Hello! My name is John Balafoutas, and I am a first-year business student in the College of Business Administrations studying finance and accounting. In addition to my two majors, I intend to peruse a minor in economics and a certificate in data analytics. During my first year at the University of Pittsburgh, I have been active in and outside the classroom. Regarding my academics, I spend most of my days studying in either Sennott Square or Mervis Hall. These building house most of the core business classes. Outside of the classroom, I have joined several organizations to aid in my professional development. The main organization I have joined is the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. Alpha Kappa Psi has allowed me to take on leadership roles in relation to my major. Several of these positions include Director of Recruitment and member of the Financial Wellness committee.

Moreover, I have been given the opportunity to become a Resident Assistant during my sophomore year in Bruce Hall. Bruce Hall houses the Business Learning Living Community for all first-year business students. When I’m not focused on school-related activities, I enjoy going golfing either alone or with my friends. Being able to walk the course is a calming experience that has allowed me to destress when faced with high-stress situations.

I chose to travel to Korea for the Plus 3 study abroad program due to the focus of the trip. The focus for Plus 3 Korea is information systems. Information systems perfectly corresponds with my certificate in data analytics and will allow me to gain a more in-depth understanding of this phenomenon being that Korea is leading the world in information system development and implementation. Moreover, I want to travel to Korea to learn more about Korean culture. At the University of Pittsburgh, students can learn about cultures around the world. However, this learning pales in comparison to experiencing a foreign culture in person. Several locations that I look forward to visiting and learning more about include Pusan National University, Hanyang University, Seoul City Hall, and the DMZ. Being able to experience Korean culture and how they utilize their development of information systems is why I am looking forward to traveling to Korea.

Overall, I know that Plus 3 Korea will be an eye-opening experience that will develop my personal and professional skills. Not only will I be given the opportunity to learn about a new culture, but I will be given a chance to learn more about myself.