19 December, 2017 11:39 AM" LAST THOUGHTS " 안녕히 계세요 Comfort in our failures allows us to act without fear, to engage without judgment, to love without conditions. It is like the dog that lets the tail go and realizes that it’s already a part of himself. Packing up my bags and spending the past four and a half months vagabonding throughout South Korea was the most challenging yet rewarding decision I have ever made and I would never take it back. You learn a lot. About people, about the world, about life and most importantly you learn more about yourself. Sometimes lessons come at unwanted times and it will give you unwanted truths. Other times you learn things you can't unlearn and see things you can't un-see. Regardless, you will grow in ways that you can't learn until one goes beyond their home, and by beyond I mean a completely different country. So, here is what I have learned during my stay in Seoul. We've talked about the hardships being abroad - being homesick, making real friends, being safe, learning social norms and even misreading people you once trusted. But these facets of life is what forms you, not conform you. I believe that these perceptions are followed by enlightenment. It has been a long five months for sure and I simply can't wait to be bolstered by the reunions of my family and friends a day before Christmas Eve. . Studying in a country I have never been in forced me to face obstacles head on. I can't even explain the amount of times I have embarrassed myself here - whether it be stuttering in hangul (Korean Language) or ordering something extremely foreign whilst holding my internal american exposes just to prevent myself from saying something silly in the moment of confusion. Though, I learned that the mass majority of people really do not care what I say. Most of them would simply laugh and it is liberating. This is something you can not learn while sitting comfortably at home and spending you life commuting to the same locations every day. I have learned and am still learning how to appreciate life's simplest experiences. Moreover, finding healthier means in life: appreciating simple friendships, creating something beautiful, lending a simple hand, and laughing with someone you care about this is something I live by everyday. I've learned the hard way that ones greatest assets is not necessarily talent or experiences, it is time. Time gives you the opportunity in taking risks and making mistakes. You can only get away with these things while you're "young", which is why I believe studying abroad is such an invigorating opportunity. INSIGHT :
Dear South Korea, this experience has been absolutely ineffable. Except the cold, the snow, and the occasional "ice skating" to class conditions in December. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for everything you've had to offer and I hope to see you again!
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12 December 2017 10:14 AM" DON'T DROP THAT GPA " Silver Bells | Yesterday marked my last presentation of the semester and I haven't started my studies for finals week yet. Well it is now the perfect time to start. But rather so, here I am writing my feelings away instead. It's nice sitting in cafes as it lets me know that I am not the only one in this predicament. How I know that I am not the only one suffering: First, there is an unusual taste for coffee and/or sugar amongst every uni student. Secondly, everyone is awake at ungodly hours. Just to visualize, cafes are filled at 3:47 AM and some, well most uni students sleep ever so conformably in these cafes and seize to move out of their area of proclaimant. Thirdly, the odd increase of consistent note takers/studiers who rise to the occasion during the week before finals. All and all, we (Korea University students) can all relate to the general societal breakdowns and communicate through incoherent groans as we approach our impending doom, finals. Okay, I am exaggerating just a bit but my first final is tomorrow but I am pretty confident! So what happened this week? I took a break from studying and went to Tongin Market (통인시장) a public food market. What is unique about Tongin Market is that visitors can opt in to pay 5,000 won ($4.50) to try a lunchbox cafe. So this is how it works: You are given a lunch plate (similar to the ones we'd get in grade school) and a string of 10 coins to pay the vendors. The coins are worth 500 won and most dishes range in prices of 500 won (one coin) to 1000 won (two coins) per dish. You would slowly fill up your plate and go to a designated eating area where you can also purchase miso soup and rice for 1,000 won. This is the perfect place for those who are adventurous and would like to try various Korean dishes! Contrary, I absolutely am in love with how cafes in Seoul are playing Christmas songs. It makes me even more excited to come home this time of year. Soon it will be Christmas day. But first, finals. . 20 November, 2017 5:26 PM"GLOBAL TINTINNABULATION" Assemblage | Seoul Arts Center: 무민원화전 Moomin Exhibition The exhibition features Tove Jansson's original artwork of Moomins, a Sweedish character adorned by many Soulites. The exhibition features never before seen pieces and original illustrations of the comic. Contrary, the Seoul Arts Center features exhibitions from calligraphy, taxonomy of design, and occasional pop ups like the Moomin Exhibition! They also have a music hall and a opera house which is on my to-do list before I leave Seoul. The weather in Seoul is dropping quite periodically. A subtle new beginning approaches as the trees shed their leaves. A cold gust of a promised change and I feel something stir inside of me. The feeling? Cold intolerance. As a result, daily convenience store runs for my two disposable heat packs and a steamed sweet potato keeps me sane in this weather. A dewy condensation on a cafe caught my eye and made me smile. I have never lived in the cold and it was a moment of realization as I thought to myself: I have embraced change to its entirety; to the the extent that I haven't really taken the time to step back and ponder about it. I have adopted a Seoulites way of life in Korea and found that living abroad has taught me how to face any given situation head on. What I mean is that failure is less terrifying. Rejection is less painful. Unpleasant necessities are actually pleasant and the unsavory tasting facets of life are a little more savory. It is a bit early to say this, but I will miss this place. On the other hand, I paid Namiseon Island another visit alongside a group of friends for some delicious Hotteok. On a whim we visited Garden of the Morning Calm. Sadly, we visited during a depressing period. Most of the garden was closed off because of the weather. The next day I got to meet Henry and Josh at Hanok Village. It was a horrible time to be in a hanbok, but we embraced the cold!! My friend lily who goes to Yonsei University showed me around her campus and the surrounding area. Needless to say, their campus is far more nicer then Korea University's campus. Shortly after we visited the Leeum Museum of Art. Out of all the museums i've been to, I highly suggest visiting this one. Entry fee is 10,000 won, however, they have a student discount that brings the fee to 5,000 won ( 50% hooray ! ). I have never been out as much as I would love to, but now I am savoring every day as there is t-minus 31 days left in Seoul, South Korea. On the other hand, this weeks destination is Jeju Island ! I heard it is warmer out there (thank goodness). 26 OCTOBER 2017 3:34 PM"COLLEGE MIDTERMS IN KOREA" SOMNOLENCE | Now, exams. Exams here will bring fellow students to a standstill. Whilst securing a high grade on these tests, well, needless to say, they are difficult. You will witness students living in libraries three weeks prior to the exam period while surrounding cafes fill to the brim throughout fall break with the most studious students I have ever met. Before all else, as a fair warning, if you plan on cramming your courses within an entire day or a span of 2-3 days a week, well, please take into consideration that you will be taking your exams all on that day or the span of 2-3 days during midterm week and finals week. Also, grades will not be announced, it will happen whenever the professor feels like posting it. Now getting into the nitty-gritty of my course midterms I can say that midterm week has beat me to my pulp, but I made through it!
During midterm week I was interviewed by a journalist who is a writer for “Segye Times”. There was a bit of a language barrier but we were able to overcome the odds. The question was "One, how did you overcome cultural differences and two, can you tell us about your struggles being an exchange student at Korea University?" This is what I said :
In spite of Korea’s increasing interest in westernization, social interaction is dictated by a Confucius or collectivist society. To put into perspective, in America we have the tendency of valuing individualism, and speaking up for one's self. On the other hand, in Korea their perception is what benefits the group entirely, opposed to an individualist approach in any given setting. This ideal is prominent and embedded into the fabrication of their societal norm. With personal struggle, I feel as if there is a tremendous pool of labor that you are in competition with, but the catch is that you are blinded. It has become a vicious cycle of trying to become the hardest worker without having to show it, and despite a strong spirt and weak flesh you still have to keep up your appearances even when you are at your breaking point. Often times I feel as if I am living in a suppressed society, but despite this system I believe that this is what makes Korea unique. Notwithstanding the negative implication, I believe that this is what makes an embracement of a different culture, or studying abroad not just challenging, but enlightening. Before we parted ways, the journalist handed me an enclosed envelope with two heart stickers that sealed the opening, "A gift." she whispered while pointing to the two hearts and with a big smile she said "me and you, thank you." This week, if I were to condense it into one sentence in respect to what I have learned, it would be: Carry out an act of kindness with no expectations of reward, rather, have it safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. 1 October 2017 8:59 PM다 잘 될거야 (IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY) ROSY | Week 5 has been well; I have gained a sense of righteousness towards the people who live here. As my observance towards the culture here, I have found a leveled grounding and mutual understanding of what Korea has to offer, or throw at me. This upcoming week is Chuseok, which means "Autumn Eve". This is said to be the largest holiday that people celebrate in South Korea. Contrary, this means that schools out for an entire week and it's time to travel! I will be making my way to Busan and the surrounding area over this "Thanksgiving holiday". I wanted to go to Jeju Island but tickets were sold out the entire week as it is a trend for local people to go there over the holiday weekend. But there is still time to do that! I had the opportunity to try a hanbok but in modern usage. Renting a hanbok for 20,000 Won gives you a traditional dress, hair styling, and a petticoat. I would recommend going to Insadong for this experience. Foreigners are highly encouraged to try this traditional dress. Upon the experience, the entrance fees to surrounding palaces are free! Needless to say, here are some of my favorite moments this week : 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 1:17PM
Korea University is acknowledged as one of South Korea’s oldest, largest and top-ranked universities in the country. Being a major comprehensive university, I enrolled myself into their Business School that holds a reputation for quality and excellence in teaching. For instance, executive team members amongst the top 500 companies in the country were asked to provide their education background, the findings? Korea University Business School had the largest percentile of alumni's amongst other private universities in South Korea. Contrary, the campus is home to more than 35,000 international students, and this years enrollment for the Fall 2017 semester welcomed 850~ students from 82 different countries. Though, what stood out to me the most was KU's campus. On one end you’ll witness the not so pretty aspects of the campus that appears to be as a long-term construction site. Whilst the other end you’ll see timeless stone architecture, withering historical buildings, and sculptures proudly donated by proud alumni. The greatest finding was realizing that my accommodation is a three minute walk from the front gate of my school. Now I have one less thing to worry about. KUBA (Korea University Buddy Assistants): Orientation day featured a lengthy welcoming speech, lunch in the universities cafeteria, and a tour around campus. KUBA is a buddy matching program that connects exchange students with a KU domestic student to help and guide them during their stay in South Korea. Everyone is divided into ten groups of 80 students and you will have activities and outings with this group until the end of the semester. This semester I am in Group 1, also known as WANNA-ONE. Truthfully, I had no idea what WANNA-ONE was, but I've learned that it is a popular Korean boy band with 11 "star" members. KUBS (Korea University Business School): Fairly similar to a KUBA buddy, KUBS is dedicated entirely to incoming business exchange student. It was incredibly expedient being paired with a student who has an all-inclusive insight to the business school. Contrary, KUBS has a separate itinerary throughout the semester that features activates and networking opportunities for business exchange students. KUBA GROUP 1 | WANNA - ONE First Week of SchoolHonestly, it was stressful. Korea University has a participation restriction for exchange students. Every course has a 15% cap seating for exchange students. In this case, getting into a class, especially a business course is incredibly difficult. This past week was add/drop week, and thankfully, I got into every one of my waitlisted courses! The Global Student Services Center was so attentive throughout the past week, especially the first morning where a line of 300+ students started to form at 5:00AM all in hopes to get into the classes they wanted. The center opened at 9:30AM, and I finally made it to the list around 11:38AM. On another note, I get to move into the largest room that Crimson (My accommodation) offers which is a type D room. I currently live in a type C room. I made a promise with the manager that I will tutor her daughter english for an hour every week and she offered the same price that I currently pay for the room upgrade. As of now I pay 560,000 won for a room that is 880,000 won! ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEE YONG HWANG
29 AUGUST 2017 1:53 AM
Introduction | When I was a a toddler, I would see frightening things on the tele. My mum would tell me "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping". To this day, I find comfort in realizing that there are so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world. Truthfully this will be the first time that I will be traveling by myself with no one to guide me but myself. It was bittersweet in a sense that I was excited to travel and immerse myself into a country of my unknown knowledge. It was overwhelming as I moved away from my support system; my dearest friends and family. I studied a bit of Korean before my flight, however, anxiety immediately hit me when I landed in Incheon. But before all else, Korea tested my utmost limits, it truly did. So lets begin from the start shall we? (If you want to hear about my struggle, it starts at Landing) On the day of my flight, I received an email from Korean Airlines delaying my flight for five hours. Yes, five hours. My initial time of 11:15 AM was moved to 4:15PM. Immediately, I panicked. This pushed my landing time of 5:15 PM to 10:15 PM in Korea. This means that the shuttle service that Korea University offered to students, will not apply for me as their last pickup service is at 11:00 PM, specifically for those who are landing before 10:15 PM. The airline apologized and provided me with a voucher of $25 to spend inside the terminal. Challenge one, accepted. Well as I thought so. With a jarring 10 hour flight, Korea Airlines had an extensive range of provided amenities which helped out flyers kill time in no time. Here are some of the inflight services that they provided:
Landing | I landed at 10:38 PM and going through immigration + baggage claim was the incredibly quick. As for customs, they provide a sheet to fill out thirty minutes before boarding off the plane. I immediately called my friend Erina who attended KU last semester and asked her what she did to get to her accommodation. There were options:
Getting to my accommodation | I was told by the front desk to get off the Mariott hotel stop and then take a taxi from there. I boarded the limousine around 11:10 PM and was told that the ride would take a little over three hours. Being exhausted as I was I sat in a nearly empty shuttle. I received a phone call in Korean and decided to accept the call. It was my landlord who knew little to no English. She asked me where I was and I told her I am on my way by limousine. She said that I could pay for my rent tomorrow and to get to the accommodation safely as it was late. Around 1:00 AM the driver told us "Hyatt Hotel" and I asked him if the Mariott stop was near. He replied to me in Korean "This bus does not stop at the Mariott Hotel". I took a picture of the bus number and the stops they had, and showed him that it did have a Mariott Hotel stop. He shoved my phone away and said " I will not drive there and the last stop is Hyatt Hotel". An American man noticed my situation and peered over looking at my phone and noticed that there was indeed a Mariott stop. The stranger told me to get off the Hyatt stop with him and said that drivers do not get paid overtime. This was understandable and I listened. We left the bus to grab our luggage's. The stranger asked me why I was traveling by myself this late and I explained to him my flight being delayed and my stay as an exchange student. Before all else, the stranger asked the bellman to flag down a taxi and translate my destination for me from the hotel so I could get to my accommodation. The stranger expressed that he has three daughters and would be incredibly worried if one of his daughters would be lost in a country she hasn’t been in. We both waited for a taxi at the front of the hotel. As my taxi was flagged down, and my luggage's were packed in the back of the car, I thanked him, but he told me to wait. He reached into his bag and said "If you ever get lost, and you don't know where you are, contact me, and dial 001, and my number is here". He handed me his business card. I was dumfounded as I read, Robert, corporate president of a tech company. I wanted to cry as I would been lost if he was not on the shuttle with me. He waited for me until I got into the taxi and waved off as I left. During my ride, I was again tested. The taxi man asked me in Korean "Where are you from", I said "Hawaii". He asked me what was the length of my stay and I said that I was a student for a semester. He hushed me and said in English "If you do not know Korean, stay out of Korea or do something about". I got scared. Nevertheless, I was nice to him and said I am studying Korean. However, we went into what was once started as a difficult conversation to a somewhat friendlier one. My ride by taxi took a little over an hour. The taxi man said that he will not charge me the late night fee and to study hard in Korea. These spur of the moment pressures, well, you can see how stressed I was throughout my time since landing. I'd be lying if I said Korea has made me speechless. When the truth and reality makes the tongue so weak, it forgets what language to speak in. It was 2:38 AM, and I have finally made it to my accommodation, Crimson House. coda: I hope you are proud of yourself, especially during circumstances where you said "yes", when it meant extra work for you, and genuine support only to someone else. 25 AUGUST 2017 3:28 PM
The Business School is incredibly attentive as they reply and send emails frequently to inform business students. The main reason why I signed up for KU was because of their Buddy system. Every international student is assigned a buddy who helps them during their stay in Korea. In this case, I had two buddies, one from Korea University, and one from the Business School. Their emails included pre-arrival check lists and arrival checklists. The school will send you an email providing the things you would need before arrival: 1 ) Visa: You would need to go to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. On the bright side, there is no need to wait to get a visa, as long you have the required documents, you can go directly there without an appointment to get your VISA. Here are the the general requirements for VISA Application: You will not receive your VISA until a few days, they will provide you a tentative date for pickup
2 ) Housing: I did not make it into the dorms so I was resorted to find my own accommodation, fortunately, I found a place five minutes away from the universities front gate by foot! The place that I am staying at is called "Crimson House". 3 ) Korea University Health Clearance form: This is to ensure the school that you have received all of your TB tests within three months before arrival and will be filled out by your doctor. 4 ) Flight: I would suggest you to look into dates upon arrival as soon as the school releases the tentative date for orientation. To prevent the mistake I have done, it is best to arrive at least a few days before orientation to familiarize yourself to South Korea. 5 ) Class Registration: The Business School will send a few reminders of course registration. There is a timetable that changes semesterly. In my case, I would have to sign up on August 16 (Wed) 10:00 AM - August 17 (Thu) 9:00 AM (Korea time). The school will provide further instructions on how to sign up in detail. Before the day of course registration, the system allows students to prepare a "preferred course list" that you can utilize to form a schedule that will have classes that will not overlap. Thankfully I have gotten into all of my classes without having to get on the waitlist. If you confused with which courses to take, definitely take reference of Korea University Course Equivalencies in order to know whether or not your credits will transfer back as the right classes. Contrary here is a visual of the courses that I am taking this semester : 6) Alien registration card : This is mandatory for all students who are staying in South Korea four months and on. Right when you board off the plane, your passport will notify the government when you have landed. After two period days of landing, you are permitted to create an appointment to create an Alien registration card. More details will be sent through Korea University !
First and foremost, explore your destined country’s partnered schools and create a list of your favored universities. A few things that I kept in mind while selecting a school were location, class offerings, and semester dates (when the semester will begin and end). If you are interested in studying abroad, UH Manoa has two programs that students can choose from:
Applying to Manoa International Exchange (MIX) :
Personally, I went with the MIX since the program permits more flexibility with my options while abroad. Things to keep in mind while applying: MIX has a priority deadline and the application takes 1-3 hours to complete. Secondly, you should have a valid passport on hand. The application will also ask for your top five schools. Keep in mind that you should have researched your schools beforehand since it is set and stone. Students who turn in their application during the priority deadline are more likely to be selected into their desired school. If you ever feel lost and confused with selecting a school, Rikki Mitsunaga at the College’s Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) can guide and assist you in matching schools to your academic path. Here’s another tip: if you want to meet up with Rikki, it’s best to book an appointment with her a month beforehand, her availability is very slim to none for last minute openings. Contrary, if you have any questions in respect to the MIX Application, you can visit their office in QLC 206. The application will ask a few short answer questions and a statement of purpose. After submitting your MIX Application, you will receive a nomination email which will entail proceeding steps for the application process. In addition, there will be a mandatory meeting for all students who study abroad through the MIX Program, so don't forget! Over the course of time you will receive an email by your selected University (in this case Korea University Business School) enclosing another application that will officially permit your acceptance into the University! |
AuthorCindy is an epicurist, a food photographer, and a self-proclaimed creative writer. When Cindy isn't studying at Korea University Business School (2017), she can be found in cafes, asking random seoulites for directions, or singing at noraebangs (korean karaoke). Archives
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