I do not blog. Blogging has never been my thing. But I have gotten requests from family and some friends/USC people to start one, so I figured I would give it a go.
A short intro to me: I am a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, where I studied Biological Sciences and completed minors in Chinese studies and Music (I had a Chemistry minor, but that's a long story...). I have played the double bass for around 11 years and am finally starting to think that I might actually miss it, along with orchestra. Maybe one day I can find my way back to it. Anyways, I did really well in school, which was necessary because I was ready to apply to medical school to one day become a Physician. So, before I even jumped on the Fulbright bandwagon, I had sealed and submitted this application to multiple medical schools and was waiting in limbo for the last month of my summer before beginning what is probably the second most grueling application process out there, the Fulbright. For me, both of these applications were the reason for so much uncertainty, especially about where I was going to end up next year, because after submission, I did not hear back from anywhere for months. However, since I am writing this blog, I am sure you can all surmise what I will be doing: teaching English in South Korea.
Before I get into the main purpose of why I started this blog, I wanted to present some things I'm going to miss, especially about America and what I have waiting for me when I return from this mighty adventure:
A short intro to me: I am a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, where I studied Biological Sciences and completed minors in Chinese studies and Music (I had a Chemistry minor, but that's a long story...). I have played the double bass for around 11 years and am finally starting to think that I might actually miss it, along with orchestra. Maybe one day I can find my way back to it. Anyways, I did really well in school, which was necessary because I was ready to apply to medical school to one day become a Physician. So, before I even jumped on the Fulbright bandwagon, I had sealed and submitted this application to multiple medical schools and was waiting in limbo for the last month of my summer before beginning what is probably the second most grueling application process out there, the Fulbright. For me, both of these applications were the reason for so much uncertainty, especially about where I was going to end up next year, because after submission, I did not hear back from anywhere for months. However, since I am writing this blog, I am sure you can all surmise what I will be doing: teaching English in South Korea.
Before I get into the main purpose of why I started this blog, I wanted to present some things I'm going to miss, especially about America and what I have waiting for me when I return from this mighty adventure:
A complete bio of these three idiots follows...
This slide show is of my babies. I've grown up with dogs, literally my entire life, and they have both been a constant reminder of love and fun, but also of heartbreak. These three are still relatively young, so I'm not so worried, but I am still nervous to let them go! The first one I'll introduce is Sebastian. He's still a puppy (though at 80 pounds he doesn't look it...), and he is the constant form of humor among the three. He's a big goof. Mostly, he reminds me of a derpy polar bear. The second is the majestic Finnegan. Finnegan is beautiful - exactly what a poodle should look like (if not in show hair). He gets super jealous whenever you give attention to anyone else, so we joke that he "cusses us out." He's my fluffy unicorn prince and I wouldn't trade him for the world, even if it would improve my hearing... And the third is the elusive Elke. She's like a cat: independent, but only when she wants to be. Also, she does not often sit still for pictures, so I had to do include some of her that I took with the other two idiots. She's really more of a doberman than a poodle, because she grew up with one. All of these things make her a very interesting dog to observe. So, yah, those are my loves, my best friends, my dogs. I'll miss them more than I can even give justice to here.
Of course, I'll also miss my (human) family. It consists of two sectors, including my mom and step dad (plus a sister), and a dad and a step mom (and another brother and sister). It's a very confusing set up, but I actually love it. I have two families, so I get twice the love, right?? I also have my amazing aunts, grandparents, and cousins from both sides of the family, which together create a wonderful support system for me. I'm really going to miss the availability of my family, but hopefully my host family will be just as wonderful :) Also, one of my cousins just had a little girl, and I'll get to see her before I leave, even though she lives in Oklahoma, so I'm really looking forward to that! I was worried I would not get the chance before July 4th!
Lastly, I have another wonderful support system that has grown throughout the years--my friends. They keep me sane and are some of the most wonderful human beings to walk the planet. I can be pretty shy-but not around these guys :D Hopefully they don't hate me, but I dug up some photos. Only a few that I found on my cellular device from the past year that I wanted to share. Hopefully you guys won't hate me...
Of course, I'll also miss my (human) family. It consists of two sectors, including my mom and step dad (plus a sister), and a dad and a step mom (and another brother and sister). It's a very confusing set up, but I actually love it. I have two families, so I get twice the love, right?? I also have my amazing aunts, grandparents, and cousins from both sides of the family, which together create a wonderful support system for me. I'm really going to miss the availability of my family, but hopefully my host family will be just as wonderful :) Also, one of my cousins just had a little girl, and I'll get to see her before I leave, even though she lives in Oklahoma, so I'm really looking forward to that! I was worried I would not get the chance before July 4th!
Lastly, I have another wonderful support system that has grown throughout the years--my friends. They keep me sane and are some of the most wonderful human beings to walk the planet. I can be pretty shy-but not around these guys :D Hopefully they don't hate me, but I dug up some photos. Only a few that I found on my cellular device from the past year that I wanted to share. Hopefully you guys won't hate me...
Now that I have thoroughly embarrassed some of the people I am closest with (not nearly all of them and shoutout to everyone else who knows they belong there :)) Also, I rarely take photos (with the exception of my dogs...) and when I do I use my phone, so this actually doesn't do the list any justice.
But, now it's actually time to start talking about my preparations to Korea. While stalking former Fulbrighters' blogs, I have noticed that most of them start getting everything together pretty close to the trip. I, however, had a ton of questions about things like packing and the myriad of forms we had to complete and for which I didn't see any information. So, I wanted to give at least a little bit of an overview of that stuff, just in case anyone ever does read this blog in hopes of it actually containing useful information about the process.
First of all: I received my Fulbright notification on April 16th, 2014 while I was sitting in a friend's house after an excruciatingly long Orchestra rehearsal. I had been avoiding my email all day, as had been the usual, since I was aware that the status would be indicated in the subject line and I would know immediately-- a (P) for principal, (A) for alternate, or (NS) for the dreaded non-select. I didn't want to start crying in the middle of the day in case things went south. A little background--I had never really considered doing anything else other than medical school right after I graduated college. I mean, literally from the 4th grade I had basically decided I would be a doctor. But one of my best friends, Amanda, who is currently (at the time of this post) Fulbrighting in Taiwan, encouraged me to apply. She was my "science buddy in Chinese class," since most of the people who take Chinese at USC are Business Majors, and she thought I should at least try. She was really enjoying it, so I jumped on the bandwagon-albeit a little later than others. By this point, I had already finished my AMCAS application, so I kicked into high gear to complete the Fulbright application. I had amazing help with the entire process, especially from my ETA advisor and my amazing recommendation writers, whom I contacted last minute. Anyway, you all get the point. I made it past the national screening, and then got the email of my (P) status. I started screaming and did a victory lap with Anna around the house when I found out; a rather unexpected reaction from myself. I think I knew right then that I was going to defer medical school and do the Fulbright.
After my acceptance, it was time to get down to all of the paperwork. I had a ton of things to do, and all right in the middle of exam week which was already filled with orchestra concerts (which take up a buttload of time). So, the first thing was to accept the offer and to send off the papers. Just FYI, to send my contract to Korea via FedEx, it ended up being about 56 dollars. 56 for a sheet of paper. I'm still pissed, but it was necessary to get a tracking number/insurance, so I sucked it up (and had my parents pay for it :P).
After I had officially graduated (at which I did not walk...oops...), I competed the medical clearance form. For this, btw, you don't have to get a TB test done if you do not want. I got one because I wanted to be sure, but it was not required, at least for those travelling to South Korea. This, I thought, was not clear on the form. However, the HIV test is necessary, and was not indicated on the medical form, but it was just a simple blood test. I had never had blood taken before, so that was fun-didn't actually hurt at all, so that was surprising (I'm a baby when it comes to shots-ironic, I know). I just attached a copy of the results to the end of the document. Also, you have to make sure you are all vaccinated, so that you don't get any diseases while you are over there. While the only required ones are Polio, TDaP, and MMR (which you should have from infancy), I opted to also get the Hepatitis A vaccination and the Typhoid. I was also going to get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination, but that was going to cost me around 650 out of pocket, which I just didn't think was necessary. My doctors and parents brought up the point that you can always get it in Korea, if necessary, and there it is likely to be much cheaper. The same goes for Malaria. Therefore, I stuck with just those two, and also updated my TdaP (or tetanus), because that was due next spring. Let me tell you though, do not get these if you have to do a lot of strenuous work. My shoulders were mega sore (Typhoid and Tetanus do that...), so I do not recommend if you are doing a lot of physical labor or something. Medical clearance, after submission of the form, took about a week for me, even though I didn't have anything "messy" on my report, but that is pretty fast, compared to some of the other countries I had been hearing about. So, I think the South Korea department is pretty quick about it all.
In terms of my Visa, I sent it pretty early after getting all of my information about how to send it, etc. Some things to remember: on the form don't put anything about teaching, just put Fulbright. Apparently, if you do, you could be held up in customs, according to the large ETA handbook you are provided. I sent mine to ATL, and was contacted about a week and a half later that it was ready for pick-up. I had sent a self addressed letter with the application, but, like an idiot, forgot to stamp the thing. Therefore, they would not send it back to me, and I opted to go pick it up. If anyone is ever in ATL, hit up Nori Nori, the best place on earth, where there is a sushi and Japanese cuisine ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET. Yes, you heard me right, AN ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI BUFFET. And it's not gross or anything, just delicious.
Regarding plane tickets-we go through a travel agent who, from my understanding, has been working with the Fulbright program for awhile. I called and let her know from which airport I wanted to leave from, and she said that she would be calling back after she got the final approval from the Fulbright program. Apparently they book us all on the same flight leaving from LAX so that we all land in Korea at approximately the same time (ours leaves midnight on July 4th/July 5th). So I think we all get to kind of know each other from that experience, maybe? Whatever, I'm super excited! While I don't even know my departure time yet or anything, I have already started packing. At first I did not know where to begin. However, through talking with various people, and watching various packing videos on youtube (like eatyourkimchi), I have come up with a nice sheet of things to bring, which I deemed very important. I also literally bought a new wardrobe of things that are teaching appropriate. I'm more of a jeans, flanel, baggy sweater kind of girl, things that would not really fly in the professional world...
So without further ado, here is a list of the things I am bringing with me, based off of what I am under the impression I will need:
Clothing: plenty of cardigans (In Korea shoulders are a no-no, so cardigans are great for versatility and covering up tanks, even in the hot summer months), 3 skirts, about 10 dresses (I more of a dress girl), 2 pairs of light wash jeans, 6 pairs of darker jeans (some schools allow teaching in just regular jeans), sweaters on sweaters on sweaters (I love sweaters), bras and underwear (anyone over a size 34B generally cannot find bras in Korea), pjs (for me this means a t-shirt and soft shorts/pants), 5 pairs of leggings (2 of which are these awesome thermal ones so that I can still wear dresses in the winter), panty-hose (a must-wear, especially in the classroom), 6 pairs of shorts (for the summer, esp. on campus and during weekends when I am not teaching), 1 raincoat, 1 heavy winter jacket, my favorite leather jacket, 2 blazers, 1 swimsuit (there are rules about swimsuits, so it's almost not worth it), 1 light jacket, and about 10 knit shirts/tanks. It seems like a lot, but here is about 90% of it rolled up into my suitcase:
But, now it's actually time to start talking about my preparations to Korea. While stalking former Fulbrighters' blogs, I have noticed that most of them start getting everything together pretty close to the trip. I, however, had a ton of questions about things like packing and the myriad of forms we had to complete and for which I didn't see any information. So, I wanted to give at least a little bit of an overview of that stuff, just in case anyone ever does read this blog in hopes of it actually containing useful information about the process.
First of all: I received my Fulbright notification on April 16th, 2014 while I was sitting in a friend's house after an excruciatingly long Orchestra rehearsal. I had been avoiding my email all day, as had been the usual, since I was aware that the status would be indicated in the subject line and I would know immediately-- a (P) for principal, (A) for alternate, or (NS) for the dreaded non-select. I didn't want to start crying in the middle of the day in case things went south. A little background--I had never really considered doing anything else other than medical school right after I graduated college. I mean, literally from the 4th grade I had basically decided I would be a doctor. But one of my best friends, Amanda, who is currently (at the time of this post) Fulbrighting in Taiwan, encouraged me to apply. She was my "science buddy in Chinese class," since most of the people who take Chinese at USC are Business Majors, and she thought I should at least try. She was really enjoying it, so I jumped on the bandwagon-albeit a little later than others. By this point, I had already finished my AMCAS application, so I kicked into high gear to complete the Fulbright application. I had amazing help with the entire process, especially from my ETA advisor and my amazing recommendation writers, whom I contacted last minute. Anyway, you all get the point. I made it past the national screening, and then got the email of my (P) status. I started screaming and did a victory lap with Anna around the house when I found out; a rather unexpected reaction from myself. I think I knew right then that I was going to defer medical school and do the Fulbright.
After my acceptance, it was time to get down to all of the paperwork. I had a ton of things to do, and all right in the middle of exam week which was already filled with orchestra concerts (which take up a buttload of time). So, the first thing was to accept the offer and to send off the papers. Just FYI, to send my contract to Korea via FedEx, it ended up being about 56 dollars. 56 for a sheet of paper. I'm still pissed, but it was necessary to get a tracking number/insurance, so I sucked it up (and had my parents pay for it :P).
After I had officially graduated (at which I did not walk...oops...), I competed the medical clearance form. For this, btw, you don't have to get a TB test done if you do not want. I got one because I wanted to be sure, but it was not required, at least for those travelling to South Korea. This, I thought, was not clear on the form. However, the HIV test is necessary, and was not indicated on the medical form, but it was just a simple blood test. I had never had blood taken before, so that was fun-didn't actually hurt at all, so that was surprising (I'm a baby when it comes to shots-ironic, I know). I just attached a copy of the results to the end of the document. Also, you have to make sure you are all vaccinated, so that you don't get any diseases while you are over there. While the only required ones are Polio, TDaP, and MMR (which you should have from infancy), I opted to also get the Hepatitis A vaccination and the Typhoid. I was also going to get the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination, but that was going to cost me around 650 out of pocket, which I just didn't think was necessary. My doctors and parents brought up the point that you can always get it in Korea, if necessary, and there it is likely to be much cheaper. The same goes for Malaria. Therefore, I stuck with just those two, and also updated my TdaP (or tetanus), because that was due next spring. Let me tell you though, do not get these if you have to do a lot of strenuous work. My shoulders were mega sore (Typhoid and Tetanus do that...), so I do not recommend if you are doing a lot of physical labor or something. Medical clearance, after submission of the form, took about a week for me, even though I didn't have anything "messy" on my report, but that is pretty fast, compared to some of the other countries I had been hearing about. So, I think the South Korea department is pretty quick about it all.
In terms of my Visa, I sent it pretty early after getting all of my information about how to send it, etc. Some things to remember: on the form don't put anything about teaching, just put Fulbright. Apparently, if you do, you could be held up in customs, according to the large ETA handbook you are provided. I sent mine to ATL, and was contacted about a week and a half later that it was ready for pick-up. I had sent a self addressed letter with the application, but, like an idiot, forgot to stamp the thing. Therefore, they would not send it back to me, and I opted to go pick it up. If anyone is ever in ATL, hit up Nori Nori, the best place on earth, where there is a sushi and Japanese cuisine ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET. Yes, you heard me right, AN ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI BUFFET. And it's not gross or anything, just delicious.
Regarding plane tickets-we go through a travel agent who, from my understanding, has been working with the Fulbright program for awhile. I called and let her know from which airport I wanted to leave from, and she said that she would be calling back after she got the final approval from the Fulbright program. Apparently they book us all on the same flight leaving from LAX so that we all land in Korea at approximately the same time (ours leaves midnight on July 4th/July 5th). So I think we all get to kind of know each other from that experience, maybe? Whatever, I'm super excited! While I don't even know my departure time yet or anything, I have already started packing. At first I did not know where to begin. However, through talking with various people, and watching various packing videos on youtube (like eatyourkimchi), I have come up with a nice sheet of things to bring, which I deemed very important. I also literally bought a new wardrobe of things that are teaching appropriate. I'm more of a jeans, flanel, baggy sweater kind of girl, things that would not really fly in the professional world...
So without further ado, here is a list of the things I am bringing with me, based off of what I am under the impression I will need:
Clothing: plenty of cardigans (In Korea shoulders are a no-no, so cardigans are great for versatility and covering up tanks, even in the hot summer months), 3 skirts, about 10 dresses (I more of a dress girl), 2 pairs of light wash jeans, 6 pairs of darker jeans (some schools allow teaching in just regular jeans), sweaters on sweaters on sweaters (I love sweaters), bras and underwear (anyone over a size 34B generally cannot find bras in Korea), pjs (for me this means a t-shirt and soft shorts/pants), 5 pairs of leggings (2 of which are these awesome thermal ones so that I can still wear dresses in the winter), panty-hose (a must-wear, especially in the classroom), 6 pairs of shorts (for the summer, esp. on campus and during weekends when I am not teaching), 1 raincoat, 1 heavy winter jacket, my favorite leather jacket, 2 blazers, 1 swimsuit (there are rules about swimsuits, so it's almost not worth it), 1 light jacket, and about 10 knit shirts/tanks. It seems like a lot, but here is about 90% of it rolled up into my suitcase:
Shoes: 1 pair of rainboots, 2 pairs of snow boots (living in SC, I never thought I would need them, but I guess I owe a thanks to my dad for buying them anyways), 2 pairs of heels, 2 pairs of flats, 2 pairs of sandals, 1 pair of birks, 1 pair of moccasins, 1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair of chucks, and 1 pair of indoor fluffy shoes. I can buy shoes there, so I think I'm going light on the shoes. If I need to cut things, some of these will be the first to go.
Toiletries: deodorant (I make my own with coconut oil and baking soda, but I'm bringing some sticks, just in case- there is app. no deodorant in Korea, really, and if you do find some, it is extremely expensive), 3 tubes of toothpaste (I've heard the toothpaste can be different and feel weird on the teeth there-- I'm taking no chances), razors, specific brand of body wash I like and most likely won't be able to find in Korea, towels (Korean towels are about half the size of ours, so I want to bring a few regular sized ones), feminine products (these can also be different in Korea, so I am making sure I have enough), coconut oil (my moisturizer), castor oil (also for moisturizer), some facial wash (specifically the first aid beauty facial radiance polish because it is the bomb.com), shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, mouth wash, floss, insect repellent, sunscreen. Most of these things I can find in Korea, so I am packing light on these. Not bringing a hair dryer or straightener because they are cheap in Korea, and I don't want to blow up my current ones via differences in voltage. And that's basically it...haha, not too much here (still a lot, though).
Miscellaneous stuff: Computer, iPad, CHARGERS, adapter (I got the elago Tripshell because it came with 2 USB ports as well-and it got good reviews on amazon, BOOM), external hard drive (you never know, especially when you are me and sometimes things just die on you), some scarves and hats, earrings and necklaces, GIFTS (I actually haven't bought these yet, but will probably post something closer to liftoff including what I do buy), and of course, I'll be bringing my life, my iPhone.
So that is how I have categorized my life for the next year. Hopefully it is all under 100 pounds, and I don't regret bringing anything. I'll write an update towards the end of my time there, I am sure.
In order to deal with the stress of it all, I have started already forming a great support group-one with past and current Fulbrighters. I have been connected with a few past SK Fulbrighters, who have been tremendous in taking off some of the scary pressure of moving away from home for a year. I've been most worried about my homestay, just because I really want an awesome traditional family experience, but they have helped me let go of all the worry, because I really have no control over that situation. So, right now, I am in a mode where I am not worrying as much, and am just enjoying the last few days I have left in America (haha, so melodramatic...).
In terms of learning the language, what I have done is watch dramas, listen to k-pop, and utilize Rosetta stone. For those who wish to have some recommendations, I will now provide them (mind you this is from the prospective of a girl, so men may not be as interested in these things...). Dramas: City Hunter (action, romance, and Lee Min Ho, what else could be better???), Shining Inheritance (for those of you who want a more "traditional family melodrama"), I Hear Your Voice (Amazing story, and not a traditional melodrama feel, which I really appreciate), Boys over Flowers (if you are a girl and love super cheesy, dramatic romantic comedies), Coffee Prince (gender-bender awesomeness), Personal Preference (homosexuality in Korea???), Secret Garden (a melo rom-com), God's Gift-14 days (a recent drama, not a rom-com, more of a thriller), Faith (medical, period drama-haven't actually watched it, but it comes on great recommendation from Amanda), IRIS (popular action drama), The Greatest Love (hilarious), Goong (fantasy drama, with a constitutional monarchy in Korea, not my favorite, but it is a staple for any drama connoisseur), Queen In-hyun's Man (saeguk fusion drama-which just means mixing the present with the past in a time-travel drama), You Who Came from the Stars (another mega-hit, I have not watched, but it is supposed to be amazing), School 2013 (bromance), Stairway to heaven (get ready to cry...), and lastly, The Woman who Still Wants to Marry (light, light, light rom-com). Do not watch Heirs (you have been warned, much potential, much disappointment).
Korean Music to check out, with a song that I think is important to get a sample of their music: Infinite (The Chaser is my favorite), DBSK (Mirotic, so gooooood), IU (Good Day), EXO (Growl), Big Bang (Haru Haru or Fantastic Baby), Super Junior (No Other or Sorry Sorry), Sistar (Alone), 4minute (What's your name), SNSD (Trick-not a title track, but an amazing song, if you want something more mainstream, check out Genie or Mr. Mr.), 2PM (Hand's Up or Heartbeat), Kara (Step or Lupin), Soyu x Jungigo (Some, super popular in Korea this Spring), Shinee (Lucifer or the lesser-known Like a Fire), Younha (The real reason we broke up-she's not Kpop, but she's wonderful), T-ara (Lovey Dovey), Miss A (Goodbye Baby or Hush), f(x) (Electric Shock or NuAbo), Beast (Fiction), Davichi (8282), 2ne1 (I am the best or I love you), K. Will (You Don't Know Love), Wonder Girls (Like This), Ga In (Bloom), Brown Eyed Girls (Abracadabra), A-pink (Nonono or Bubibu, if you like the aegyo-style of music), Hyuna (Change or the more commonly known Bubble Pop). I have around 3000 Kpop songs, so this is obviously just a sampling, but these are just some generic songs by some of the most popular artists around. If you are looking for some real recommendations, don't hesitate to ask! I also listen to a lot of non-idol Korean music, i.e. Busker Busker, Roy Kim, Younha (whom I mentioned above), etc. so you should check some of that out too if kpop is not really your thing.
In addition to all of the studying I've been doing, I have also been doing the TESOL certification. I didn't realize how many terms I had forgotten since my days of learning English...
So I think it is about time to wrap up this post. I have seriously written too much, but I am hoping to have either given some good advice or to have at least provided some information for people at home just wanting to check up on me (that came out kind of wrong, I don't think any of you are creeping, haha). As a final goodbye, I'm going to leave a slide show of things I'll miss the most. I'm really enjoying this whole "slide show" thing...as I am sure you have gathered...
Toiletries: deodorant (I make my own with coconut oil and baking soda, but I'm bringing some sticks, just in case- there is app. no deodorant in Korea, really, and if you do find some, it is extremely expensive), 3 tubes of toothpaste (I've heard the toothpaste can be different and feel weird on the teeth there-- I'm taking no chances), razors, specific brand of body wash I like and most likely won't be able to find in Korea, towels (Korean towels are about half the size of ours, so I want to bring a few regular sized ones), feminine products (these can also be different in Korea, so I am making sure I have enough), coconut oil (my moisturizer), castor oil (also for moisturizer), some facial wash (specifically the first aid beauty facial radiance polish because it is the bomb.com), shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, mouth wash, floss, insect repellent, sunscreen. Most of these things I can find in Korea, so I am packing light on these. Not bringing a hair dryer or straightener because they are cheap in Korea, and I don't want to blow up my current ones via differences in voltage. And that's basically it...haha, not too much here (still a lot, though).
Miscellaneous stuff: Computer, iPad, CHARGERS, adapter (I got the elago Tripshell because it came with 2 USB ports as well-and it got good reviews on amazon, BOOM), external hard drive (you never know, especially when you are me and sometimes things just die on you), some scarves and hats, earrings and necklaces, GIFTS (I actually haven't bought these yet, but will probably post something closer to liftoff including what I do buy), and of course, I'll be bringing my life, my iPhone.
So that is how I have categorized my life for the next year. Hopefully it is all under 100 pounds, and I don't regret bringing anything. I'll write an update towards the end of my time there, I am sure.
In order to deal with the stress of it all, I have started already forming a great support group-one with past and current Fulbrighters. I have been connected with a few past SK Fulbrighters, who have been tremendous in taking off some of the scary pressure of moving away from home for a year. I've been most worried about my homestay, just because I really want an awesome traditional family experience, but they have helped me let go of all the worry, because I really have no control over that situation. So, right now, I am in a mode where I am not worrying as much, and am just enjoying the last few days I have left in America (haha, so melodramatic...).
In terms of learning the language, what I have done is watch dramas, listen to k-pop, and utilize Rosetta stone. For those who wish to have some recommendations, I will now provide them (mind you this is from the prospective of a girl, so men may not be as interested in these things...). Dramas: City Hunter (action, romance, and Lee Min Ho, what else could be better???), Shining Inheritance (for those of you who want a more "traditional family melodrama"), I Hear Your Voice (Amazing story, and not a traditional melodrama feel, which I really appreciate), Boys over Flowers (if you are a girl and love super cheesy, dramatic romantic comedies), Coffee Prince (gender-bender awesomeness), Personal Preference (homosexuality in Korea???), Secret Garden (a melo rom-com), God's Gift-14 days (a recent drama, not a rom-com, more of a thriller), Faith (medical, period drama-haven't actually watched it, but it comes on great recommendation from Amanda), IRIS (popular action drama), The Greatest Love (hilarious), Goong (fantasy drama, with a constitutional monarchy in Korea, not my favorite, but it is a staple for any drama connoisseur), Queen In-hyun's Man (saeguk fusion drama-which just means mixing the present with the past in a time-travel drama), You Who Came from the Stars (another mega-hit, I have not watched, but it is supposed to be amazing), School 2013 (bromance), Stairway to heaven (get ready to cry...), and lastly, The Woman who Still Wants to Marry (light, light, light rom-com). Do not watch Heirs (you have been warned, much potential, much disappointment).
Korean Music to check out, with a song that I think is important to get a sample of their music: Infinite (The Chaser is my favorite), DBSK (Mirotic, so gooooood), IU (Good Day), EXO (Growl), Big Bang (Haru Haru or Fantastic Baby), Super Junior (No Other or Sorry Sorry), Sistar (Alone), 4minute (What's your name), SNSD (Trick-not a title track, but an amazing song, if you want something more mainstream, check out Genie or Mr. Mr.), 2PM (Hand's Up or Heartbeat), Kara (Step or Lupin), Soyu x Jungigo (Some, super popular in Korea this Spring), Shinee (Lucifer or the lesser-known Like a Fire), Younha (The real reason we broke up-she's not Kpop, but she's wonderful), T-ara (Lovey Dovey), Miss A (Goodbye Baby or Hush), f(x) (Electric Shock or NuAbo), Beast (Fiction), Davichi (8282), 2ne1 (I am the best or I love you), K. Will (You Don't Know Love), Wonder Girls (Like This), Ga In (Bloom), Brown Eyed Girls (Abracadabra), A-pink (Nonono or Bubibu, if you like the aegyo-style of music), Hyuna (Change or the more commonly known Bubble Pop). I have around 3000 Kpop songs, so this is obviously just a sampling, but these are just some generic songs by some of the most popular artists around. If you are looking for some real recommendations, don't hesitate to ask! I also listen to a lot of non-idol Korean music, i.e. Busker Busker, Roy Kim, Younha (whom I mentioned above), etc. so you should check some of that out too if kpop is not really your thing.
In addition to all of the studying I've been doing, I have also been doing the TESOL certification. I didn't realize how many terms I had forgotten since my days of learning English...
So I think it is about time to wrap up this post. I have seriously written too much, but I am hoping to have either given some good advice or to have at least provided some information for people at home just wanting to check up on me (that came out kind of wrong, I don't think any of you are creeping, haha). As a final goodbye, I'm going to leave a slide show of things I'll miss the most. I'm really enjoying this whole "slide show" thing...as I am sure you have gathered...
I'm really going to miss home, but the more I think about the next year, the more excited I become. I'll keep updating with my summer adventures, and hopefully this will become a captivating blog, loved by all (just kidding, I'm shooting for the bare minimum).