Sorry about the long delay, dear readers! As I have said previously, Hannam has us booked. And when we aren't doing anything, we are trying to spend time together, it seems, since we have only one week left in the program.
It feels like weeks since I last posted, though I know it has not been nearly that long. Looking back at all the things I have done here in Korea, I can barely believe it has only been two weeks! I am just going to give you a brief outline because I simply have too much to say! Here goes:
Wednesday the 23rd: Korean history class in the morning, Taekwondo in the afternoon (I learned how to roundhouse kick just like Chuck Norris [who, by the way, is heavily influenced by Taekwondo]).
Thursday the 24th: Field trip to the base for the 20th army division where we observed their living quarters, visited a museum of the Korean War, ate lunch with the soldiers, then observed a tank firing. Yes, they shot a tank for us. It was AWESOME! But also a bit humbling to think that the individual firing the tank is not that much different from you or I. I will mention here that army service for young Koreans is not voluntary but mandatory. Every young Korean man has to serve a minimum of two years in the army (unless his older sister does so before he is of age). One thing I noticed while eating lunch with the soldiers is that they all look so young. I mean, I know they are at least 20 years old, but in their uniforms, they just look younger than that.
Anyway, after leaving the base, we travelled to Yeoncheon, Kyeongi-do to check into our hotel. Now this was an adventure... I later learned that this hotel was chosen because it was as near to the Northern border as we could get. At the time, however, I am many other students encountered difficulty in enjoying our stay there. By Western standards, this hotel was, well, simply awful. I am trying to be as polite as possible, but it really was pretty bad. First off, we were at least four to a room, and our room had only a queen size bed. This means some of us would have to sleep on the floor. Okay, no big deal really, unless you had been expecting a nice, warm, comfortable bed. I am my roommates got lucky, though. It seems that all of the rooms we reserved for the KSSP group were in some way different. Some of the students did not even have the choice of the bed and had to sleep on the floor. In the room, however, several things were provided: a half-used bottle of body lotion (with dried lotion crusting the top), a hairbrush (with hair in it), and a bar of soap (unpackaged, also with hair in it). The room itself was marginally clean, but they hallways weren't the best. I cannot quit identify the components of the smell, though I guess fermented mud, sweat, and cat urine. I think. Whatever it was, it almost bowled me over when I left the room in the morning for breakfast. I have noticed in my stay here that, within this culture, it is a given that other people have been here before and there seems no reason to make it appear clean, pristine, and sanitary. The Westerner in me, the fact that I am a foreigner makes is no different. Let me be clear, these conditions, while uncomfortable for me, were in no way dangerous. In fact, I imagine it is safer for me, since my body is being exposed to bacterias, etc., for the benefit of my immune system. It takes some getting used to, trust me. Two weeks later, looking back, I can see this just fine. At the time, however, I wasn't too fond of it.
Okay, I must leave you now. We have another field trip today and I must finish getting ready. I am taking my computer with me this time, so I will try to write more on the bus and post it tonight or tomorrow. Thank you for your patience, dear readers. See you soon!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
another update!
Well, sad to say, South Korea lost to Uraguay last night. I do believe last night was the first soccer game I have ever watched in its entirety, I was totally rooting for the South Koreans. Korea scored once and Uruguay twice... Grr...
Okay, back to the updating.
I don't remember what exactly we did on Monday evening, so I will pick on Tuesday. In class that day, we had our first session of Korean language (Hangeul). It was pretty awesome. :) The instructor spoke Korean most of the time, just introducing us to the vowels and consonants (next week I think we are looking at the grammar, so I may be able to make a sentence all by myself, as opposed to just parroting back what the buddies have said). The constuction of the Korean characters is simply brilliant, just by the way. It's a bit hard to explain, but basically each character is a composite of different markings that, together, form a specific sound. Okay, looking back, that doesn't really make much sense... Here, let me try this:
ㅂ + ㅣ = 비
or...
ㄴ + ㅏ = 나
Each individual piece is assigned itw own sound and together it forms its own word. Next time I update, I will bring my notes to maybe better explain.
After the language class and lunch, we had a lecture on Intercultural Communication. The lecturer (who, by the way, apparently knows Kirsten Sheppard) spoke to us on the difficulties that we encounter when attempting to communicate between people of even our own culture, then extrapolated to apply the difficulties on communcation between persons of differing cultures.
He told us about how Koreans come from a "high context" culture in which a lot of communication is structured on the non-verbal and intutition. In opposition, the United States is a "low context" culture, meaning that we communicate more verbally and directly. He mentioned that, as in many Asian cultures, a person may be superficially cheerful and jovial or smiling even if you have offended or angered them. This is a little hard to accept, as you can probably well imagine. I know some of this already, since I took Intercultural Communication with Kirsten Sheppard during a January term at Maryville a few years ago, but it is a "whole 'nother story" to be actualy living it. I am much more accustomed to knowing if I have offended someone using cues such as their demeanor, tone of voice, facial expression, all that goes into body language. Here in Korea, the signs are different, and coming from a "low context" culture, the signs are almost undiscernable. It's frustrating, to say the least. The lecturer, Dr. John Stiles, however, told us that a smile will get you far, and to just stay positive. He made the point that we are only in Korea for a short time, and it is inevitable that we will offend. I have come to the realisation that I just have to do the best I can and let the rest go.
At this point, I have decided that I am going to keep a small journal with me, because I keep forgetting what I do at night. Thankfully, many of the students have cameras, so it is easier to keep track that way. I know that the longer I wait to update, the more I will lose. The experience of the Korean Studies Summer Program has thus far been enjoyable, fun, hilarious, exhilarating, confusing, frustrating, but all around a blast. I may be speaking too early, but I do believe that I will come back time and time again. Three weeks is not enough time to experience all that South Korea has to offer. This culture is vibrant, intense, complex, and, well, awesome. :)
Okay, back to the updating.
I don't remember what exactly we did on Monday evening, so I will pick on Tuesday. In class that day, we had our first session of Korean language (Hangeul). It was pretty awesome. :) The instructor spoke Korean most of the time, just introducing us to the vowels and consonants (next week I think we are looking at the grammar, so I may be able to make a sentence all by myself, as opposed to just parroting back what the buddies have said). The constuction of the Korean characters is simply brilliant, just by the way. It's a bit hard to explain, but basically each character is a composite of different markings that, together, form a specific sound. Okay, looking back, that doesn't really make much sense... Here, let me try this:
ㅂ + ㅣ = 비
or...
ㄴ + ㅏ = 나
Each individual piece is assigned itw own sound and together it forms its own word. Next time I update, I will bring my notes to maybe better explain.
After the language class and lunch, we had a lecture on Intercultural Communication. The lecturer (who, by the way, apparently knows Kirsten Sheppard) spoke to us on the difficulties that we encounter when attempting to communicate between people of even our own culture, then extrapolated to apply the difficulties on communcation between persons of differing cultures.
He told us about how Koreans come from a "high context" culture in which a lot of communication is structured on the non-verbal and intutition. In opposition, the United States is a "low context" culture, meaning that we communicate more verbally and directly. He mentioned that, as in many Asian cultures, a person may be superficially cheerful and jovial or smiling even if you have offended or angered them. This is a little hard to accept, as you can probably well imagine. I know some of this already, since I took Intercultural Communication with Kirsten Sheppard during a January term at Maryville a few years ago, but it is a "whole 'nother story" to be actualy living it. I am much more accustomed to knowing if I have offended someone using cues such as their demeanor, tone of voice, facial expression, all that goes into body language. Here in Korea, the signs are different, and coming from a "low context" culture, the signs are almost undiscernable. It's frustrating, to say the least. The lecturer, Dr. John Stiles, however, told us that a smile will get you far, and to just stay positive. He made the point that we are only in Korea for a short time, and it is inevitable that we will offend. I have come to the realisation that I just have to do the best I can and let the rest go.
At this point, I have decided that I am going to keep a small journal with me, because I keep forgetting what I do at night. Thankfully, many of the students have cameras, so it is easier to keep track that way. I know that the longer I wait to update, the more I will lose. The experience of the Korean Studies Summer Program has thus far been enjoyable, fun, hilarious, exhilarating, confusing, frustrating, but all around a blast. I may be speaking too early, but I do believe that I will come back time and time again. Three weeks is not enough time to experience all that South Korea has to offer. This culture is vibrant, intense, complex, and, well, awesome. :)
One Week's Worth!
Whoo, sorry, followers! I apologise for the RAMPANT tardiness in reporting; Hannam University has us booked to the MAX! But I shall try to recap the most memorable moments, and hopefully it shall be in chronological order, though I make no guarantees.
On Sunday, the day after I arrived, I had lunch with two Korean students. In this program, every foreign student is assigned a "buddy." All of the buddies have been through rigourous training, etc., so they are fully prepared to assist us, which is pretty epic, since in the course of a week I have learned how to say "hello," "thank you," and "beer." Two buddies came witgh me to lunch, and helped me order. Or rather, ordered for me. :)
Anyway, on Sunday I ate a dish called "Chicken Mayo" which is basically chopped fried chicken, rice, fried egg, soy sauce, seaweed, and... mayonnaise. Yes, mayonnaise on rice. But I tried it... And it was AWESOME. ^_^ Totally making that when I get back to the 'States.
That evening I was able to meet some other students from the Korean Studies Summer Program (henceforth, KSSP) (there are 76 participants total: 25 Korean "buddies" and 51 foreigners [some are professors/lecturers] hailing from the 'States, Australia, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and the Philipenes). Upon arriving, one of the Australians, Josh (with whom I am now good friends) rounded up other participants ane we gathered at a local bar/restaurant for some camaraderie. We couldn't stay out too late (Josh wasn't happy at this) since we have a curfew. The dorm in which we are all staying locks its doors at 11pm, which causes us to miss out on some of the local night life here in Daejeon, but I understand the reasoning behind it.
Monday was our first official session, and we spent most of the time getting to know the school and the town through some... exuberantly futuristic films. We were also introduced to the Center of International Relations staff and all the buddies. Then we introduced ourselves and our schools. Some groups had made a powerpoint presentation (I would have made one, but I didn't know that we needed one until it was too late). The Australians, who are from Charles Sturt University (nine students and one lecturer) went first. I kid you not, I almost fell out of my chair laughing. They played the song that goes "We come from the land down under" (don't ask me who performs the song, I haven't the foggiest) and had a slide show of pictures of each of them with their names. I think I was the only one who found it as side-splittingly hilarious, but that's okay. Their presentation was the most memorable.
The other schools that are participating are Green Mountain College, King College, Lynchburg College, Maryville College (WOOO!), Montreat College, Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore), Peace College, Presbyterian College, University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Western Carolina. (The student not from the 'States, Australia, and Singapore never formally introduced themselves, so I am not quite sure how much they are a part of KSSP).
After introductions, we ate lunch in the school cafeteria. I am not quite sure what I ate (it isn't that I don't remember, it's that I didn't even know at the time). I DID try "Gimbap" or "Kimbap," which is kind of like what we think sushi is, but everything in it is cooked. I still haven't quite acquired a taste of seaweed, so I didn't each much of this. But this was a good opportunity to meet some of the other students.
After lunch, we had more presentations, oen form Chrisopher Hobson, basically the Resident Life Coordinatore for my building. He prefers to go by "'Topher" (phonetically, "Toe" + "Fur." Yeah, ew.). He is energetic and enthusiastic, but a bit eccentric for my demeanor. Anyway, he gave us some basic notions on how to operate politely around South Korea, such as things NOT to say and gestures NOT to make and what food we might like. Then a break and ANOTHER presentation. :) Then we got a campus tour with some buddies then dinner again in the cafeteria.
Okay, I don't mean to cut this short, lovelies, but it seems I may be watching the World Cup tonight. It's Korea versus Uraguay. Many of the local residents are PUMPED about this, so we'll see. But I shall try to update tomorrow (Sunday), since I am free for the day (woo!).
Love you all, and thanks for reading!!!
On Sunday, the day after I arrived, I had lunch with two Korean students. In this program, every foreign student is assigned a "buddy." All of the buddies have been through rigourous training, etc., so they are fully prepared to assist us, which is pretty epic, since in the course of a week I have learned how to say "hello," "thank you," and "beer." Two buddies came witgh me to lunch, and helped me order. Or rather, ordered for me. :)
Anyway, on Sunday I ate a dish called "Chicken Mayo" which is basically chopped fried chicken, rice, fried egg, soy sauce, seaweed, and... mayonnaise. Yes, mayonnaise on rice. But I tried it... And it was AWESOME. ^_^ Totally making that when I get back to the 'States.
That evening I was able to meet some other students from the Korean Studies Summer Program (henceforth, KSSP) (there are 76 participants total: 25 Korean "buddies" and 51 foreigners [some are professors/lecturers] hailing from the 'States, Australia, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and the Philipenes). Upon arriving, one of the Australians, Josh (with whom I am now good friends) rounded up other participants ane we gathered at a local bar/restaurant for some camaraderie. We couldn't stay out too late (Josh wasn't happy at this) since we have a curfew. The dorm in which we are all staying locks its doors at 11pm, which causes us to miss out on some of the local night life here in Daejeon, but I understand the reasoning behind it.
Monday was our first official session, and we spent most of the time getting to know the school and the town through some... exuberantly futuristic films. We were also introduced to the Center of International Relations staff and all the buddies. Then we introduced ourselves and our schools. Some groups had made a powerpoint presentation (I would have made one, but I didn't know that we needed one until it was too late). The Australians, who are from Charles Sturt University (nine students and one lecturer) went first. I kid you not, I almost fell out of my chair laughing. They played the song that goes "We come from the land down under" (don't ask me who performs the song, I haven't the foggiest) and had a slide show of pictures of each of them with their names. I think I was the only one who found it as side-splittingly hilarious, but that's okay. Their presentation was the most memorable.
The other schools that are participating are Green Mountain College, King College, Lynchburg College, Maryville College (WOOO!), Montreat College, Nanyang Polytechnic (Singapore), Peace College, Presbyterian College, University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Western Carolina. (The student not from the 'States, Australia, and Singapore never formally introduced themselves, so I am not quite sure how much they are a part of KSSP).
After introductions, we ate lunch in the school cafeteria. I am not quite sure what I ate (it isn't that I don't remember, it's that I didn't even know at the time). I DID try "Gimbap" or "Kimbap," which is kind of like what we think sushi is, but everything in it is cooked. I still haven't quite acquired a taste of seaweed, so I didn't each much of this. But this was a good opportunity to meet some of the other students.
After lunch, we had more presentations, oen form Chrisopher Hobson, basically the Resident Life Coordinatore for my building. He prefers to go by "'Topher" (phonetically, "Toe" + "Fur." Yeah, ew.). He is energetic and enthusiastic, but a bit eccentric for my demeanor. Anyway, he gave us some basic notions on how to operate politely around South Korea, such as things NOT to say and gestures NOT to make and what food we might like. Then a break and ANOTHER presentation. :) Then we got a campus tour with some buddies then dinner again in the cafeteria.
Okay, I don't mean to cut this short, lovelies, but it seems I may be watching the World Cup tonight. It's Korea versus Uraguay. Many of the local residents are PUMPED about this, so we'll see. But I shall try to update tomorrow (Sunday), since I am free for the day (woo!).
Love you all, and thanks for reading!!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Reporting from South Korea!
Hello, everyone!
I MADE IT! I am updating from the computer lab on the groundfloor of my dorm. It is about 9:18am here, which my neighbor down the hall so graciously informed me. My cellphone is unable to get any signal here, thusly, I am at a loss for the time. Boy howdy am I glad I bought a wristwatch!!!
Also I am glad that I left enough time in the airports. I got lost in Atlanta and was a bit pressed for time in Washington D.C., but I didn't miss a single flight, now was my luggage lost!
The 14 hour flight was a doozy, let me tell you. The first 8 hours were not so bad, but it seems I have a tendency to get overheated on flights (would have been good to know), and about 8 hours in, I started getting a little too hot. Then one hour before we landed I got SUPER queasy. I wasn't able to sleep on the flight (I just couldn't get comfortable), but it actually worked out. Once I landed in Seoul and got my bag, declared that I had nothing to declare, I met up with MyongJoon (I apologize if I am butchering that) who was DEFINITELY a sight for sore eyes. I didn't know if there would be anyone waiting for me when I landed since I was a day early, and I ahd already planned on renting a hotel room for the night if I had to. Thankfully I saw her, weilding a "Hannam University" sign. YES!
Anyway, when I met up with her, we still had a 3-hour-drive from seoul to Daejeong. That was THE.MOST.COMFORTABLE.BUS.EVER. I slept like a baby. Though before I passed out, I took some mental notes. MyongJoon informed me, and my eyes confirmed, that South Koreans LOVE neon signs. Very true. It reminded me a bit of Pigeon Forge. :)
The most interesting thing on the drive in was all the water. I've never visited a city that is practically inundated wtih H20. Seems like I will have to get used to the taste of seafood right quick. :)
Another thing I noticed was how in the cities through which we drove, there are tall hills just butted up right next to thick civilisation. It made for an interesting backdrop.
Alright, I think that is enough for now. Hopefully I can find MyongJoon and get some breakfast (and an alarm clock!!!) soon. Oh, by the way, in case anyone is interested (Christie Cook), MyongJoon informed me that it is the rainy season here in Daejeong.
Oh, and another cool thing! One of my roommates (I am rooming with two Korean girls and one girl from Lynchburg, VA) is coming to Maryville next year as an exchange student! How cool is that??? I am a bit suspicious, though, if Kirsten Sheppaed did that on purpose... If not, what a neat coincidence! Okay, all for now!
Love you!
-Abigail
I MADE IT! I am updating from the computer lab on the groundfloor of my dorm. It is about 9:18am here, which my neighbor down the hall so graciously informed me. My cellphone is unable to get any signal here, thusly, I am at a loss for the time. Boy howdy am I glad I bought a wristwatch!!!
Also I am glad that I left enough time in the airports. I got lost in Atlanta and was a bit pressed for time in Washington D.C., but I didn't miss a single flight, now was my luggage lost!
The 14 hour flight was a doozy, let me tell you. The first 8 hours were not so bad, but it seems I have a tendency to get overheated on flights (would have been good to know), and about 8 hours in, I started getting a little too hot. Then one hour before we landed I got SUPER queasy. I wasn't able to sleep on the flight (I just couldn't get comfortable), but it actually worked out. Once I landed in Seoul and got my bag, declared that I had nothing to declare, I met up with MyongJoon (I apologize if I am butchering that) who was DEFINITELY a sight for sore eyes. I didn't know if there would be anyone waiting for me when I landed since I was a day early, and I ahd already planned on renting a hotel room for the night if I had to. Thankfully I saw her, weilding a "Hannam University" sign. YES!
Anyway, when I met up with her, we still had a 3-hour-drive from seoul to Daejeong. That was THE.MOST.COMFORTABLE.BUS.EVER. I slept like a baby. Though before I passed out, I took some mental notes. MyongJoon informed me, and my eyes confirmed, that South Koreans LOVE neon signs. Very true. It reminded me a bit of Pigeon Forge. :)
The most interesting thing on the drive in was all the water. I've never visited a city that is practically inundated wtih H20. Seems like I will have to get used to the taste of seafood right quick. :)
Another thing I noticed was how in the cities through which we drove, there are tall hills just butted up right next to thick civilisation. It made for an interesting backdrop.
Alright, I think that is enough for now. Hopefully I can find MyongJoon and get some breakfast (and an alarm clock!!!) soon. Oh, by the way, in case anyone is interested (Christie Cook), MyongJoon informed me that it is the rainy season here in Daejeong.
Oh, and another cool thing! One of my roommates (I am rooming with two Korean girls and one girl from Lynchburg, VA) is coming to Maryville next year as an exchange student! How cool is that??? I am a bit suspicious, though, if Kirsten Sheppaed did that on purpose... If not, what a neat coincidence! Okay, all for now!
Love you!
-Abigail
Friday, June 18, 2010
IN ATLANTA!
I am in Atlanta! This post is costing me 4 dollars, go figure. But I made it to Atlanta safe and sound! Now on to Washington D.C., then SOUTH KOREA! I am quite tired, so I opted for some creature comforts: a starbucks cappucino and an oatmeal. Feeling refreshed, considering the circumstances, you know, like getting LOST in this MASSIVE airport. I mean, really, if the airport is big enough to have its OWN TRAIN STATION, then maybe we ought to build a bigger airport. But, I don't run the world. It would be a lot more sparkly if I did.
Okay, I am SUPER tired, so I will update again as soon as possible, my lovlies!
Okay, I am SUPER tired, so I will update again as soon as possible, my lovlies!
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