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For Kartik Singh, an engineering education has never been confined to classrooms, laboratories or textbooks. His semester abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul became an opportunity to explore that belief in its fullest sense, combining academic learning with creativity, sport, observation and self-discovery.

At Hanyang University, Kartik pursued coursework in machine learning and AI while immersing himself in the cultural and creative energy of Seoul. Photo walks, films, illustrations and new friendships became as much a part of his learning as lectures and assignments. Being away from familiar surroundings encouraged him to experiment, observe more closely and create work he might not have attempted otherwise.

The experience also brought an unexpected physical challenge. On June 6, 2026, Kartik completed his first triathlon in Seoul. He had signed up impulsively, without training or preparation. The swim tested him to his limits and, midway through, he considered quitting. Yet memories of his younger self, a national-level athlete at 13, gave him the resolve to continue. He completed the swim, cycled and ran his way to the finish line. For Kartik, it was more than a sporting achievement; it was a reminder that resilience can reconnect us with parts of ourselves we may have left behind.

“The gap between who I was at 13, competing, disciplined, in shape, and who I was in that water was uncomfortably obvious. But then that same 13-year-old showed up in my head. And I couldn’t quit in front of him,” he said.

“I am deeply thankful to JK Lakshmipat University for facilitating the semester abroad programme at Hanyang University. The opportunity to learn in a new academic environment, experience another culture and challenge myself beyond the classroom has enriched me in ways I will carry forward for years to come,” he added.

Kartik’s journey is a powerful reminder that diverse experiences can help expand the limits of our imaginations and drastically transform our understanding of the world.

“Being away from everything familiar pushed me to make work I wouldn’t have made otherwise, see things I wouldn’t have noticed, and find a version of myself that only shows up when comfort isn’t an option,” Kartik said while speaking about his semester study experience at Hanyang University.