I strongly believe that planning and organizing tasks, tailored to each situation, are important values in life. However, about a year ago, while considering my choice of exchange program institutions, I suddenly thought, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—why not try studying in a radically unconventional place?” That’s one of the reasons why I wrote the country’s name “Greece” on my application. Half a year later, arriving at Thessaloniki’s airport, I faced a city I had never been to. I felt incredibly nervous yet excited for the four months ahead in this foreign country. I spent the second semester of my fourth year at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT). While I knew it would be completely different from CNU, I experienced many things that were not even on my study abroad bingo list.

A Completely Different Campus Life
ACT is, despite being located in Greece, a thoroughly American institution. Its academic system follows that of the U.S., with all the classes taught in English. This was also one of the reasons I decided to study here, since I could take courses from the English department, fulfilling the requirements for my minor. Many aspects of campus life at the university felt different. Unlike CNU’s instructor-oriented system, classes were filled with debates and discussions, which initially felt almost like a fight. However, as I adapted to this energetic classroom environment, I came to realize how important it is to express my own ideas in public settings, especially in situations like this where I am representing my country abroad.

Of course, there were more struggles than I had expected. I often noticed many differences between the institution’s culture and my own values—some of which were quite challenging to adapt to. Homesickness also hit me. What I missed most was not just Korean food—it was my work. While studying at CNU, I was also an active professional photographer, running my own photography studio. Photography was a major part of my life, something that both took and provided my energy. Therefore, I was really eager to engage in any creative work. I asked myself, “What can I do here that I could not do back home?”

Founding a New Student Club
I figured out the answer out quite early, thanks to my dearest friend, Ioanna, an exchange student from Greece who spent a semester at CNU in 2023. With a common interest in photography, we had taken a day trip to Suncheon with other friends to do a group photo session at that time. Cherishing that memory, our reunion at ACT prompted us to ask ourselves, “Why don’t we do something similar here in Greece?” That was the first step towards establishing ACT’s first-ever official photography club. And yes, this was exactly the thing I didn’t know I wanted!

The club’s activities began with a small club fair on campus, where each club promoted itself and gathered new members. It reminded me of the Student Club Fair back at CNU. Many students visited our booth and seemed to take an interest, with about 10 students ultimately signing up. Our shutterbug club members gathered every Monday after class to play with pictures. I held a few basic photography workshops for the members, but at the same time, I learned so many things from different perspectives during these activities with friends. We also went on small trips to locations near Thessaloniki for group shoots.

Making the Photography Club Exhibition Happen
I set a goal for our club to hold our own exhibition on campus at the end of the semester. From choosing a topic, to working individually, to getting the exhibition venue ready, to finally having an opening ceremony, all the members, including me, were quite nervous and tense. But with the common topic, “A Color, Prism of Life,” each member from a completely different culture and background presented their photography at the exhibition.

During the event, a lot of people from the school visited and left their impressions. Later, we moved our work to an art gallery in Thessaloniki, transforming it into a full-fledged exhibition. That brought us pure joy—and a huge sense of pride for me. Before leaving, as I said goodbye to friends, I felt both sad and grateful for this opportunity to form that club and create these memories.

A Random Instinct Became Something Meaningful
Most of the challenges and adventures of my days in Greece happened unexpectedly, which made each of them even more valuable. This experience gave my life a deeper meaning—not just because it was rare, but because it stemmed from a small decision that might never have happened without courage, as is the case with many of life’s most important decisions. So, I would like to recommend that you try something a little bit off the beaten path. It does not have to be studying in a distant country—just something outside your comfort zone. A random action will lead your life to many unexpected places. How fun does that sound?

By Raon Park, Senior, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies