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Marissa’s Study Abroad Journey: Finding Confidence and Herself in Seoul

February 11, 2026
a young black woman standing in front of an Korean exhibition

For Marissa Bell (BA ​’25), traveling to South Korea wasn’t just a three-week program; it was a defining moment in her personal and creative journey. She had always dreamed of living somewhere beyond the United States, and Seoul offered the perfect chance to test that dream and see if the city she’d imagined could truly feel like home.

From the moment she arrived, Seoul captivated her. Every corner of the city felt alive with design and intention, with the balance of tradition and modernity, the careful attention to architectural detail, and even the vibrant street scenes. It was as if the city itself were a living work of art.

Learning Confidence Through Challenge

One of the most transformative experiences came during a speaking exam in her Beginner Korean class. Though nervous at first, Marissa surprised herself by speaking naturally once the exam began. That small victory marked a turning point and taught her that confidence doesn’t come from perfection, but from the courage to try.

That mindset followed her throughout the trip. As she explored Seoul’s creative spaces and culture, she began to open up, and became less concerned about fitting into expectations. She began to create from a place of authenticity, driven not by what others might think, but by who she wanted to become as an artist.

a group of young women standing in front of a university

Seeing the World Differently

Daily life in Seoul brought a stream of quiet revelations. Even small details, like the design of public restrooms or the rhythm of mealtimes, made her realize how much culture shapes design in our everyday life. It was humbling to realize how much of the world she hadn’t yet experienced, and how exciting it was to keep discovering it.

The trip wasn’t without its challenges. Navigating a new country without familiar support systems tested her independence in ways she hadn’t expected. Through those moments, she discovered a deeper resilience. The experience taught her what real independence looked like: asking for help when needed, trusting herself to problem-solve, and finding comfort in uncertainty. Each day strengthened her sense of self.

four young women standing in front of a Korean building
young woman standing in a urban space with graffiti and plants

A New Perspective

Marissa carried a quiet but powerful transformation with her when she returned home. Studying abroad had helped her see herself more clearly: she’d become more grounded, self-assured, and open to possibility.

Now, as she approaches graduation, those lessons continue to shape how she moves through the world as a designer, a traveler, and a person ready to take creative risks.

Her advice to other Stamps students is simple: choose a program that excites you, not just one that sounds fun or easy. Because studying abroad isn’t just about seeing a new place, it’s about becoming a new version of yourself.

Do it, she says, for the version of you that’s always dreamed of something bigger. The one who wants to grow, to create, and to live wholeheartedly.

final project art project

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities at U‑M’s Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.