Written by Jeremy Jimenez I can’t begin to describe what I have experienced here in South Korea, my first time off the continental North America (besides Hawaiʻi of course). I remember first being slightly nervous but way more excited to go abroad; I wanted to experience people and culture completely different than my own. I bought my ticket for my flight, sat on the plane from SFO to ICN and 11 hours later, here I was: the beautiful country of South Korea. I honestly had no idea what to expect first getting off the plane. My excitement was greater than my fear in the beginning and Iʻm happy to say my curiosity continued throughout the semester. I remember walking through Incheon Airport looking for the subway to take towards Seoul National University; later I found out 서울대 입구 역 is not the actual entrance to the university but 3 kilometers away. The inside joke between SNU students I now share is just one of many things I am able to look back and reminisce on. Whether it was the many meals I shared in the cafeteria after class with my friends or taking the bus/subway to Hongdae to enjoy Seoul’s nightlife with other university students at different schools, I will cherish all the memories I made. To Seoul National University: Wow. What a huge, beautiful campus. It has a been an honor to be an exchange student at the best university in South Korea. Your facilities, faculty and students are all excellent, and I am very impressed with my experience in the university. The prestige of the university really shows in the attitude of all members on your campus, and I am truly grateful to be student here. I wish I took more opportunities to join more clubs and organizations, as well as participate in more school wide events. To SNU Buddy: Thank you for bringing together hundreds of exchange students from all over the world together in one organization. Thank you to all the Korean buddies who answered all my questions about Seoul National University, Seoul and South Korea as whole. Your knowledge, kindness, and positive attitude made Seoul feel like home. I know that I was not always culturally aware, but I’m glad you taught me how to live like a true Korean in Korea. Thank you to all the exchange friends I made through this organization. I have created bonds that will continue to last as we all fly home back to our respective countries. Whether it was riding the bus down to Busan, hiking up a mountain, singing in a noraebang until the first subway, going to Everland and screaming my heart out on a roller coaster, or staying in Building 58 all night to film for our business video, I will hold on dear to the memories created. I will never delete my KakaoTalk so I’m always a message away. I look forward to hearing the Kakao chime, even after I leave Korea. To Seoul: Thank you for acting as my home away from home. I truly fell in love with the city and all of its rich history and culture. I will miss everything being lit up at night and open 24 hours. I will miss the kind service received at all the restaurants. Thanks for bring together all of my friends and classmates together in one beautiful city. I know this will not be the last time I am here, so I look forward to seeing the city in the future. To anyone seeking advice: Take the chance. Do not second guess yourself. Whether it is Seoul National University, Yonsei University or any university in South Korea, do not be afraid. It may be scary at first: you may not speak the language, never have traveled alone, or don’t know what to expect, it is okay. The nervousness is normal and everyone experiences it in some form. Do not let your family, friends or fears stop you from experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity. They will all be there when you get back with open arms so do not worry. As for Korea, try to take a Korean class before coming. One of my biggest regrets is not taking Korean or even just learning Hangul (Korean writing system) beforehand. It is very useful to know basics before coming, as many Koreans are not fluent in English. Pack light on the clothes, because you will want to buy a lot of Korean fashion items while in Seoul (it is a very fashionable society). Make sure to download the subway app and buy a TMoney card as soon as you can! It will be vital to getting around Seoul with ease. Try to talk to Koreans as often as possible, even if there is a language barrier. There is no better way to experience a culture than with its own people. Don’t stick in the ‘exchange student bubble’. Lastly, be open-minded. Seoul is not Honolulu, and that’s perfectly okay. They are two different places in two completely different societies. The faster you accept that, the more you will enjoy your experience in Seoul. Adjust and learn/experience the Korean lifestyle. It’s honestly an amazing culture. It is bittersweet to think that the Fall 2016 semester is over, but I accept that some things in life are not forever. This is not a goodbye but a see you later. 안녕
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
March 2018
Categories |