Architecture in Asia : Reviews (Kaohsiung)

I really enjoyed all the networking opportunities that we were presented with. Having the opportunity to meet with architecture firms, students, and other Jayhawks abroad allowed me to expand my network.

My favorite part of this program was visiting a variety of buildings from traditional architecture to contemporary. Kyoto may have been the best location for witnessing traditional buildings in proximity to modern additions.

The professors really made sure our trip was worthwhile, giving us plenty of time at each architectural spot, having us try new foods, and encouraging us to go off and explore on our own too!

My favorite part of the Architecture in Asia study abroad was seeing such a wide range of projects, from temples built in 700 CE to brand-new cutting-edge designs. I also appreciated having a free day in each city to explore something that I found interesting on my own.

One element that I found particularly fulfilling was the opportunity to independently explore the locations. This granted us the ability to immerse ourselves in a culture unfamiliar to us, experiencing it in our unique way and often this felt authentic. I believe this approach facilitated more genuine and unique encounters.

I found getting to meet with local architecture students in Seoul, Korea was a rewarding experience due to their willingness to introduce us to deeper elements of their culture and generosity in helping us experience their city with them.

The exposure to different design techniques and architectural language may have been the most rewarding aspect of this trip. Having the ability to see technological and architectural advancements applied to the buildings we visited on this trip allowed me to visualize architecture in a new and exciting way.

At the end of our itinerary each day, we got free time so we were able to go out exploring the city ourselves which was a great experience.

There are a great deal of cultural aspects that affect how we as architects design buildings. On this trip, it was interesting to see how Japanese and Korean culture affected the layout and appearance of the buildings we visited. As a student, you can see architectural design through a new lens.

I learned a lot about the cultural differences that set South Korea and Japan apart from other countries across the globe. My understanding of these cultures has expanded my outlook on the world as a whole and gives me more confidence to travel to more international locations.

One of the things I learned during the program was that you should never be relaxing at your hotel. There is always something to do or something to explore, and the few weeks that you are studying abroad will go by faster than you think. Make the most of your experience!