So about 2 hours we found out that 5 of the Chinese students have to return home. TONIGHT. Or else the Chinese government is going to fine them $10,000 and they won't be able to return to Korea for 5 years. I guess what happened was their program at their university filed for a tourist visa (which is only for a month) instead of a student visa, and today it expired. Three of the students already left (they were taken out of class early) and we didn't even get to say goodbye. The remaining 2 are girls, and they decided to go shopping today, without a cell phone. So they are somewhere in Seoul, and they don't even know yet. The bad news for them is that the last plane for China already left for the evening, so I'm not sure how the Chinese government can impose such a high fine if they didn't even know until hours later. It's pretty scary for them, and pretty shocking for the rest of us. I am so thankful to be from USA and not have to have a visa to visit here.
The students were all talking, and they were all saying that USA is the hardest place to get a visa, unless you are a student. Each country is different, but you have to wait a long time and have a definite purpose for your stay. It's incredible to see the different view points of people and what they think of Americans. I was told that we are "fearless", don't get embarrassed, and say really cool stuff haha. Sometimes I feel like we're good guys, but sometimes not so much (like when my Chinese professor tells everyone how the US is taking all of their profit and that's why China and its people are so poor). I guess the real truth is in the eyes of each beholder.
Even though I wanted to go home earlier, now I take that back. Anything could happen, at anytime. So we just have to live it up, every moment.
CS
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Korean Folk Village, Hyundai, and some "Good Coffee"
Today was a great day; a lifter upper from last night :)
We went to a traditional Korean Folk Village and saw the buildings and the life of Koreans 200 years ago. We got to play a traditional pebble game where you try and flick the opponent's pebbles off of the board, and even saw a traditional wedding ceremony. There was lots of bowing, and of course beautiful clothing wear (very colorful, and multiple pieces).
After the Folk Village we went and visited the Hyundai plant in Asan, South Korea. I was super excited to go because I'm pondering being an operations management major, and possibly working as a manager in a factory myself. I couldn't believe how many robots there were. The only other plant that I've visited was Bush's baked beans, and although it was automated, there weren't actual robots running the show. We saw the car being made from the panels at the press shop, to the assembly line (which only took 51 seconds to assembly one whole car) to putting the engine in and putting the final touches on. We were there around 3:15 pm and the plant had already completed 366 cars. It was pretty impressive. I also didn't know that the largest car factory in the entire world is located in Korea, in Ulsan (where 2 of my Korean friends are from!). Korea sure has made a name for itself.
It was very exciting, but a very tiring day as well. Many of us took a nap on the 2 hour bus ride home. We went out to dinner, went to "Good Coffee" (coffee shop by our university) and sat for awhile and chatted. Koreans love coffee, like I said before a very large consumer. It is so nice to just sit down and talk with friends. I feel like when I'm in Eau Claire I never take the time to just sit and talk with friends. There's always a schedule, something I'm coming from, and always somewhere I have to be in 15 min. If I bring something back with me, it's going to be to slow life down a little bit and enjoy the small moments because they keep ya goin.
And oh yeah, Good Coffee also has wifi!!! I am enjoying my games on my iTouch once again, and one happy lady. :)
Tomorrow we have class again, so I better get to my homework.
CS
We went to a traditional Korean Folk Village and saw the buildings and the life of Koreans 200 years ago. We got to play a traditional pebble game where you try and flick the opponent's pebbles off of the board, and even saw a traditional wedding ceremony. There was lots of bowing, and of course beautiful clothing wear (very colorful, and multiple pieces).
After the Folk Village we went and visited the Hyundai plant in Asan, South Korea. I was super excited to go because I'm pondering being an operations management major, and possibly working as a manager in a factory myself. I couldn't believe how many robots there were. The only other plant that I've visited was Bush's baked beans, and although it was automated, there weren't actual robots running the show. We saw the car being made from the panels at the press shop, to the assembly line (which only took 51 seconds to assembly one whole car) to putting the engine in and putting the final touches on. We were there around 3:15 pm and the plant had already completed 366 cars. It was pretty impressive. I also didn't know that the largest car factory in the entire world is located in Korea, in Ulsan (where 2 of my Korean friends are from!). Korea sure has made a name for itself.
It was very exciting, but a very tiring day as well. Many of us took a nap on the 2 hour bus ride home. We went out to dinner, went to "Good Coffee" (coffee shop by our university) and sat for awhile and chatted. Koreans love coffee, like I said before a very large consumer. It is so nice to just sit down and talk with friends. I feel like when I'm in Eau Claire I never take the time to just sit and talk with friends. There's always a schedule, something I'm coming from, and always somewhere I have to be in 15 min. If I bring something back with me, it's going to be to slow life down a little bit and enjoy the small moments because they keep ya goin.
And oh yeah, Good Coffee also has wifi!!! I am enjoying my games on my iTouch once again, and one happy lady. :)
Tomorrow we have class again, so I better get to my homework.
CS
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sweet Eau Claire
Today is one of those days that I miss everything about being in America. My bed, the food, my friends, the list goes on and on. I think that I've been spending too much time with the same group of people. But this is what studying abroad is all about. As my mom would say, "Cara, you can't quit everything in your life". Being here in Korea is something different. You can't just go quit your job, or not go to class, or not go home just because you don't "feel like it". I can't simply quit and book another plane ticket home. I have to stick it out and make the most of it. As of today I have exactly 2 weeks left. The crazy part is that I have no idea what will happen in those 2 weeks. Everything is a mystery. I think that's getting to me as well...I need to have schedule, order...and most important, people who are on time! There is a big joke that there is time, and there's Korean time. Whenever we go anywhere or do anything it's always the Koreans that are late. In their defense, they're not as bad as my Mexican friends ;)
So right now I'm chilling in my dorm room, knitting my blanket. My friend had a birthday last night so we went out to celebrate, which was a little weird because it was a Monday night and usually I'm all tucked in on a Monday. Koreans sure do love their night life. I was more of a spectator, but thought I'd be respectful and atleast be in attendance.
We're going on another field trip tomorrow, I'll let you know what we're up to!
CS
So right now I'm chilling in my dorm room, knitting my blanket. My friend had a birthday last night so we went out to celebrate, which was a little weird because it was a Monday night and usually I'm all tucked in on a Monday. Koreans sure do love their night life. I was more of a spectator, but thought I'd be respectful and atleast be in attendance.
We're going on another field trip tomorrow, I'll let you know what we're up to!
CS
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Inception, DMZ, and the Hospital
I did my title Cake Boss style, for those of you who don't know what Cake Boss is turn your TV onto TLC and get a watchin! It's my new favorite show.
Anyways, yesterday I went to the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone) also called JSA (Joint Security Area) or simply "the border" between North and South Korea. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, mainly because most of the time we weren't allowed to get off of the bus or take pictures anywhere (well, in a few spots it was ok). It was pretty crazy to see the literal cement, 6 inch high, line going right through the country. It went straight through buildings (so that if they need to meet for diplomatic reasons, they don't have to cross into the other's side). The South Korean soldiers were very serious the entire time, standing in a very upright position with their arms locked in a "taekwondo" pose, and with their hot bulky uniform. Let's just say, not a job I'd want to have.
The other thing that surprised me was America's involvement with the JSA. Everywhere you look there is a South Korean flag, a JSA flag, and our flag!! It was kind of weird to see. While our tour guide was showing us around she made it very clear that the people of Korea did not want to be split into two countries, and that it was the super powers' (Russia and US) fault that they did. From the American point of view we learn that we went over there to "help" the Koreans keep capitalism, but really they didn't want the split in the first place. I guess there's always two sides to every story. Did you know that the guy that started Hyundai was North Korean? When the war ended the POW soldiers were allowed to choose which side, and he switched over to the South. Nowadays, people say that North Korea is living in poverty, and that starvation is everywhere. It makes me sad to hear that, because they don't even know what else is out there.
The last part of my title is "hospital" or in korean "pyeong won". While on the subway my show got caught on the edge, and I fell face first. As embarrassing as it was, it hurt much more. I ended up "bending" my bone, but atleast it wasn't broken. I don't think I could live on crutches and a cast without my mother or grandma taking care of me! I went to the ER last night around 10:30pm and they took an xray. After an hour and a half of looking at my charts, the doctor told me in English that they're not sure what it is. I was a little shocked to hear that. They said if the swelling and pain persist 3 days from then that I have to get a CT and Cat scan. So at this point, I'm not sure what's wrong with it. He said "micro fractures" and bending of the bone, but ended with...I'm not sure about your condition. comforting, eh? Well I'm going to go eat some left over pizza because the restaurants are too far to walk on this leg...then take my 15 pills per day that were prescribed (over kill I know).
Sleep tight America,
CS
Anyways, yesterday I went to the DMZ (Demilitarization Zone) also called JSA (Joint Security Area) or simply "the border" between North and South Korea. It wasn't as intense as I thought it would be, mainly because most of the time we weren't allowed to get off of the bus or take pictures anywhere (well, in a few spots it was ok). It was pretty crazy to see the literal cement, 6 inch high, line going right through the country. It went straight through buildings (so that if they need to meet for diplomatic reasons, they don't have to cross into the other's side). The South Korean soldiers were very serious the entire time, standing in a very upright position with their arms locked in a "taekwondo" pose, and with their hot bulky uniform. Let's just say, not a job I'd want to have.
The other thing that surprised me was America's involvement with the JSA. Everywhere you look there is a South Korean flag, a JSA flag, and our flag!! It was kind of weird to see. While our tour guide was showing us around she made it very clear that the people of Korea did not want to be split into two countries, and that it was the super powers' (Russia and US) fault that they did. From the American point of view we learn that we went over there to "help" the Koreans keep capitalism, but really they didn't want the split in the first place. I guess there's always two sides to every story. Did you know that the guy that started Hyundai was North Korean? When the war ended the POW soldiers were allowed to choose which side, and he switched over to the South. Nowadays, people say that North Korea is living in poverty, and that starvation is everywhere. It makes me sad to hear that, because they don't even know what else is out there.
The last part of my title is "hospital" or in korean "pyeong won". While on the subway my show got caught on the edge, and I fell face first. As embarrassing as it was, it hurt much more. I ended up "bending" my bone, but atleast it wasn't broken. I don't think I could live on crutches and a cast without my mother or grandma taking care of me! I went to the ER last night around 10:30pm and they took an xray. After an hour and a half of looking at my charts, the doctor told me in English that they're not sure what it is. I was a little shocked to hear that. They said if the swelling and pain persist 3 days from then that I have to get a CT and Cat scan. So at this point, I'm not sure what's wrong with it. He said "micro fractures" and bending of the bone, but ended with...I'm not sure about your condition. comforting, eh? Well I'm going to go eat some left over pizza because the restaurants are too far to walk on this leg...then take my 15 pills per day that were prescribed (over kill I know).
Sleep tight America,
CS
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Koreans=High IQ
After tonight I know why Koreans have the highest IQ in the world...because they study all of the time. I went to the library for the first time here at Ajou, and wow is all that I can say. It is pretty much 4 floors of individual desks just lined up one after another: cubicle style. Right away at the entrance you need to swipe your student card that has an electronic chip for all public transportation and everything at the school. That gets you in the doorway, next stop is electronic kiosks (about 10 of them) that have a touch screen map of every floor in the Library. Get this...you pick your seat, and then it's assigned to you! For 4 hours that is, then you have to extend your stay or pick a new one.
I stayed for 4 hours in the library...more than I have ever stayed in any library, in any country. I definitely showed my American side with my knitting and Ipod and the constant need to be switching tasks about every half hour. The Koreans just sit and read their textbooks, or write their papers. My Korean friend (like all Koreans actually) are so careful when they write in English. It took him 4 hours to write 2 pages, and they seem to run on no sleep.
This Library experience has got me wondering...do Koreans study too much? Over the top? Or do Americans not study enough? Because there is a huge gap in hours of studying I can tell you that. Maybe my superintendent mother can answer this one for us.
CS
I stayed for 4 hours in the library...more than I have ever stayed in any library, in any country. I definitely showed my American side with my knitting and Ipod and the constant need to be switching tasks about every half hour. The Koreans just sit and read their textbooks, or write their papers. My Korean friend (like all Koreans actually) are so careful when they write in English. It took him 4 hours to write 2 pages, and they seem to run on no sleep.
This Library experience has got me wondering...do Koreans study too much? Over the top? Or do Americans not study enough? Because there is a huge gap in hours of studying I can tell you that. Maybe my superintendent mother can answer this one for us.
CS
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bruises and Beaches
So remember last time when I wrote, "I'm going to go play ping pong"? Well I ended up playing with 3 Korean guys (all were very good) for 3 hours! We played singles, doubles, a tournament, and around the world. So exhausting but a great work out. It is a big sport here as well as squash and badminton, and of course soccer. I don't think they get the idea of girls playing though.
Today we went to Boryeong City which is where the Mud Festival is. Boryeong's mud is known to be "rich in minerals and good for the skin" and they even sell cosmetics from the mud as well. There was a mud prison where people have little buckets and throw mud on you, multiple obstacle courses which were very slippery but very fun, a mud bath where you just sit and cover yourself and other fun attractions. The rides were so slippery that we would fall over all of the time, making my title be "bruises". Also, one of my friends threw me down in the mud bath (the bottom was concrete) so I got a good bruise from that one too. And if you seemed "too clean" which means had any skin showing...don't worry a "friend" from the program was sure to help you out with that "problem" haha.
After we played around in the mud for awhile, we walked to the beach (right next to the mud festival). It was beautiful as ever, but since it was windy and the tide was so high we were unable to swim in it...just swoosh our toes in a bit. One of my friends from Milwaukee actually lost her sandal because the tide took it when it was washing outwards. My lunch for the day consisted of a hamburger and fries. Guess what? They were being literal with the "ham" in hamburger. It had ham and beef in it! Along with cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and other fun things that I didn't quite know.
The bus took 2 hours to get there one way, so on the way home I took a really long nap. That doesn't really help out the jet lag that I still am having a problem with (laying in bed for hours not being able to sleep finally going to sleep at 5 am when the sun comes up). I really want it to stop by the next session which starts next Monday because I have class at 9 am, and I'm not a morning person even without the jet lag.
Well, I'm going to go get a bite to eat and do my homework for my Korean Language class. Ciao!
CS
Today we went to Boryeong City which is where the Mud Festival is. Boryeong's mud is known to be "rich in minerals and good for the skin" and they even sell cosmetics from the mud as well. There was a mud prison where people have little buckets and throw mud on you, multiple obstacle courses which were very slippery but very fun, a mud bath where you just sit and cover yourself and other fun attractions. The rides were so slippery that we would fall over all of the time, making my title be "bruises". Also, one of my friends threw me down in the mud bath (the bottom was concrete) so I got a good bruise from that one too. And if you seemed "too clean" which means had any skin showing...don't worry a "friend" from the program was sure to help you out with that "problem" haha.
After we played around in the mud for awhile, we walked to the beach (right next to the mud festival). It was beautiful as ever, but since it was windy and the tide was so high we were unable to swim in it...just swoosh our toes in a bit. One of my friends from Milwaukee actually lost her sandal because the tide took it when it was washing outwards. My lunch for the day consisted of a hamburger and fries. Guess what? They were being literal with the "ham" in hamburger. It had ham and beef in it! Along with cucumbers, lettuce, onions, and other fun things that I didn't quite know.
The bus took 2 hours to get there one way, so on the way home I took a really long nap. That doesn't really help out the jet lag that I still am having a problem with (laying in bed for hours not being able to sleep finally going to sleep at 5 am when the sun comes up). I really want it to stop by the next session which starts next Monday because I have class at 9 am, and I'm not a morning person even without the jet lag.
Well, I'm going to go get a bite to eat and do my homework for my Korean Language class. Ciao!
CS
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thank Goodness for Multiple Choice
My quiz today...not bad! It was multiple choice which made it so much easier. The entire exam was in Korean, so I only recognized a few of the words, but enough to realize what's going on and what the right answer was. So I'm pretty thrilled about that. Next stop is our final on Friday. That should be interesting, hopefully more multiple choice :)
I just got back from our pizza party! I keep thinking wow, things are so different here but then I remember that well, everything pretty much is different here. There were 3 types of pizza to choose from: sweet potato pizza with ham and literally sweet potato on top, shrimp and squid tentacles, and shrimp with something else. They just love seafood over here. I had the sweet potato one and it wasn't too bad! It was pretty sweet though, I think because they don't have marinara sauce here. It's just bread with cheese on top with the toppings. That's why Koreans are so thin.
Now I'm off to play some ping pong, so have a great night America!
CS
I just got back from our pizza party! I keep thinking wow, things are so different here but then I remember that well, everything pretty much is different here. There were 3 types of pizza to choose from: sweet potato pizza with ham and literally sweet potato on top, shrimp and squid tentacles, and shrimp with something else. They just love seafood over here. I had the sweet potato one and it wasn't too bad! It was pretty sweet though, I think because they don't have marinara sauce here. It's just bread with cheese on top with the toppings. That's why Koreans are so thin.
Now I'm off to play some ping pong, so have a great night America!
CS
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