I did the exact same thing two years ago, moved there to learn Korean without knowing how long I would stay... I had such a blast, and my Korean skyrocked. Came just knowing how to order food and ask where are the toilets, ended up being able to work in marketing. HARD WORK AND CONSISTENCY are key BUT most of all: passion. Only passion will get you somewhere. Have a great time in Korea :)
As a person who started learning Korean 9 months ago, I am so inspired by your determination. Your passion for the culture makes me want to learn more myself :) I wish you the best and can’t wait to see what happens next :)
Thank you so much!! And you can do it~~! 🤍 I highly encourage you to learn more about the culture~ It's honestly so rewarding to better understand the culture of the country who's language you're learning~ Plus for Korean there comes a point where you have to learn the culture to become more proficient in the language haha
@@shreekim942 hi so i barely started learning korean about 2 weeks or so ago and i'd say start with learning hangul either with GO! Billy (he has a whole playlist for it), Talk To Me In Korean's YT channel (sadly they only have 2 episodes and don't teach the entire alphabet but it's still super helpful), or with Yonsei University's 5 week course on Coursera. The Yonsei course is free unless you want to pay $50usd saying that you completed a course at Yonsei. I just finished my first week with the course and I have to say it's been really helpful but I'd still recommend watching other videos to help along (especially on double consonants.) The course is called First Step Korean. To be very honest with you I don't know where to go after that but that's where I'm at and I hope that helps a bit :)
Learning Korean changed my life. Thanks to it, I've been on television, worked as a Translator, and currently work has Korean/English radio host. Keep at it and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that open up to you. 화이팅!!!
omg when you purchased the tickets and then said “we’re going to Korea” it gave me goosebumps because, im currently 13 and when im older I want to move to korea as well. ive been studying korean for a few months now and i just wanted to thank you because your videos have helped so much 💜
same! I'm 15 and I've been learning Korean by myself for about a year but I'm finally taking an actual class, and I want to move to Korea hopefully to become an English teacher, but I also would still like to learn the language even though it's not required. Recently I've been thinking about going to a Korean university after I graduate high school because Natalia inspired me a lot
Hello from the Netherlands! I just graduated high school, didn't get into uni and am now taking a gap year in which I'll hopefully be able to make a trip to Korea. I try to study as much Korean as I can in my free time, even in the short breaks I have at my job as a waitress. I hope I can save up enough money for a few weeks in Korea, I'm hoping to go next year. This video made me really happy, I hope I can go through a process like this once. I'm only 17 and the world seems scary, but why not explore? Best of luck on your journey, and yes, let's meet in Seoul :)
@@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 I won't lie, I had to look up what that meant (English isn't my first language either lol), but thanks for the tip! It'll definitely come in handy :)
@@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 Great advice, Laur. For decades I have championed this approach to second language learning (well, we should really call it acquisition by now), but many people, some of whom working as language teachers, are still think using 19th and early 20th century methods of 'studying/teaching'' languages.
I'm a junior in high school , and am already looking at these types of videos to prepare my papers in advance because i'm so stressed about all of the application stuff XD ( oh and i'm doing that for multiple korean colleges just in case TwT) You're helping me so much , thank you
I CRIED WHILE WATCHING THIS OMG I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. And I was there while you were selling your books, and I thought "she is MOVING to Korea". I can't wait to see your vlogs in Seoul.
Me as a person that is dreaming and working hard to get to Korea one day, I was almost crying with this video. I can feel all the emotions, feeling excited but also sad because of all the thing leaving behind to get new ones. 축하해요! 화이팅 👏🏼
I lived in Korea for 7 years, came back to the states for a couple of years to take care of my elderly grandmother (who has since passed) and I plan on going back in 2022. Even though I got involved with a VERY toxic Korean friend during my stay, I don't regret any of it (well, except meeting them and not learning Korean as I should have).
this was actually very informative most people don’t go into detail like you did! thank you :) it’s helpful to know things like them needing the bank statement verified i’m sure a lot of ppl go through the same experience. i’m an overthinker as well so for me the more questions i have answered the better i feel
I'm crying, you are literally living my dream (except I am more interested in Japan & Japanese). I was a self learner back in 2017 but gave up so quick and was demotivated with my lack of progress. I picked it back up in 2020 but didn't realize how bad the pandemic would impact my mental health. Slowly getting back into Japanese now. But just thinking to myself, if I had only kept it up since 2017, I might have been able to move & work/go to school in Japan by now. I am happy with my current career and being almost 30 I feel like I am missing my chance slowly. Hoping that I can somewhat complete my dream by at least learning Japanese and working for a company that could use me to translate or something in the future but still live in Canada (most of the time, I would LOVE to travel for work post pandemic for like weeks or months at a time). Best of luck! I wish you nothing but happiness as you live out your dream in South Korea
This made me super emotional. It must be hard to leave everything behind. Your are truly an inspiration Natalia. Your determination on following and doing what you really love is a huge inspiration for me and for many other people. You make me feel like I am not alone in this journey and that if you did it I can too! I can't wait to see your next adventure in Korea! I wish you the best of luck 💜
As a former KU study abroad student who has a similar desire to go back, I am so happy to all the work you put in to make this happen. It's hard to put into words how special it feels to work hard and go to Seoul. The city offers so many warm, magical moments and I'm happy to see you out there learning the language. Study hard and make a lot of warm memories!
Watching this made me feel like a child and we are the same age 😅, you are able to do so much on your own, you are so mature and independent! I'm really excited and happy for you. You go girl!
Couldn’t help but tear up when you finally booked your flight ticket. Felt the reality of the big step sinking in as if I were right beside you. Excited for your journey in Korea! Thank you for the very informative video 🤗💖
So soo so happy for you Natalia! I’ve been following your journey for a period of time I no longer remember but I always feel thrilled following your journey to Kr All the best!!!!!! Excited for ur next chapter!
Waah I'm so happy for you! 🥳 I did the same thing with Scotland: studied abroad one semester, extended it to two, then moved back for grad school (after which I ended up staying for 5 years and getting married woo). I can't imagine how much more of an experience it is doing that in a new language. You're on such an adventure! Sending positive vibes from home in Austin. Edit: Bank transfers from the USA are a pain in the arse, it definitely wasn't you! I've been on that frustrating boat several times.
Gaelic is Scotlands native language, i had thought. I meant....i thought english was like their 3rd spoken language or something. Definitely thought they had an older language than english.
@@patricew.4010 Sort of. Scottish Gaelic (different from Irish Gaelic) is officially considered an endangered language and according to a 2011 census it had only 57,000 speakers left. English has been the dominant official language for a long time, though Scots is still prominent in some areas, including some very old dialects that survive in the islands and far northern bits. The use of Gaelic in schools was banned for many years, just like Welsh was banned in Wales in an attempt to destroy everything non-English. There's somewhat of a revival going on now post-devolution, but the language is still endangered. I lived in and traveled around Scotland for 5 years and never once heard Gaelic; I only encountered it as occasional street signs and place names, and some things had both languages. This of course will vary by region but the majority of the population is further south and away from the so-called Gaelic stronghold of the Outer Hebrides. Tl;dr Scotland uses English and you don't need any Gaelic knowledge to live there.
Several things 1. congratulations I know this is something you've been working towards 2. Did the Houston Consulate not have any appointments available?? 3. How long is the program and will you get your masters directly after? 4. That editing is on point, everything looked amazing and definitely made me teary-eyed 5. Be safe in quarantine and enjoy being back in SK again
Adventures like this you will NEVER forget in your life. And you will always cherish them till your last days and always talk about it for the rest of your life. Congrats and looking forward to more adventures. Thanks for inviting us on this journey. I'm so excited and can't wait to your next video!! 🤗
I recommend Bank of Hope for a US domestic bank while in Korea. They are a Korean American Bank, You also get a waiver of the wire fees to Korea every chuseok. They also have an office in Korea so you can get help while in Korea.
you have the sweetest energy omg?? i could feel your emotions as you spoke and i was just so excited for you :,) i hope to follow your footsteps and do language school in korea one day :,)
This made me cry bittersweet tears!! I'm so happy for you, I've been studying Korean since January 2019 and really want to study abroad to Korea too. I'm really hoping next year I can go.
UGHHHH This makes me want to move back to Korea so badlyyyyy. I don't know what kind of PTSD I have but all your paperwork stressing had me feeling sentimental lol. So are you planning on transitioning straight from the language program to your master's program?
I really enjoyed this detailed account of the start to your journey! The stress was worth it 😂 Good luck to you!!! I've got no doubt you will do great 😃👍🏼🇰🇷
I studied Korean at the Korea Uni Language Centre in 2018 and 2019 and i absolutely loved it, so I'm sure you will too :) It led the way to me doing my MA in East Asian Studies at Sogang Uni in Seoul, which i just graduated from in August. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for you :D
I‘m currently crying because I’m proud of you for achieving all the things I’m dreaming about since 5 years. I’m sad because for me it’s never going to be anything but a dream. I hope you enjoy the time there and make lots of memories. Congratulations ^^
Okay I haven't watched all of it yet but am all tears now... Proud of you now.... For me i had stopped learning but this is so encouraging.... You are a blessing God bless you... Celebrating with you... You are a language guru thank you for sharing your journey
I have just found your channel. I am now in Seoul, also as a student and slowly and gradually changing my life... I must double your age😆 But I so identified with the emotions you convey and I loved your video♥️ It came in at a very good timing😊 Thank you🥰
Oh my gosh!! I was so excited for you the whole time I was watching this video! I'm about to get started on my Korean journey in a serious way and I'm heading to university next week to start my studies, this video gives me butterflies thinking about the possibilities the future holds. I really hope everything goes well and that your quarantine wasn't too boring. Good luck!!
Sooo happy for you!! Also very envious! With a husband, mortgage, etc it would be near impossible for me to do that ugh Looking forward to the awesome content to come, wish you the very best!!
I'm married and own a house. I used a job break to go to Korea for three months to study in Busan and 2years later at the end of a job contract I went again for 2 months to Study in Seoul. It was wonderful to be a student again. It's a very satisfying holiday.
@@AlongfortheThrill True, I was moving from one job to another, so strictly, the first time I was unemployed, and the second time I was between contracts, so the second time I was unemployed too. I dreamed of being able to do it, so I saved (hard) a pool of cash for when the opportunity arose, and it did. I really wanted to do it so I looked for every opportunity to make it happen. Also, I lived very cheaply in Korea by living in a goshiwan and feeding myself from supermarket (less from restaurants), and doing free activities like walking along the HanGang River Park. It's surprising how cheap you can make it.
thank you for these videos. I spent one semester in korea and i loved it so much. now i want to go back to go to language school after finishing my bachelor‘s degree. but i always get doubts cause people have many opinions on it but watching videos like yours makes me really wanna do it because i feel like it‘s right for me!
I would like to give you a big round of applause for your passion and your love for Korean Language 😊 As a Korean, I have been learning English independently since last year. Sometimes I get frustrated and desperate. But I get motivated by your video now!! 감사합니다^^
I came here for the big news, I stayed for the vibes ❤️ I’m so happy for you while silently following your journey, just manifesting the happiness now 🥳
Oh, so young ! I read a comment about an 82 year old in SK taking a language course. That inspired me, a lot. You're never too old to start learning another language.
I startet 2 weeks ago in South Korea at an language institute. I was a bit insecure because literally everyone is much younger than me (I‘m 30), but seeing your comment really inspired me :)
I know a few business owners snd just so you know the BBB is a pay to play system, you can pay to have bad reviews removed which artificially increases your rating. Since learning that i don't really trust the BBB as a reference since a good rating just means having money to expunge enough bad reviews to change their rating.
20:53 The moment I saw your IG stories, I immediately thought that you were successful! AAAH! I'm so happy as someone who's been on this journey with you for so long! Stay safe & rock this new chapter dear!💜💜💜
Aww, Natalia! I remember you saying about how hard you were working on editing this video in quarantine and oh my goodness! Your hard work paid off-in both this announcement video and just reaching your goals! So excited for you! 🥳🥰💕
giiirl you had me sobbiiiiing at the montage ;;;;;; anyway - I had a similar journey to yours and when you said "if Korea will reject my documents..aGaiN" I felt that :'D been there done that lol...but luckily we both made it (however, I'm still in the quarantine for another week)!! I'm so proud of you for following your dreams!
It is my first time watching a video like this completely till the end bcs it was so informative and fun to watch 🥺 congratulations and all the best to your new journey in life
I FEEL YOU!!!! I'm currently preparing an exchange semester in Korea and I'm in the middle of taking care of everything - passport, visa, buying my plane ticket, insurances, booking my quarantine hotel, wrapping up my current internship and quitting my job, you name it. I stress HARD so I'm constantly worried that like, one dot too little or too many on one of my documents means that my travel plans will be canceled. Not to mention the looming threat of the travel advice changing at any given time because of covid (meaning I lose all support from my home university and I won't be insured). I'm also stressing because I don't have any time in between to study Korean. IT. IS. STRESSFUL. I'm so glad you got to go! Hope I can say the same in 6 weeks!!
Hey Natalia! I've been watching your videos for a while and I'm really happy for you on your journey. Leaving everything behind to start a new chapter in your life can be difficult especially since you've got to leave so many amazing people. I loved your montage of memories and it me tear up. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Your videos have made me cheer up so many times. Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration!!
Woa, you really got me! Congratulations Natalia! I've been following your Korean learning journey for a while and all I can say is that you are one brave girl!
AHAAHAHA It was really hard keeping it a secret for so long~ It was so much more burdensome than I anticipated 💀🥺 And omgggg it was the planing that made me strong enough to take the leap~!!
Ahhh this is so exciting! I have been in Seoul for just over a year and a half now teaching English in order to save up and go back to school to study and focus on Korean again before trying to apply for my Master's degree. I have finally reached my goal of what I needed to save up and I think I am going to be applying to study Korean starting in the Spring semester of 2022! I am debating between a couple universities I want to apply to but this has definitely been a big reminder for me of what I am working towards. Congratulations!!
If you're open for some advice, be careful to check what each university's language centre focuses on in regards to Korean skill development so that it matches your goal. Ex.: Sogang is mainly focused on reading and writing (academic/Topik) whereas Korea Uni lets you choose between topik focused afternoon classes and regular morning classes which are much more conversation-heavy than other uni's classes. Don't expect all language centres to teach you speaking/conversational skills :) And good luck!!
I also came to Korea from the US. I was only going to stay for one year, but I've been living in Korea for 13 years hahaha I don't have intention of going back to the US. well, living here for 13 years, I am so used to living here, it is my home. I love Korea.
this makes me so so happy. i also dream to go to south korea someday and maybe study there too. i am an upper beginner and i know now that there's no limit to what one can do. i am so so happy for you. you have always been an inspiration to many including me. i hope you have a great time there. 파이팅!!
I only started watching your videos 2 months ago or so when I started my Korean learning journey, and your videos have inspired me so much! They give me so much inspiration and motivation to keep up my language learning. I’ve given up on learning before in the past but this video is so motivational bro ,,, and as a fellow Hispanic person interested in Korea and Korean culture, it’s so cool seeing you go out there and live out your dreams of studying there :)
I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU GIRL, I'M SOBBING. You were always the one who motivated me to study Korean once for all. I've been watching your videos for two years and seeing your progress inspires me to keep studying hard Korean. Since this January 1st, I started to learn Korean and I'm so glad 'cause my dream also is to study in a Korean university. I hope next year I can go and study in an American high school (because is one of my dreams as well). Now I'm been living in Mexico but 3 years ago I wanted to learn English (to fulfill my dream) and by now I have stopped it however I'm thinking next year to retake English again so I may improve previously I'm in the USA. I'm so proud of you, you motivate me a lot. And I don't feel alone anymore, I'm doing everything for a language too (English and Korean🤭) sometimes I feel bad because my love for a language leads me to do "questionable things" but it's my dream and I'll keep going forward, thank you, Natalia. We love you and I wish you a wonderful stay in Korea. Sorry for my English though, I'll improve for better.😅💜
Your English is perfect ! I live in England and I have to say, too many English people need improving their language skills. Good luck in your endeavours !
@@Ploiesti2001 Thank you so much for your support🥺💜 I'll try hard and even though I'm kinda scary I know eventually everything will be alright. Follow your dreams too👐 Thank you!!
You got this girl! For me- ahem- I have been learning Korean for a whole damn year and I still can’t learn.. my parents don’t support me of learning it and they won’t let me pay for apps or buy books because they thing it ain’t worth it-
Thank you so much for the video! I actually wanted to see the whole process the feelings and how to face each an every step in the process when someone is moving / traveling to another country. Specifically in this Covid situation. This was so detailed but I wished you recorded and talked about how you felt on the way to the airport, on the plane, on the Incheon airport and how and what happened on the way to the place you're gonna live and how the place looks like etc. But it's a nice video and good luck with your life and studies there!
I knew, it is gonna happen when I saw you selling your books. I am so happy for you and hope that all your plans will happen as you wish. Now you can really call it "Road to Masters", as the language school is hopefully your last stage before your masters. 🍀🤞
I am actually looking into doing this so this vlog was amazing for me. I went to Korea and completely fell in love with the place and want to go to language school as a result.
I am just now seeing this because I am currently wanting to do a study abroad program to learn Korean like you but what is funny is, I also went to TXST 22' and from San Antonio! Your journey is inspiring me
Omg I dont even know ypu and this is the first vlog i watched from your channel but idk why and how am i getting tearful. This was warming. Maybe the flashbacks clips caught my heart. I hope you always stay healthy and become successful. A stranger like me dont have much to say. Thanks for the video
Woohoo! Congrats on taking a huge step!
Thank you!! 🤧
I did the exact same thing two years ago, moved there to learn Korean without knowing how long I would stay... I had such a blast, and my Korean skyrocked. Came just knowing how to order food and ask where are the toilets, ended up being able to work in marketing. HARD WORK AND CONSISTENCY are key BUT most of all: passion. Only passion will get you somewhere.
Have a great time in Korea :)
Can you explain how you did it a little more detailed?
@@lisabeeeo3188 what do you mean?
한국에서 행복하게 보내세요~^^
Are you still working in Korea?How is the working atmosphere in there and working times?
Are you still in Korea
A girl giving up everything for a language .
You have my respect girl: 💜💜
Scary and exciting~
@@NataliaGarza BTW all the best for your future my dream is to get job in south Korea , you inspired me tq 💜
As a person who started learning Korean 9 months ago, I am so inspired by your determination. Your passion for the culture makes me want to learn more myself :) I wish you the best and can’t wait to see what happens next :)
Thank you so much!! And you can do it~~! 🤍 I highly encourage you to learn more about the culture~ It's honestly so rewarding to better understand the culture of the country who's language you're learning~ Plus for Korean there comes a point where you have to learn the culture to become more proficient in the language haha
how did you start learning Korean and can you give me tips please, how much did you improve btw?
@@shreekim942 hi so i barely started learning korean about 2 weeks or so ago and i'd say start with learning hangul either with GO! Billy (he has a whole playlist for it), Talk To Me In Korean's YT channel (sadly they only have 2 episodes and don't teach the entire alphabet but it's still super helpful), or with Yonsei University's 5 week course on Coursera. The Yonsei course is free unless you want to pay $50usd saying that you completed a course at Yonsei. I just finished my first week with the course and I have to say it's been really helpful but I'd still recommend watching other videos to help along (especially on double consonants.) The course is called First Step Korean.
To be very honest with you I don't know where to go after that but that's where I'm at and I hope that helps a bit :)
Learning Korean changed my life. Thanks to it, I've been on television, worked as a Translator, and currently work has Korean/English radio host. Keep at it and you'll be amazed at the opportunities that open up to you. 화이팅!!!
I’m so happy for you! Life is too short to put your dreams aside! I’d be watching your videos on your new phase of Korean learning journey for sure!
Thank you~~ 💕
True
omg when you purchased the tickets and then said “we’re going to Korea” it gave me goosebumps because, im currently 13 and when im older I want to move to korea as well. ive been studying korean for a few months now and i just wanted to thank you because your videos have helped so much 💜
Im 15 (been studying for a couple months as well) & im also planning on going to Korea when im older 😊
@Megan Dowthwaite you’re so kind, thank you for telling them this. i’ll be using this information as well :)
Plz plz plz stay active on this study and don't change so you can follow this dream of yours
It will be worth it!
same! I'm 15 and I've been learning Korean by myself for about a year but I'm finally taking an actual class, and I want to move to Korea hopefully to become an English teacher, but I also would still like to learn the language even though it's not required. Recently I've been thinking about going to a Korean university after I graduate high school because Natalia inspired me a lot
I can't even believe how she managed to do all of this on her own omg
lots and lots of planning and asking my expat friends for guidance 🌝
I cried so much watching this video 😭 Natalia, I’m so happy for you! Congratulations on achieving your dream 💖
omgggg don't cry~ i'm already crying we don't need to group cry hahahahahaha
Same 😩
Same 😭😭😭😭
I was crying at the korean book part 😭😭😭😭😭😭
You got this! 🔥
i swear all the language ppl know each other
Marry my wife
Hello from the Netherlands! I just graduated high school, didn't get into uni and am now taking a gap year in which I'll hopefully be able to make a trip to Korea. I try to study as much Korean as I can in my free time, even in the short breaks I have at my job as a waitress. I hope I can save up enough money for a few weeks in Korea, I'm hoping to go next year. This video made me really happy, I hope I can go through a process like this once. I'm only 17 and the world seems scary, but why not explore?
Best of luck on your journey, and yes, let's meet in Seoul :)
This is so encouraging, I’m sort of in the same boat! Fighting! 💪
learn about comprehensible input if you want to know about how to learn a language properly.
@@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 I won't lie, I had to look up what that meant (English isn't my first language either lol), but thanks for the tip! It'll definitely come in handy :)
안녕하세요, 저는 한국인입니다. 저도 네덜란드를 사랑해요 👍👍👍💚🧡💛
@@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587 Great advice, Laur. For decades I have championed this approach to second language learning (well, we should really call it acquisition by now), but many people, some of whom working as language teachers, are still think using 19th and early 20th century methods of 'studying/teaching'' languages.
Anybody else sobbing at the montage of memories?? Just me?? Congrats, Natalia!!!
I'm a junior in high school , and am already looking at these types of videos to prepare my papers in advance because i'm so stressed about all of the application stuff XD ( oh and i'm doing that for multiple korean colleges just in case TwT) You're helping me so much , thank you
I CRIED WHILE WATCHING THIS OMG I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. And I was there while you were selling your books, and I thought "she is MOVING to Korea". I can't wait to see your vlogs in Seoul.
Me as a person that is dreaming and working hard to get to Korea one day, I was almost crying with this video. I can feel all the emotions, feeling excited but also sad because of all the thing leaving behind to get new ones. 축하해요! 화이팅 👏🏼
I lived in Korea for 7 years, came back to the states for a couple of years to take care of my elderly grandmother (who has since passed) and I plan on going back in 2022. Even though I got involved with a VERY toxic Korean friend during my stay, I don't regret any of it (well, except meeting them and not learning Korean as I should have).
7 years, wow ! Can you tell us more about your experiences ?
ooff... tell more about the toxic korean friend
this must've been a tough decision, but it's so inspiring to see that you're pursuing your dreams!
welcome to Korea!!! 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷
It has been a very scary decision that's for sure~ But so far, I have no regrets~ and thank you~~!! 🥺
this was actually very informative most people don’t go into detail like you did! thank you :) it’s helpful to know things like them needing the bank statement verified i’m sure a lot of ppl go through the same experience. i’m an overthinker as well so for me the more questions i have answered the better i feel
I agree
I'm crying, you are literally living my dream (except I am more interested in Japan & Japanese).
I was a self learner back in 2017 but gave up so quick and was demotivated with my lack of progress. I picked it back up in 2020 but didn't realize how bad the pandemic would impact my mental health. Slowly getting back into Japanese now. But just thinking to myself, if I had only kept it up since 2017, I might have been able to move & work/go to school in Japan by now. I am happy with my current career and being almost 30 I feel like I am missing my chance slowly. Hoping that I can somewhat complete my dream by at least learning Japanese and working for a company that could use me to translate or something in the future but still live in Canada (most of the time, I would LOVE to travel for work post pandemic for like weeks or months at a time).
Best of luck! I wish you nothing but happiness as you live out your dream in South Korea
I'm so excited to be on this journey with you!!!
💕💕💕 thank you, friend 💕
This made me super emotional. It must be hard to leave everything behind. Your are truly an inspiration Natalia. Your determination on following and doing what you really love is a huge inspiration for me and for many other people. You make me feel like I am not alone in this journey and that if you did it I can too!
I can't wait to see your next adventure in Korea! I wish you the best of luck 💜
As a former KU study abroad student who has a similar desire to go back, I am so happy to all the work you put in to make this happen. It's hard to put into words how special it feels to work hard and go to Seoul. The city offers so many warm, magical moments and I'm happy to see you out there learning the language. Study hard and make a lot of warm memories!
Watching this made me feel like a child and we are the same age 😅, you are able to do so much on your own, you are so mature and independent! I'm really excited and happy for you. You go girl!
This is my dream. I’ve been studying Korean for 4 years on and off but I’m currently saving up to go there in the future. Thank you for inspiration!!
Couldn’t help but tear up when you finally booked your flight ticket. Felt the reality of the big step sinking in as if I were right beside you. Excited for your journey in Korea! Thank you for the very informative video 🤗💖
Omg really? I thought it was going to be a story time but omggg I’m so happy for you!! Congratulations!!
Lolololololol noooooo~ but I think this is better no? Haha
So soo so happy for you Natalia! I’ve been following your journey for a period of time I no longer remember but I always feel thrilled following your journey to Kr
All the best!!!!!! Excited for ur next chapter!
OMG IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS VIDEO FINALLY! Getting popcorn, muting my phone, you have my full attention
Waah I'm so happy for you! 🥳 I did the same thing with Scotland: studied abroad one semester, extended it to two, then moved back for grad school (after which I ended up staying for 5 years and getting married woo). I can't imagine how much more of an experience it is doing that in a new language. You're on such an adventure! Sending positive vibes from home in Austin. Edit: Bank transfers from the USA are a pain in the arse, it definitely wasn't you! I've been on that frustrating boat several times.
Gaelic is Scotlands native language, i had thought. I meant....i thought english was like their 3rd spoken language or something. Definitely thought they had an older language than english.
@@patricew.4010 Sort of. Scottish Gaelic (different from Irish Gaelic) is officially considered an endangered language and according to a 2011 census it had only 57,000 speakers left. English has been the dominant official language for a long time, though Scots is still prominent in some areas, including some very old dialects that survive in the islands and far northern bits. The use of Gaelic in schools was banned for many years, just like Welsh was banned in Wales in an attempt to destroy everything non-English. There's somewhat of a revival going on now post-devolution, but the language is still endangered. I lived in and traveled around Scotland for 5 years and never once heard Gaelic; I only encountered it as occasional street signs and place names, and some things had both languages. This of course will vary by region but the majority of the population is further south and away from the so-called Gaelic stronghold of the Outer Hebrides. Tl;dr Scotland uses English and you don't need any Gaelic knowledge to live there.
I started learning Korea 5 years ago. I want to make this same move once my debt from college is low enough 🤞
Several things
1. congratulations I know this is something you've been working towards
2. Did the Houston Consulate not have any appointments available??
3. How long is the program and will you get your masters directly after?
4. That editing is on point, everything looked amazing and definitely made me teary-eyed
5. Be safe in quarantine and enjoy being back in SK again
Adventures like this you will NEVER forget in your life. And you will always cherish them till your last days and always talk about it for the rest of your life. Congrats and looking forward to more adventures. Thanks for inviting us on this journey. I'm so excited and can't wait to your next video!! 🤗
I recommend Bank of Hope for a US domestic bank while in Korea. They are a Korean American Bank, You also get a waiver of the wire fees to Korea every chuseok. They also have an office in Korea so you can get help while in Korea.
you have the sweetest energy omg?? i could feel your emotions as you spoke and i was just so excited for you :,) i hope to follow your footsteps and do language school in korea one day :,)
Oh my goodness, I'm only just learning the basics but you're such an inspiration. I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!
girl i shed a tear for you! It made me so happy to see how much this meant to you! congrats!!
This made me cry bittersweet tears!! I'm so happy for you, I've been studying Korean since January 2019 and really want to study abroad to Korea too. I'm really hoping next year I can go.
UGHHHH This makes me want to move back to Korea so badlyyyyy. I don't know what kind of PTSD I have but all your paperwork stressing had me feeling sentimental lol.
So are you planning on transitioning straight from the language program to your master's program?
I really enjoyed this detailed account of the start to your journey! The stress was worth it 😂 Good luck to you!!! I've got no doubt you will do great 😃👍🏼🇰🇷
I studied Korean at the Korea Uni Language Centre in 2018 and 2019 and i absolutely loved it, so I'm sure you will too :)
It led the way to me doing my MA in East Asian Studies at Sogang Uni in Seoul, which i just graduated from in August. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for you :D
I always admired students who moved to a different country for school and to possibly live there. I don't think I am strong enough
I‘m currently crying because I’m proud of you for achieving all the things I’m dreaming about since 5 years. I’m sad because for me it’s never going to be anything but a dream. I hope you enjoy the time there and make lots of memories. Congratulations ^^
This was like a movie!! Awww I'm so happy this is out!!
Okay I haven't watched all of it yet but am all tears now... Proud of you now.... For me i had stopped learning but this is so encouraging.... You are a blessing God bless you... Celebrating with you... You are a language guru thank you for sharing your journey
I have just found your channel. I am now in Seoul, also as a student and slowly and gradually changing my life... I must double your age😆 But I so identified with the emotions you convey and I loved your video♥️ It came in at a very good timing😊 Thank you🥰
That's inspiring to hear. I am older too and and wonder if there's still a chance to do something like this?
Oh my gosh!! I was so excited for you the whole time I was watching this video!
I'm about to get started on my Korean journey in a serious way and I'm heading to university next week to start my studies, this video gives me butterflies thinking about the possibilities the future holds. I really hope everything goes well and that your quarantine wasn't too boring. Good luck!!
After having followed your study journey for so long, I am SO happy for you!!!
Sooo happy for you!! Also very envious! With a husband, mortgage, etc it would be near impossible for me to do that ugh Looking forward to the awesome content to come, wish you the very best!!
I'm married and own a house. I used a job break to go to Korea for three months to study in Busan and 2years later at the end of a job contract I went again for 2 months to Study in Seoul. It was wonderful to be a student again. It's a very satisfying holiday.
I bet! I wish I got a job break 🤣 I am a mortgage officer, we get no breaks.
@@AlongfortheThrill True, I was moving from one job to another, so strictly, the first time I was unemployed, and the second time I was between contracts, so the second time I was unemployed too. I dreamed of being able to do it, so I saved (hard) a pool of cash for when the opportunity arose, and it did. I really wanted to do it so I looked for every opportunity to make it happen. Also, I lived very cheaply in Korea by living in a goshiwan and feeding myself from supermarket (less from restaurants), and doing free activities like walking along the HanGang River Park. It's surprising how cheap you can make it.
@@eundongpark1672 that's awesome to hear, I'm glad you made it happen!
What?! Omg! Im so happy for youu!
Hehehehehe surprise~!!
thank you for these videos. I spent one semester in korea and i loved it so much. now i want to go back to go to language school after finishing my bachelor‘s degree. but i always get doubts cause people have many opinions on it but watching videos like yours makes me really wanna do it because i feel like it‘s right for me!
I would like to give you a big round of applause for your passion and your love for Korean Language 😊 As a Korean, I have been learning English independently since last year. Sometimes I get frustrated and desperate. But I get motivated by your video now!! 감사합니다^^
I came here for the big news, I stayed for the vibes ❤️ I’m so happy for you while silently following your journey, just manifesting the happiness now 🥳
So happy for you! I'm beginning my Korean language journey at almost 40, and I am inspired by you to keep going!
Oh, so young ! I read a comment about an 82 year old in SK taking a language course. That inspired me, a lot. You're never too old to start learning another language.
I startet 2 weeks ago in South Korea at an language institute. I was a bit insecure because literally everyone is much younger than me (I‘m 30), but seeing your comment really inspired me :)
Your story totally made me cry happy tears for you. I did this when I moved to Ireland eons ago, :) have a wonderful journey!
ahhhhh yay! congrats~ so excited for you! 🙆🏽♀️💕 looking forward to the content you’ll be uploading! ^^
Yay! Thank you! 💕
I know a few business owners snd just so you know the BBB is a pay to play system, you can pay to have bad reviews removed which artificially increases your rating. Since learning that i don't really trust the BBB as a reference since a good rating just means having money to expunge enough bad reviews to change their rating.
I’m excited for you omg this is giving me hope that maybe one day i’ll achieve my dreams too!!
congrats! ❤️❤️
20:53 The moment I saw your IG stories, I immediately thought that you were successful! AAAH! I'm so happy as someone who's been on this journey with you for so long! Stay safe & rock this new chapter dear!💜💜💜
This video is so bittersweet. :') Thank you for sharing all of this with us Natalia❤ i wish you the happiest life in Korea❤
Aww, Natalia! I remember you saying about how hard you were working on editing this video in quarantine and oh my goodness! Your hard work paid off-in both this announcement video and just reaching your goals! So excited for you! 🥳🥰💕
giiirl you had me sobbiiiiing at the montage ;;;;;; anyway - I had a similar journey to yours and when you said "if Korea will reject my documents..aGaiN" I felt that :'D been there done that lol...but luckily we both made it (however, I'm still in the quarantine for another week)!! I'm so proud of you for following your dreams!
This video got me so emotional, I'm so happy for you Natalia. I wish you all the best for this new chapter in Korea ~~
It is my first time watching a video like this completely till the end bcs it was so informative and fun to watch 🥺 congratulations and all the best to your new journey in life
Thank you~~ 🥺 And I'm happy to hear you were able to learn a few things through it too~~
나탈리아 님, 한국에 다시 오신 걸 환영합니다. 영상에서 보니까 아미이신 것 같아요. 저도 아미거든요. 우리 함께 BTS의 나라에서 즐겁고 행복하게 살아요. 건강하시고 한국에서 사랑 많이 받으시길 바랍니다. 원하시는 거 모두 이루세요. 사랑하고 응원합니다. 💜💜💜
i can feel the excitment off the screen ..happy you're realizing your dreams. This will be me one day!!
I can't believe you managed to keep this a secret for so long! I'm glad you did though, this is a pleasant surprise. I'm so happy for you ❤️
Happy for you! You’ve been wanting this for a while and you deserve it! 🥰
As someone who has been learning korean for over a year now, your journey has truly been an inspiration.
You are out here living our dream. So inspiring💕 can’t wait to see your life in Seoul
Congratulations, Natalia, I'm so happy for you! 💖 (I just thought that you were clearing your books to make way for newer ones 😅)
I FEEL YOU!!!! I'm currently preparing an exchange semester in Korea and I'm in the middle of taking care of everything - passport, visa, buying my plane ticket, insurances, booking my quarantine hotel, wrapping up my current internship and quitting my job, you name it. I stress HARD so I'm constantly worried that like, one dot too little or too many on one of my documents means that my travel plans will be canceled. Not to mention the looming threat of the travel advice changing at any given time because of covid (meaning I lose all support from my home university and I won't be insured). I'm also stressing because I don't have any time in between to study Korean. IT. IS. STRESSFUL. I'm so glad you got to go! Hope I can say the same in 6 weeks!!
wow !!! welcome to Korea! 한국에 왔네요?? ^^ 와우 반가워요♡
I'm happy you're able to do what you truly want! All the preparation paid off, good luck with everything :)
Hey Natalia! I've been watching your videos for a while and I'm really happy for you on your journey. Leaving everything behind to start a new chapter in your life can be difficult especially since you've got to leave so many amazing people. I loved your montage of memories and it me tear up. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Your videos have made me cheer up so many times. Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration!!
Wow!!!! Wonderful!!! Am so happy for you. Hope everything goes well and can't wait to follow your journey.
Thank you so much!! 💕
Woa, you really got me! Congratulations Natalia! I've been following your Korean learning journey for a while and all I can say is that you are one brave girl!
AHAAHAHA It was really hard keeping it a secret for so long~ It was so much more burdensome than I anticipated 💀🥺 And omgggg it was the planing that made me strong enough to take the leap~!!
Korea loves mixing up the anxiety when it comes to documents! Hope you're enjoying Seoul.
BRUH I know!!
The way that this all pieces together 😭 I’m so happy all over again!💜💜
Can somebody tell me why I cried 😭 Natalia, you look so happy talking about this ❤️
i also did ahshwhs
Ahhh this is so exciting! I have been in Seoul for just over a year and a half now teaching English in order to save up and go back to school to study and focus on Korean again before trying to apply for my Master's degree. I have finally reached my goal of what I needed to save up and I think I am going to be applying to study Korean starting in the Spring semester of 2022! I am debating between a couple universities I want to apply to but this has definitely been a big reminder for me of what I am working towards. Congratulations!!
If you're open for some advice, be careful to check what each university's language centre focuses on in regards to Korean skill development so that it matches your goal. Ex.: Sogang is mainly focused on reading and writing (academic/Topik) whereas Korea Uni lets you choose between topik focused afternoon classes and regular morning classes which are much more conversation-heavy than other uni's classes. Don't expect all language centres to teach you speaking/conversational skills :)
And good luck!!
The little montage was so sentimental i wanted to cry 😭😭
I also came to Korea from the US. I was only going to stay for one year,
but I've been living in Korea for 13 years hahaha
I don't have intention of going back to the US. well, living here for 13 years, I am so used to living here, it is my home.
I love Korea.
The last like 2-3 minutes made me so emotionally happy. I am so happy that you are finally living your dream!!
The very end is literally my favorite part 🥺🥺
this makes me so so happy. i also dream to go to south korea someday and maybe study there too. i am an upper beginner and i know now that there's no limit to what one can do. i am so so happy for you. you have always been an inspiration to many including me. i hope you have a great time there. 파이팅!!
I only started watching your videos 2 months ago or so when I started my Korean learning journey, and your videos have inspired me so much! They give me so much inspiration and motivation to keep up my language learning. I’ve given up on learning before in the past but this video is so motivational bro ,,, and as a fellow Hispanic person interested in Korea and Korean culture, it’s so cool seeing you go out there and live out your dreams of studying there :)
I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!!!!! You inspire a lot people😭❤️
I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU GIRL, I'M SOBBING. You were always the one who motivated me to study Korean once for all. I've been watching your videos for two years and seeing your progress inspires me to keep studying hard Korean. Since this January 1st, I started to learn Korean and I'm so glad 'cause my dream also is to study in a Korean university. I hope next year I can go and study in an American high school (because is one of my dreams as well). Now I'm been living in Mexico but 3 years ago I wanted to learn English (to fulfill my dream) and by now I have stopped it however I'm thinking next year to retake English again so I may improve previously I'm in the USA. I'm so proud of you, you motivate me a lot. And I don't feel alone anymore, I'm doing everything for a language too (English and Korean🤭) sometimes I feel bad because my love for a language leads me to do "questionable things" but it's my dream and I'll keep going forward, thank you, Natalia. We love you and I wish you a wonderful stay in Korea. Sorry for my English though, I'll improve for better.😅💜
Your English is perfect ! I live in England and I have to say, too many English people need improving their language skills. Good luck in your endeavours !
@@Ploiesti2001 Thank you so much for your support🥺💜 I'll try hard and even though I'm kinda scary I know eventually everything will be alright.
Follow your dreams too👐 Thank you!!
@@eddiereyes3415 - our dreams are all that matters, they provide us with hope, the essential ingredient for survival.
congrats Natalia!!! I'm so happy for you!! this gives me hope this can be me in two years in Japan, thank you 😊🥺
You got this girl! For me- ahem- I have been learning Korean for a whole damn year and I still can’t learn.. my parents don’t support me of learning it and they won’t let me pay for apps or buy books because they thing it ain’t worth it-
Thank you so much for the video! I actually wanted to see the whole process the feelings and how to face each an every step in the process when someone is moving / traveling to another country. Specifically in this Covid situation. This was so detailed but I wished you recorded and talked about how you felt on the way to the airport, on the plane, on the Incheon airport and how and what happened on the way to the place you're gonna live and how the place looks like etc. But it's a nice video and good luck with your life and studies there!
I appreciate the feedback ❤️ and thank you!!!!!!
I knew, it is gonna happen when I saw you selling your books. I am so happy for you and hope that all your plans will happen as you wish. Now you can really call it "Road to Masters", as the language school is hopefully your last stage before your masters. 🍀🤞
AHHHHHH congratulations!!!!!
I'm so proud of you! You're everything I aspire to be. 🥰
I am actually looking into doing this so this vlog was amazing for me. I went to Korea and completely fell in love with the place and want to go to language school as a result.
I am just now seeing this because I am currently wanting to do a study abroad program to learn Korean like you but what is funny is, I also went to TXST 22' and from San Antonio! Your journey is inspiring me
OMGOMGOMGOMG this video was so emotional in all different ways!!! Thank your for sharing every little details and emotions with us!!!
Omg I dont even know ypu and this is the first vlog i watched from your channel but idk why and how am i getting tearful. This was warming. Maybe the flashbacks clips caught my heart. I hope you always stay healthy and become successful. A stranger like me dont have much to say. Thanks for the video
im seriously SO HAPPY FOR YOU! i hope all goes well
I’m so happy for you!!!! I’m also in Korea rn taking Korean classes at Sogang! 화이팅💪🏻
I think your video is about to blow up. 🎀 congratulations
you are literally living my biggest dream. im also from texas and you have motivated me even more than i already was, thank you!