"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"
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!
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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! |
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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