Rezi Ubgou

As an English & Textual Studies and Television, Radio & Film student, my TRF 560 Global Media Thinking immersion trip to South Korea was both academically enriching and personally transformative. We engaged in company visits within the Korean media industry while also participating in cultural experiences that deepened my understanding of global storytelling. I approached the trip through both a critical and creative lens, analyzing media systems while also envisioning my own future as a director or Director of Photography. One of my favorite moments was wearing a traditional hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, which allowed me to physically step into the cultural narratives I’ve studied. I also loved exploring vintage stores, which connected directly to my identity as a vintage store owner and creative entrepreneur.

I was surprised by how seamlessly tradition and modernity coexist in South Korea’s media landscape and everyday life. While I expected a highly globalized media environment, I didn’t anticipate how deeply cultural heritage would still shape contemporary content and branding. This challenged my assumptions about globalization and showed me how local identity can remain central even within global industries.

This experience strengthened my desire to pursue a PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences by helping me think more critically about how media influences identity, culture, and community across different contexts. It also reinforced my passion for storytelling within TRF, especially in directing and cinematography, by exposing me to international production styles and creative industries. At the same time, it inspired my entrepreneurial goals—expanding my vintage brand, Releigh Freya, into a brick-and-mortar space and eventually opening a Michelin-star-level restaurant that reflects global influences.

Moving forward, I hope to build on this experience through research that explores global media, identity, and cultural storytelling, potentially leading to academic publication. Creatively, I plan to develop film projects inspired by my time in South Korea, incorporating themes of globalization and cultural hybridity. I also aim to continue engaging in international immersion opportunities to further expand my perspective and professional network.

Receiving an award from Honors made this experience financially accessible and allowed me to fully engage without the burden of additional stress. It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in both the academic and cultural aspects of the trip, maximizing what I could learn and create. This support directly contributed to my growth as both a scholar and a creative, making the experience not only possible but truly impactful.