Hyojin Park is an exchange student from Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea. She will be studying at Temple University for one semester. Hyojin studies chemical and bimolecular engineering with a minor in bioengineering. While at Temple she is enrolled in cultural enrichment courses as well as academic elective courses. These disciplines Hyojin is studying at Temple include philosophy of religion, marketing, linear algebra and general engineering.

“I like all of my classes, but I like my marketing class the most because I want to work in the marketing field,” Hyojin remarks. “Although my major is chemical and bimolecular engineering, I am more interested in bioengineering. I want to market the latest advancements of bioengineering.” Hyojin mentions that she would like to work for a pharmaceutical company like Astra Zeneca or Pfizer.

At Sogang University, Hyojin is very active at her university. She shares that she is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu chapter, an honor society which focuses on social activities and volunteering. She also leads an a cappella group. “I love to sing,” Hyojin says. “We have concerts every year and I am the lead singer.”

She notes that Temple’s atmosphere is somewhat similar to that of Sogang University.

“I sense the same family atmosphere here,” Hyojin says. “I’ve met many friends as well. One of my friends has invited me to see her home in Washington, D.C, which I think is pretty cool.”

While Hyojin notes that her university isn’t as old as Temple, she admires Temple’s historical background and finds it very interesting. Temple University was founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell while her home university is 50 years old only.

Like many international students, Hyojin views Temple’s close proximity to the city as a huge advantage. “I am able to enjoy city life and travel to nearby cities fairly easily.” So far Hyojin has traveled to Boston and New York City, and plans to visit Washington D.C. and Miami.

Since high school, it has always been Hyojin’s dream and goal to study abroad. She boasts that she is most proud that she has been afforded the opportunity to study abroad at Temple.

“This opportunity has allowed me to develop into a mature adult,” Hyojin reflects. “The challenges that I’ve faced and overcame have taught me to be more independent.”

“My priority for the remainder of the semester is to improve my English,” Hyojin says. “It’s also important that I create memories so that I never forget my experience at Temple. I enjoy the freedoms in America, which is the reason I’d like to return.”

After completion of her undergraduate studies, Hyojin plans to seek her master’s degree in marketing at an American university.