"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
Crimson Hanbok & Spirited Tigers
Although a lot of things I have experiences in Korea thus far have been new and novel to me, IPSELENTI and the school week (May 21-25th) leading up to it was truly something I have never experienced before. Every spring semester, Korea University hosts what students call “IPSELENTI”. Having participated in the raging school spirit and surreal cheering and concerts, I would call this annual event a sort of American Homecoming, but with live K-pop performances and school-wide choreographed cheers all day. Dressed in our crimson red KUBA shirts, all the exchange students gathered at Tiger Dome before the start of the event at 2pm to get tiger face tattoos and line up early. We had already purchased tickets through our KUBA buddies the week before. Each student was allowed to purchase up to 2 tickets and each ticked costed 11,000 KRW. Once we got inside of the outdoor arena, I felt like a little droplet in a sea of red. The first two hours were purely cheering. At the beginning of the semester, KUBA hosted a Cheering orientation where the school cheerleading team taught us the catchy cheer songs and the corresponding dance moves. It’s safe to say, I’ve never seen such a large crowd (of maybe 1,000 students) cheering and dancing in such unison. ***Note: It was particularly hot this day, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring water! There are also many street food stands set up outside of the arena in anticipation for the crowds, so you can pick up an ice-cold water from the hard working ahjummas selling drinks and food out there. After the huge cheer fest, the hosts on stage introduced the first of a string of amazingly famous K-Pop performers. Although I didn’t know much about K-pop, I completely fell in love with their lively performances, infectious energy, and catchy melodies. However, what I didn’t expect to see was Psy, the global star that arguably put K-pop on the map back in 2012 with his song “Gangnam Style.” That was definitely the one song screamed along to while mimicking the iconic dance! Last, but not least, IPSELENTI ended on a bang! (literally) There was short but spectacular fireworks show seconds after Psy’s performance. The whole day felt so unreal, but the final act really made this day memorable. In addition to wearing red on Friday, the day of IPSELENTI, I also got the chance to dress up in a traditional Korean red “hanbok”. Historically worn by men and women in various colors and styles, hanbok dresses were commonly adorned by Koreans 1,600 years ago. Today, many visitors can experience a blast from the past by renting a unique hanbok from a rental shop. The shop we stumbled upon, “Hanbok Studio,” is located in Insadong. There we picked our hanbok of choice and paid 10,000 KRW to explore outside in our traditional garb. Instead of snapping pictures of ourselves in the city we walked about 5 minutes to Unhyeongung Palace. Tucked in between the building, convenience stores, and busy streets, we found ourselves in a historical sand floored palace complete with historical architecture and greenery.
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The grind
Last week marked the end of what theatrical performers might compare to their “hell week” and what college students like myself simply understand as “Midterm season.” Here at KU, midterm week is the 8th week of class and for the spring semester this period falls at the end of April between the 23rd and 27th. However, for the four classes I am enrolled in, my midterms were scattered before and during this dreaded week. Although this made it easier to pace my studying and preparation, I found the wide span of time made it easy for me to get preoccupied by other priorities. This is how my midterm “week” looked: Four midterm exams, one midterm project and paper, and some significant UH priorities. April 9th – BUSS 204 April 13th – BEST General Elections April 16th – BUSS 311 Presentation April 18th – BUSS 311 Report Due April 18th – BUSS 367 April 19th – UH Class Registration April 23rd – BUSS 311 April 24th – BUSS 238 What Exams Are Like: For the most part, exams seemed pretty similar to how they are back home. All my professors disclosed the exam format prior to exam day. The format of my exams were an assortment of multiple choice questions, short answers, and essay questions, so nothing particularly new to me. However, to my surprise, my BUSS 311 exam was an open book and open web exam and only consisted of one essay question. It also can be noted that none of my professors provided study guides for the midterm. Instead, professors generally emphasized the importance of attendance and integrated a lot of in class discussions/activities into the test. In addition to studying for my exams, I also tackled my first group project and presentation! For a majority of my classes, group work is a significant part of your grade. The professors also take care of the grouping and assign you to a group, usually consistent of a mix of regular KU and exchange students. Group Work: Although all my classes are taught in English, I realized that my group members struggled with communicating in English. Our group chat was primarily flooded with Korean and it was a challenge to exchange ideas during our group meet-ups. As the only non-Korean speaker in my group, I felt burdensome to the effectiveness and harmony of the group. Nonetheless, I made an effort to simplify my verbiage and express my confidence in my group member’s English skills. In the end, although it was sometimes frustrating, we were able to complete the project and deliver, what I felt as, a promising presentation. **Note: From my discussion with other students, I learned that KU and other exchange students do use Google Drive/ Google Docs. However, my group preferred to use PowerPoint rather than Google Slides, so we had to be more deliberate about division of labor in regard to making and sharing the presentation. So, be open to different methods of collaboration familiar to you! Other Home University Priorities: Aside from KU school work, I also found myself attending to UH business. Although I am only half way through my semester here, students back home are wrapping up their spring semester. So, they are also prepping for next semester. This included student organization elections and course registration. I am a member of a student organization called the Business Executive Society of Tomorrow (BEST), an undergraduate business club some UH students may be familiar with. Every semester BEST has elections to appoint a new set of directors to manage the club in the following semester. So, rather than being there in person to deliver my speech, I pre-filmed a campaign video and video chatted for the Q&A segment. I thought this was particularly important to include because many students may be forget or be reluctant to run for leadership positions while abroad, but I believe you can still give a convincing presentation despite the distance. **Note: Be sure to take note of time differences and prepare in advance to be online for Q&A. I would also recommend picking an area that is quiet but also has reliable Wi-Fi network for the video call. Lastly, as far as filming your speech, I would suggest making it as straightforward and simple as possible. I had Michelle, my cousin who is also studying abroad, film me in one of the study rooms on campus. I dressed in business casual and tried to memorize my speech to ensure fluidity. As mentioned, I also registered for my Fall 2018 courses online last year for my home university. After talking to my advisor before leaving Korea, I knew exactly what classes I need to register for. So, the overall process was very smooth. **Note: It may be easy to miss email reminders from your home university regarding important notices like course registration dates! So, don’t forget to check your home university email regularly! Down "The Street"
The very first time I saw the KU campus and the surrounding area was through my taxi window on the day I moved it. It sun was beginning to set, and I remember seeing a street lit up in lights along the hill that led to CJ International, my dorm building. Only after a few days of exploring the campus did I venture back to this street. The closest train station to the dorms is called Anam Station and its two main exits are situated at the intersection of the lively area. About three or four blocks long, this street is lined with restaurants, cosmetic shops, conveniences stores, coffee shops, and even a handful of hair salons. Despite walking up and down this street so many times, I am still discovering new places even to this day. Also, don’t forget to look up! The building in Korea all tend to be small but multileveled, so often times there are more restaurants above street level. With so many options it might be overwhelming, so I compiled a list of some of the stand out go-to places to eat on “the street” that I’ve discovered so far… Great Take-Out Eateries: Salad Day – A healthy break from all the indulgent options on the street Salad Day makes their salad per order so, you can never question the freshness! They even display their fresh avocado delivery by their door! Dos Mas – My first Korean-Mexican experience Dos Mas takes orders on touch screens and sells what I would consider a Korean meal in a tortilla shell. Don’t be fooled though, it’s probably hands down my favorite burrito joint EVER. Goreun Haestal – Wholesome Korean ‘quick’ food Run by a group of sweet “ajumma” (Korean for aunty), this dine in and take out friendly shop is famous for their 3,000 KRW tuna kimbap (rice rolls) and their overall very affordable menu. The Very Waffle – My favorite place for a quick but oh-so-delicious dessert The Very Waffle’s ice cream waffle sandwiches can be spotted all over campus in the hands of happy KU students. The menu is all in Korean, but in all honesty, this is a game of (waffle) roulette where all outcomes will be in your favor. Dear Bread – One of only a handful of chain bakeries Dear Bread is known for their freshly baked focaccia breads, baguettes, and brioches. The last time I went, the bread was too warm for it to even be cut! Isaac Toast – Korea’s interpretation of toast-meets-breakfast sandwich The prices are student-friendly, and they make the sandwich right in front of you! ***Note: The mobile app ‘Mango Plate’ is Korea’s answer to Yelp! You can find the places listed above and other recommendations on this app. There are also locations, business hours, and reviews you can check out via ‘Mango Plate’. Shopping for Living Necessities: When I was packing for Korea, there were a few things I figured were with impractical to bring or too easy to find once I settled down. On “the street” that I mentioned above, you can also find a Daiso, which is known as the one-dollar (but not really) store. Here, you can find everything from A to Z, including school supplies, cosmetic goods, snacks, kitchen ware, bathroom necessities, travel accessories, and more! Post move-in purchases: Full sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash Shower Mat Trash can Instant foods Kitchen ware (bowl, eating utensils, knife, cutting board, pan, i.e.) Paper Towels School Supplies (Notebooks, Pens, Sticky Notes) Power Adapter/Converter An Extra Pillow Makeup Organizers Makeup wipes, cotton pads, and cotton buds Clothes Hangers Extra Towels Laundry Detergent Toilet Paper What I wish I had packed/ packed more of: Wi-Fi ‘Egg’/ portable Wi-Fi pack More Feminine Products Larger travel sized soaps (for travel, but also because it may be a few days before you get a chance to shop for necessities) Aside from exploring what I like to call “the street, it also came time to tackle a few last crucial details: Course Registration and apply for my Alien Registration Card (ARC). Add/Drop Period For the spring 2018 semester, our add and drop period last from March 6th to March 9th for certain periods of the day. The first day of classes was March 2nd, a Friday, but because none of the classes I registered for met on Friday, I didn’t actually have class until March 5th, the following Monday, which also happened to be my 21st Birthday. Aside from my birthday celebrations, this week was particularly interesting because it was the first time I was unsure if I would stay enrolled in all the classes I chose. I also considered taking a Beginners Korean class and sat in on a class during the Add/Drop period, but ultimately settled on a schedule of 4 business courses (pictured below). ***Note: Although I had a relatively easier time getting my desired classes, I did have friends that didn’t share the same experience. What I would recommend is meeting with your academic advisor back home before departing for Korea. It’s best to have all your options laid out in the case you don’t get all the classes you originally planned to take. I also learned that this Add/Drop period is the ONLY time students can both add and/or classes. So, DO NOT FORGET to check that are enrolled for all the right classes and none of the wrong classes before the last Add/Drop period ends! Alien Registration Card (ARC) Reservation & Application In addition to finalizing my academic schedule, I also went to apply for my Alien Registration Card. In order to apply, you’ll need to bring along a list of things including Required Documents: Passport Application Form 2 ID Photos (3.5X 4.5 cm) Certificate of Enrollment Certificate of Residence Application Fee: 30,000 KRW ***Note: The U.S. passport photo size is slightly larger than the photo size requested for the ARC. So, what I did was I went to take new ones at a photo booth located at Anam Station #2. If you enter the station, there should be photo booth located at the top of the flight of stairs going down. It costed me 10,000 KRW for 9 3.5X4.5 cm photos. The school will provide you with all the information you need in this regard. However, what I wanted to highlight in this process is the reservation process and the location. As mentioned in the emails KU will likely send you, you must make a reservation online to apply for your ARC at the Immigration Office. For some reason, when I was making my online reservation I could not select an appointment time. I was not able to figure out why, but I realized that I didn’t encounter the same problem making the online reservation on my iPhone. ***Note: Make sure to make your reservation ASAP because the dates fill up fast! Once you have booked a day, make sure to set a reminder because appointments are really hard to reschedule! Directions to the Immigrations Office: (Currently, KU Students go to the Sejongno Branch Office) Take Anam Station (Line 6) and get off at Dongmyo Station to transfer to Jonggak Station (Line 1) and get out at exit 6. Once you get out of the station, walk straight for about 1/3 of a block and you’ll see the immigration building on your left. The immigration office is on the 2nd Floor of the building. Once you enter the office there is a clipboard of names and corresponding numbers and all you have to do is find out what your number is and wait for it to be called. ***Note: The appointment only takes about five minutes, BUT do not leave the office before your appointment time because they will skip your number if you are not present! Home sweet home...?
In addition to gradually adjusting to the cold, Michelle and I also began to familiarize ourselves with the city and its transportation system leading up to our move-in dates. For the KU Spring 2018 semester (March-June), the mandatory orientation was set for February 22 and 23. So, having arrived on the 19th, we had about two days to explore. Transportation In our spontaneous adventures, we learned the ins and outs of taking the Seoul Metro. With the help of ‘City Mapper’ (an app) and the pocket Wi-Fi our Airbnb provided us, we avoided my greatest fear: getting lost. Unlike the bus system in Hawaii, rather than purchasing a bus pass or paying for each ride individually, Koreans can opt to either pay for one trip tickets or get a rechargeable ‘T-money’ card. So, we stopped by one of the many convenience stores in our area to pick out a T-money card, which vary in design and price (~2,000-4,000 KRW). In order to put money on our cards we decided to revisit the many ticket vending machines in the stations, like the ones we saw at the airport, to load up our T-money cards. ***Note: Commuters must scan their T-money cards/tickets upon entering and exiting the station. This ensures you are charged for your trip based on the distance you travelled. You also can only purchase/recharge your tickets/T-money cards with CASH. So, always keep some on hand! Getting to KU I barely understand Korean, let alone speak it. I had no internet connection. I had no travel companion, but there I was riding in the back of a Korean Uber with a driver that spoke no English. Because Michelle and I had different move-in dates for our dormitories, I left our Airbnb a day earlier than her to settle in at KU in time before orientation started. After we nervously parted ways in front of our Airbnb, I showed my driver a note written in Korean provided by my school to indicated where I need to be dropped off exactly. The nice driver acknowledged my note and after about an hour of terrible Seoul traffic we arrived at the entrance of ‘CJ International’ dormitory building. As the driver helped me move my bags inside, I remember feeling like a college freshman moving in to college. ***Note: My uber ride ended up being about 60,000 KRW, which may be more expensive than usual because of the traffic. In hindsight, it would have been way cheaper to take the subway but a lot riskier considering I had no internet connection to find my way around. Housing: CJ International After thanking the driver, I signed into the front desk and received the key pass and keys to my new home! They also provided me with a bed sheet for my room (pillow and blanket are available for rent for 20,000 KRW for the semester). As soon as I found my room, put down my bags, and connected to Wi-Fi, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of relief. I made it. Kakao talk messages started flooding in from my Michelle and my parents the second I was ‘back online’. Once I finished unpacking my bags, I introduced myself to my three roommates. CJ International has both singles and doubles rooms, and mine happened to my a flat with four singles, two bathrooms, and a shared living space. On our floor there are also two community kitchenettes. Each is equipped with two refrigerators, a sink, stove, microwave, water dispenser, dining table, and a toaster. ***Note: Like the dormitory beds in most universities, the twin beds here a bit longer than traditional twin beds so bring a Twin XL sheet if you plan on using your own sheet. Also, the surge protector strip I bought from Hawaii to use in Korea short circuited when I plugged it in! SO BE VERY CAREFUL. I would suggest just using single power adapters that convert the voltage to be safe. I had overcome what I considered my biggest obstacle of my first week in Korea and the academic semester had not even begun yet! A heartwarming welcome on a cold city night... Despite all my preparation, there was a large part of me that felt terrified to finally arrive in Korea. With very little Korean language skills, I was daunted by the idea of navigating the large foreign city of Seoul. But as we boarded our plane, I was glad that Michelle and I would take on this challenge together. Below are some of our unique shared stories and my personal experiences finding my way. Airport After an 11-hour flight, my longest flight to date, we arrived at Incheon International (ICH) Airport at around 8pm. We then maneuvered our way through a long line to get through immigrations. While we were waiting in our sleepless daze, I remember the overwhelming diversity surrounding me. There we were, two Asian American girls in a crowd of people who seemed predominately from East Asia. I could identify some languages and guess some nationalities I’ve heard and identified before, but for the first time I felt undeniably different. Transportation Arguably the thing that caused me the most anxiety before arriving in Korea: transportation. However, to my surprise, the metro system in Seoul is quite easy to learn and very convenient! After Michelle and I grabbed our luggage from baggage claim, we followed the ‘Airport Railroad’ signage down one floor to the metro station within the airport. Before hopping on to the subway headed in the direction of Seoul Station, we bought our one-time tickets at the automated ticket machines (English is offered as a language setting on the first screen). Since we arrived in Korea before our move in dates, Michelle and I planned to stay at an Airbnb in Hapjeong. So, we made sure to enter ‘Hapjeong’ as our final destination when purchasing our ticket. Then, we were off, dragging along a total of four rolling suitcases! When we exited the subway, we were hit by the frigid air and found ourselves at the middle of a bustling intersection with no internet access. So, we whipped out our map of the area and debated which way to walk until a woman suddenly approaches us and offers help. Seconds later another young woman, another complete stranger, joins our huddle in front of the subway exit to also offer some help. Within in minutes they had personally walked us to the entrance of our Airbnb building. Before they left we utter the most Korean either Michelle and I had spoken since landing in Korea, gamsahamnida, as we bowed our heads in genuine gratitude. Never has something like this every happen to me before, but as Michelle and I settled into our new temporary home we realized how amazed and lucky we were. Had it not been for those two complete strangers, we may have gotten completely lost. So, that’s how our first few waking hours in Korea happened. There was a lot of unfamiliarly and unpredictability to overcome, but all of that subsided after experiencing such a heartwarming act of kindness. ***Note: Although Michelle and I managed to get to our Airbnb before midnight, the metro subways close around 12am. So, I would recommend arriving in Korea as early as possible to avoid transportation conflicts. It's all in the preparation!
In the months leading up to departure you will likely receive updates and helpful information regarding preparing for life at KU via email from the Inbound Student Exchange Program Manager. This semester, the current Inbound Student Exchange Program Manager is Ms. Una Kim. Despite the time difference, she has promptly answered all of my questions. So, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have before arriving in Korea. Below, I have outlined some of the things I needed to complete before leaving for Korea. I have also noted some key tips that I thought were particularly important! 1. Applying for Housing: For the spring semester, on-campus housing applications opened around mid-December through KU’s online site: https://reslife.korea.ac.kr:5008/v1/index.html However, it is very common for KUBS exchange students to get on-campus housing. SO, I would look into some of the off-campus housing options provided by the Inbound Student Exchange Program Manager. After finding out I did not get on campus housing, I contacted the manager of 2U Guesthouse. 2U Guesthouse is one of many ‘Goshitels,’ which are temporary living accommodations that typically house students. Along with the affordable rent, their rooms are also notorious for being incredibly compact yet functional. ***Note: Some of the Goshitels will ask for a reservation deposit prior to your arrival. So, you will need to make an international wire transfer from your local bank. 2U Guesthouse’s reservation deposit was 100,000 KRW, which converted is a little less than $100 USD. However, your bank may charge a wire transfer fee in addition to the amount you are wiring. Also, from my experience, it is best to go your local bank early in the day to ensure that they can process your wire transfer! 2. Flight: After receiving my letter of acceptance to Korea University, I started look at flights. When booking your flight, be sure to take into account the official dates for the mandatory Student Orientation. Michelle, my cousin who is also studying abroad in Korea this semester, decided to book one-way tickets together. So, I’ll have a traveling companion! ***Note: Make sure to check what time your flight will arrive in Korea! KU provides an airport pickup service on the day of Student Orientation. So, make sure you arrive in time for the last bus! 3. Visa: U.S citizens can travel to Korea for up to 90 days without a visa, but because I will be studying there for a full semester a Student Visa was a must. In order to apply for a visa, you will need to visit the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Honolulu. BUT, don’t make your way there until you have all the necessary documents! Here for more info: http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-honolulu-en/wpge/m_5539/contents.do In addition to bringing your:
After applying for you visa at the Korean Consulate, it will take some time for the visa to be processed. So, the sooner you get it done the better! 4. Course Registration: For the spring semester, Course Registration opened on February 1st at 10:00am in Korea Standard Time (KST). ***Note: KST is 19 hours ahead of Hawaii, so be sure to account for this time difference! This means I set my alarm to jump on the online course registration portal at 3pm Hawaii time on January 31st. A week before registration opened, Una sent out an email outlining the registration process. So, be sure to familiarize yourself with the steps before the day of registration. One of the features of KU’s course registration is ‘Preferred Course List System’ which allows you to both make a list of courses you’d like to, but also to see how your schedule would look like with those courses. In preparation, I also referenced the Korea University Course Equivalencies to choose what courses I would need to take in Korea to get credit for it at UH. After registering for the courses, I picked, I found out that I was unfortunately waitlisted for two out of the four. So, I made an academic advising appointment to talk about other courses I might be able to take. With the undergraduate academic advisor’s help, I was able to register for two other business courses as backups. (tentative course schedule pictured below) Although all of this may seem overwhelming, I was able to manage by doing two things: 1) checking my email regularly and 2) seeking information from former Freeman scholars and their insightful blogs. To Mr. Graeme & Mr. Alec Freeman.
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. With your generosity I now have the chance to do something I have never done before; live and learn abroad. As a Shidler College of Business student, I have not only grown as a young professional, but also as a global leader. Nonetheless, my immersive international experience in Seoul, South Korea will undoubtedly hone my global competencies. Whether it be coping with culture shock or communicating beyond borders, I am excited to challenge myself abroad. Known as the "K" in the "SKY" Universities of Korea, the country's three most renown institutions, Korea University's prestige entails academic rigor and excellence. With a growing base of international students, I was one of many whom were drawn in by Korea University Business School (KUBS), the country's no. 1 ranked business school. Studying at such a prestigious school, I look forward to gaining a diversified perspective learning alongside other international students in my business courses. As a Marketing, International Business, and Chinese Language Flagship major, I intend to establish a global career in content creation. Although I have yet to discover what that career will be exactly, this international exchange opportunity will help propel me towards my professional aspirations. Up until this point, I owe my academic success to the sacrifices my parents have made upon immigrating to America. However, I can now thank the Freeman Foundation for also selflessly investing in my future and other future global business leaders. Thank you again for making this experience a possibility. Sincerely, Brittany Lieu |
ABout me..Hi, there! My name is Brittany and I am currently a undergraduate at the University of Hawaii. Although I have been exposed to Korean culture both through the uniquely Asian culture in Hawaii and the plethora of Korean dramas I've indulged in, I have no authentic understanding and experience of Korea. So, I have decided to embark on this study abroad journey not only to seek the delicious foods, but to also challenge my sense of independence, global awareness, and cultural identity.
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