Since I'm going to be studying abroad in Seoul, I thought it would be a good idea to blog about my experiences, just as thousands of other college students have done. What makes this blog different from those other ones? Nothing really, just my own perspective, I suppose. Anyway, feel free to follow me (and give me tips) as I attempt to learn a new language, experience a new culture, and hopefully not get too lost exploring South Korea's capital city.
Why did I choose Seoul? Here are five reasons:
1) I wanted to study in the Philippines in order to learn about my heritage, but thanks to the travel warning issued by the U.S. government, my school (Illinois Wesleyan University) wouldn't allow it. So I chose South Korea because it is only second to the Philippines in having the largest amount of practicing Christians (and Catholics, yay!), and Seoul because of CIEE.
2) I took Japanese in college in order to fulfill the language requirement for Asian Studies so I considered going to Japan. However, after going on the Technos trip to Japan and seeing just how secular the country is, I didn't think I could live there for four months. I love Japan a lot though, so I'm very lucky that my program is taking a three-day excursion there!
3) Thanks to a friend of mine back in freshman year, I was exposed to Korean boy bands. As I delved deeper into k-pop I became intrigued with Korea's contemporary culture and desired to learn more about it. I even started taking Korean lessons with that same friend (who is AMAZING at languages and absolutely LOVES Korea, by the way). So by studying abroad in Seoul I figured I could attend concerts and act fangirly and not be seen as too strange.
4) I am considering international social work as a profession, so after checking the course listings as Yonsei University I discovered they had a class called Korean Social Welfare! Lucky me, huh? I am excited to learn about Korea as a part of my academic career.
5) The food. I absolutely love Korean food - it is so delicious! I have also heard that kimchi is good for weight loss.
My top 5 reasons for concern:
1) I am definitely not thin in any sense so in that regard I am in the minority. Koreans are very health conscious and might initially judge me based on physical appearance. I know everyone does that, but I think more so in Korea. K-pop stars are seriously anorexic, no joke.
2) I am not Korean and therefore a foreigner, so according to everything I have read about Koreans I will perpetually be viewed as an outsider no matter how hard I try to learn about and practice Korean culture.
3) I am Filipino-American. Filipinos in Korea often work in the service industry, which means more often then not they are of a lower social standing. My tan skin and features automatically mark me as not Korean even though I am Asian. So much for blending in! Don't get me wrong - I love being Fil-Am (whatever that entails - another blog post?) but in Korea I might face prejudice? Maybe? Can anyone correct me?
4) Despite taking Korean lessons, I definitely DO NOT know any Korean besides common words in k-pop songs. I can read (and kind of write) hangul but that's about it. Immersion is a good thing, yes?
5) I just packed yesterday and am leaving today. Procrastination at its finest. I hope I haven't forgotten anything too important!
Overall, I am very much looking forward to spending my second to last semester of college in Seoul. With luck and God's grace I am sure that my experience will be life-changing. :)
Why did I choose Seoul? Here are five reasons:
1) I wanted to study in the Philippines in order to learn about my heritage, but thanks to the travel warning issued by the U.S. government, my school (Illinois Wesleyan University) wouldn't allow it. So I chose South Korea because it is only second to the Philippines in having the largest amount of practicing Christians (and Catholics, yay!), and Seoul because of CIEE.
2) I took Japanese in college in order to fulfill the language requirement for Asian Studies so I considered going to Japan. However, after going on the Technos trip to Japan and seeing just how secular the country is, I didn't think I could live there for four months. I love Japan a lot though, so I'm very lucky that my program is taking a three-day excursion there!
3) Thanks to a friend of mine back in freshman year, I was exposed to Korean boy bands. As I delved deeper into k-pop I became intrigued with Korea's contemporary culture and desired to learn more about it. I even started taking Korean lessons with that same friend (who is AMAZING at languages and absolutely LOVES Korea, by the way). So by studying abroad in Seoul I figured I could attend concerts and act fangirly and not be seen as too strange.
4) I am considering international social work as a profession, so after checking the course listings as Yonsei University I discovered they had a class called Korean Social Welfare! Lucky me, huh? I am excited to learn about Korea as a part of my academic career.
5) The food. I absolutely love Korean food - it is so delicious! I have also heard that kimchi is good for weight loss.
My top 5 reasons for concern:
1) I am definitely not thin in any sense so in that regard I am in the minority. Koreans are very health conscious and might initially judge me based on physical appearance. I know everyone does that, but I think more so in Korea. K-pop stars are seriously anorexic, no joke.
2) I am not Korean and therefore a foreigner, so according to everything I have read about Koreans I will perpetually be viewed as an outsider no matter how hard I try to learn about and practice Korean culture.
3) I am Filipino-American. Filipinos in Korea often work in the service industry, which means more often then not they are of a lower social standing. My tan skin and features automatically mark me as not Korean even though I am Asian. So much for blending in! Don't get me wrong - I love being Fil-Am (whatever that entails - another blog post?) but in Korea I might face prejudice? Maybe? Can anyone correct me?
4) Despite taking Korean lessons, I definitely DO NOT know any Korean besides common words in k-pop songs. I can read (and kind of write) hangul but that's about it. Immersion is a good thing, yes?
5) I just packed yesterday and am leaving today. Procrastination at its finest. I hope I haven't forgotten anything too important!
Overall, I am very much looking forward to spending my second to last semester of college in Seoul. With luck and God's grace I am sure that my experience will be life-changing. :)
Janelle! Janelle! Have fun in South Korea!
ReplyDelete...Turns out that it is difficult to rhyme things with 'South Korea.' This new verse to the Janelle song will have to be a work in progress. Stay tuned for further developments.
Have a wonderful time in South Korea! I expect pictures! :)
-Martha
Hey Janelle,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an amazing semester!!! I'll miss you ill wes won't be the same without you :(
-Jenny
Thanks Martha! I look forward to the entire Janelle song since I know you will come up with something brilliant.
ReplyDeleteJenny, I will definitely get you something awesome in Korea to go along with your tacky tourist t-shirt. :) I can't wait to see your new apartment!
I can indeed tell that you're new to this, because you use proper grammar and have coherent arguments. :D And now...
ReplyDeleteOHAI WELKUM 2 TEH BLOGOSPHEEER!!1!11!!
The Santos sisters are on opposite sides of the world again. :D You wanderer, you.
Hehe.
ReplyDeleteHow was the move, by the way? And have you confirmed plans yet? If you don't come I might skip the U.S. and go to the Philippines for Christmas!
The move went pretty well, although working makes unpacking go twice as slowly as it did the first time. Silly work.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't confirmed plans for holidays yet, but we will definitely be coming. Dan and I are hoping to get to the Philippines at some point in the near future too.