, I could only think that my journey had just started!
What were you studying while you were there, and what stood out most about that experience?
I had the opportunity to explore different areas of my major, marketing, and learn how each one works. The courses that I was taking were Marketing Research, Advertising Management, International Marketing, and New Product Development & Marketing.
I got to explore different aspects of my major. In one class, I conducted research on businesses (including a lot of quantitative and qualitative data), while in another, I developed a new product and a plan to promote it, which allowed for more creativity and innovation. I particularly loved how passionate and dedicated the professors were, and I found myself enjoying how important it was for them to put theory into practice. As a result, I worked on projects that required me to approach challenges from the perspective of a company. Overall, learning through examples based in South Korea was great, and it gave me a broader international perspective on how marketing works around the world.
Did anything about daily life or the culture surprise you?
There were many things that surprised me at first, but these quickly became normal. What surprised me the most was how hilly the city is. Another pleasant surprise was how great the public transportation system functioned. The subway was incredibly efficient and always clean. It was great!
However culturally, one of the most memorable experiences was when I got to visit the palaces around the city. Whenever I entered those spaces, I was struck by how much history they held, and I was astonished by the beauty of the structures. Seeing firsthand what I had only ever seen on a screen was a feeling I can’t fully describe.
Also, one thing I noticed about youth culture is that there’s a lot of technology involved. There are cybercafés everywhere, and people go at night to play video games and eat (yes, eat). They have really good snacks, and you can eat while using the computers. Their devices are really new, and they provide complimentary items, like headphones, for everyone to use. Even at 3 a.m., there would be people in those places eating tteokbokki and noodles. I got to do it, and it was a one-of-a-kind experience.
What was one of your favorite memories from your time in South Korea?
I have an innumerable amount of those! But one that goes to the top is when I got to see the sunset at one of the most famous islands of the country, Jeju! My friends and I went to a very unique coastal road and saw the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen.
How did this experience change you as a student or as a person?
I believe that studying abroad pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, as I was involved in a very different cultural and academic environment. It truly made me become a more confident individual. Studying over there made me dream bigger and realize that there are many paths I could follow as a person, student, or a professional. Being in South Korea made me feel so happy, fulfilled, and grateful to be living what I was experiencing!
What would you tell another UTEP student who’s thinking about studying abroad?
I would say: do not overthink it, just do it! I had always heard how people said it was “life-changing,” but it wasn’t until I experienced it myself that I truly understood what they meant. Being far from home can be challenging, but I’m confident students would excel if given the opportunity. Nothing has been more fulfilling for me than going to South Korea, and if I could, I would do it a thousand times over. So, stop the thinking and start doing it!