Introduction & Why I Want To Study Abroad in Gwangju, South Korea

Hello! My name is Kalue yang and I am currently working towards studying abroad in Gwangju, South Korea. A little about myself: I was born in Thailand, and grew up in Fresno, California. My family came here in 2004 and I have been very blessed to be given so many opportunities that have shaped me into who I am today. Today, I identify myself as a Hmong American college student and take great pride in my Southeast Asian roots. I am very passionate about inspiring active participation and encouraging representation and empowerment in my Southeast Asian community. Much like many immigrants, my parents came here in hopes of a brighter future for their kids. Seeing my parents' hard work to provide for us motivated me to do well in school. I can now say that I made it to college with a full-ride scholarship, but that is not the end of my educational journey. My Purpose: My purpose in studying abroad really comes down to meeting new people, learning about a new culture, learning about alternative mental health approaches, growing as an individual, and having fun. This study abroad experience is not only an opportunity to learn about another culture. As a psychology major, I really hope to gain more exposure to a variety of mental health interventions and approaches that we might not practice here in the U.S. I would also like to share my experiences with other students, especially our Hmong students who are underrepresented in study abroad programs, and really be a source of encouragement for them. Coming from a low-income family of ten kids, I know that this may be my only opportunity to travel abroad at this young age for a long period of time because I am eligible to receive some financial aid. Since my parents cannot help me financially, I have been working 2 jobs while being a full-time student just so I can save money towards this dream of mine. Overall, I still need over $8,000 in personal funds to cover the entire journey. Thank you all in advance for your time and support. Thank you in advance to all those who donate! GO FUND ME LINK: https://gofund.me/e9324e9e