Country of Origin: USA
Degree: Business Administration

Adjusting to college life as an out-of-state student wasn’t easy for Claire Cho. Being away from home came with its challenges, but getting involved on campus helped her find her footing. By joining clubs and student organizations, Claire built meaningful friendships and created a sense of belonging that made campus feel like a second home.

One of Claire’s favorite things about being in Utah is the access to the outdoors. Whether it’s a simple walk around campus or a hike in the nearby mountains, there’s always something to explore. She also enjoys discovering Salt Lake City using public transit (free for students!), making it easy to experience local neighborhoods and uncover hidden gems.

Claire’s background reflects a blend of Korean and American culture, which continues to shape her life in college. Her family celebrates traditions like Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), enjoys seaweed soup on birthdays, and eats rice cake soup on New Year’s Day. Speaking Korean at home has also remained an important part of staying connected to her heritage.

When she’s craving a taste of home, Claire recommends visiting HalGaTteok, a local favorite for Korean street food. She also loves H Mart, which reminds her of the one she grew up visiting. Having familiar places like these in Utah has made a big difference, helping her stay connected to her culture while building a new life away from home.