Orientation Week

Hello blog readers,

Monday, Feb 23, 2015

First day of Orientation, at 9 am all international students were to arrive in Inchon Hall to be split into groups 1-7 and listen to the orientation, speeches, and etc for a couple hours and then we were free. I was in group 7, 24/7 and met my KUBA buddy, and all had lunch together. I met a bunch of new girsl from taiwan, singapore, japan, etc. after lunch we took a tour of the campus. And be prepared you will be taking a lot of corny pics but I didn't mind much.
Next we went to register for KUPID, the blackboard of Korea University. (I found the set up kind of annoying but got through it and was able to leave early.)

                           Hint: For your password have no double letters (ex. Hello)

 I arrived back at the dorm before all of my roommates. I was completely exhausted. The night before I couldn’t sleep and had woken up at 3am and stayed up all morning until it was time for the orientation. I slept all day.

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2015

The second day of orientation. We met up at Woodang hall and we went over the forms required by everyone to get or bank card and student card. Again I think they made the forms harder than it should have been. After orientation we went to lunch and afterwards me and the roommates went to explore in Itaewon. The foreign city of Korea. It was my first time riding the subway it was fun. It took about 15 minutes to get to Itaewon on the Subway. In the subway we went makeup shopping and went above ground to do more shopping.We mostly did window shopping than actual shopping because we planned to go to. We returned home around 5:30 because every group had a party to attend. 

At 6 was mine and my group went to a restaurant to drink soju and beer and eat kimchi jjigae. The placed was packed not only with our group but another group of koreans. The food was delicious as always and then they taught us drinking games. I found the games to be so much fun. Games: Baskins 31 (when everyone goes around and says up to 3 numbers and who ever is stuck staying 31 drinks). Another was the (group counts of according to the amount of people in the group and if anyone say a number at the same time both drink) and on and on. So many drinking games. Our group finished all the food and alcohol but they were still jumping to drink some more so they decided to go to another restaurant to drink and eat.. I was not really up for it. I wasn’t drunk but I was starting to get a bit bored. They give you more alcohol than food, so I went home.

Wednesday, Feb, 25, 2015

No orientation today. Me and my roommates and their friends went to Myeongdong to do some bargain shopping. We all woke up to walk to Anam station and learn how to travel using a T card that we bought. When we got there, there were stores everywhere. All the shops were running sales because they were trying to get rid of their winter clothes. We tried to get sim cards for our phones but we forgot our passports so we couldn't. Shopping was fun but due to our large group we moved pretty slowly and we couldn't split up since most of us didn't know the area, Korean language or have a way to contact each other. We decided to go our separate ways and me and my roommates picked up some convenience store food and ate together in the dorm and pretty much had a sleepover, kind of.

Thursday, Feb 26 2015

This was a lazy day. Because mostly every international student on campus was schedule to go on the tour of seoul. I didn’t go because I was pricey and the places they went to didn’t seem too exciting. Also traveling in extremely large group can cause things to be unfun. I spent the morning relaxing in my dorm and watching movies on netflix(google chrome; and media hint.) Then me and some friends decided to try out the laundry area. Then we went to Home Plus and Daiso to pick up some things for the dorm. I bought a hair straightener, towels and etc. Home plus is kind of like a Walmart. The only difference is the food and veggies are expensive. It was extremely cold and I left early when the sun was out and came back home when it was dark. Almost unbearably cold. I was happy to come back home and relax. One of our roommates came back to tell us about a party in Itaewon at Club Mute. However I decided not to go because it was cold, far and I spent too much earlier that day.

Waking up in Korea

Hello blog readers,

On Sunday, February 21 I woke up in Korea, my first morning confirming it was no a dream. I woke up pretty excited and pretty early due to the 12 hour time difference. I unpacked my things and found out that my laptop had a three pronged plug and my converter could only plug in two pronged plugs. I was really upset at myself. 

So I asked Nicki if she wanted to walked down the dormitory hill to find a converter, get some breakfast, explore. We happened by a small coffee shop. We chatted and learn about each other. Unfortunately we were still hungry. So we explored a bit walking through the alleys. We found Dak Galbi place. It was so cute and the food is great. It is one of my favorite places.   

         

After breakfast/lunch we search around more for the adapter with no luck. We went to Daiso, GS25 and even the local stationary stores but nothing. Kind of giving up we decided to walk down to the campus to look for Incheon hall, the location of Orientation tomorrow. After we found it we run back home because the wind was freezing cold. Before we went in we stopped by a small convenience store, it wasn't GS25. What do you know we found it, more like Nicki found it. I was ecstatic.  

When we went home we chatted and then our third roommate Margaret, came in. Our other room Cynthia had church so we didn't get to chat with her much. We talked for hours talking about ourselves, Korea and before we knew it, it was like 9 pm. Starved we decided to get something to eat. On the way down the hill we meet some other international student and they joined us. There were six of us and we got a huge meal for about 12 dollars. It was great and delicious. Since it is tradition to drink or have dessert after a meal. We decided to go to a Noraebang, or karaoke room to sing and drink soju. My first time drinking soju not the best, tasted like acetone. (It grew on me later) It was fun. Although we could only since American songs, we played and before long we went home.

Time to go...

Hello blog readers,

Its getting close, soon I can stop talking about all the boring but important information to study abroad. I can't wait to share actual experiences I had in Korea, but first here is how my annoying plane ride went.....

On Saturday, February 20^th, 2015 I woke up early to catch my 8 am flight. I remember feeling extremely excited, until I was passed security looking at my mom and sister on the other side. I began getting a little choked up and nervous, but it was time to go.

The flight was an 1 hour long and I had a 2 hour layover in Chicago. When I landed in Chicago this is where the pain and annoyance started. When I printed out my ticket it did not have a gate number, so I asked a customer service rep about which gate to go. She sent me to gate C10, seeing how I had plenty of time, I decided to relax and grab something to eat. However after an hour passed I went to check at the gate and there was no one there. Beginning to feel nervous, I asked another airport rep and she told me I was in the wrong terminal. I had about 40 minutes to get to the International terminal. I was super stressed but I had no time to be annoyed, I rushed to catch the train to the terminal. After checking in with some very anger airport attendants, and rushing through a busy airport security, making a bunch of travelers upset; I made it to the gate just in time.(This was the first time I have ever traveled alone, let alone travel alone internationally, so....yea give me a break)

The airplane ride was around 15 hours long. I time where I caught up on movies and sleep.  

When I arrived I was completely confused, I just began following the crowd. While following people I met two fellow passengers from North America. I learned they were both teaching in Korea for a year, one in a public school and the other a private. We went through immigration check and then we went to go get our baggage. After converting our money, we went through the gate. I found the Korea University airport pick up group at gate 7. There I met with students from all over the world. From Australia, Hawaii, Sweden, Hong Kong and even some from the US. We chatted for a few hours until the charter bus came at 8. The bus dropped us off at our dorms; everyone wasn’t at the same dorm so we had a few stops. (I recommend that if you want to keep in contact with everyone you meet at the gate you should add them on Facebook while your on airport Wifi). 

Finally I arrived a CJ International House dorm. It was a cold, wet night around 10 pm. I checked in and received my room key and key-card. I took the elevator to my room on the fifth floor. As I open the door I was greeted with one of my roommates, Nicki from Sweden. She was really sweet and helpful, she pointed thing out for me and helped me settle down in my room. It was late at night and I was exhausted from the flight. So I didn't do much unpacking and just went to bed.

Finishing up....

Hello blog readers,

It wasn’t until it was around the end of the fall semester I began hearing news about my applications. The first new I received was from the Gilman Grant, and I was approved. This was the defining grant that help me decide if I was going to be able to study abroad or not. Next was the UC international grant, I was approved again; although it wasn't much I didn't complain since I could use anything I can get. 

The following new was the best news; it was from Korea University. This news came from my study abroad adviser. She sent me an email saying KU sent an acceptance letter to the office and I was to pick it up. It came with an acceptance letter, instructional packet and a form that is required for your D2 visa application. It was great feeling to receive that letter, I was more excited than getting the letter from UC. As soon as I received the news from KU I didn't even wait, I jumped online right away looking for plane tickets to Korea. (I found a really cheap ticket, however it was through United Airlines. They are not bad but they only allow one free suitcase, so I had very limited space.)

Before the semester ended I had to create a preferred course schedule for Korea University. After deciding what courses I wanted I had to go to the Asian Studies department and Lindner College of Business to get them to sign off on a equivalent course form. After receiving positive news from everyone; except from KU dorm (still waiting), I finished the semester on a good note. 

Due to Korea University’s spring semester not beginning until March 1^st, I had a lot of time to work and save money at work. As January ended and we were heading into February. I was excited and nervous to go. Soon alerts were going off of last minute things I forgot to do. I had forgotten to get my D-2 visa ready. (I had to print out an application form online, and send all the info required such as acceptance letter and another letter that you had received from KU,along with your passport and another small passport picture to the Korean embassy; I sent mine to the Chicago location.) 

I finally received my confirmation of CJ International House, paid for my dorm a few weeks before I had to leave; I sighed a huge sigh of relief. Now I all had left was to wait until it was time to leave...

My Dorm-CJ International House

Hello blog readers,

Today I will give you my detailed review about my stay at CJ International House. I give it 4 out of 5. I did enjoy my stay there, however their were many cons as well as pros to living conditions; but what place is perfect right?

 Firstly, lets talk about its location. CJ along with Anam 2 and Anam Global House is located on top of a large hill behind the campus. So if you are not a fan of hills, I do not recommend it.

However, one good point to the location is that it is located near the Tiger Dome and field; a great place to run on the track, play soccer, or basketball and the occasionally school events; such as Ipselesti concert would take place on the field, so it can be quite convenient to the dorm.

Another plus to living in CJ and the rest of the dorms is access to food. Halfway up the hill, there is a GS25: convenient store and the dorm cafeteria. The dorm cafeteria is can only be purchased by students living in the dorm. (The food in the cafeteria isn't the tastiest but it is filling)

Lets talk about the actual dorm. When you first walk up to CJ you will see a glass door with a panel right next to it, on that panel you must scan your card until you hear the door click to enter the building. (Often when the weather is nice, they will leave the door open to let air in.) 

When you walk inside that is the FIRST FLOOR: LOBBY 

           -Desk Area: Security Guard (ask for help)

           -Computers and Printers (anytime use; to print must buy print card for 5,000 won from desk)

           -International Cafe (was not open when I was there)

           -Waiting area

           -Elevator (Males on the LEFT and Females on the RIGHT)

The SECOND FLOOR: GYM 

           -Gym (Very basic: Treadmills, small free weights, machines, water cooler, scale, etc...)

(I recommend exercising in the morning, less people.)

           -Teacher residents (along with students many foreign teachers stay in the dorms. Their rooms                                              are much better, equipped with kitchenette, television, bathroom and                                                      balcony. DO NOT CONFUSE WITH STUDENT DORMS) 

           -Also on the second floor there are flags of universities associated with KU.

The THIRD FLOOR: MALE RESIDENCE

The FOURTH TO SIXTH FLOOR: FEMALE RESIDENCE (4th floor says males though)

The BASEMENT FLOOR: B1

            -Phones

            -Vending machines (Drinks ONLY)

            -Music Room (ask for keys at the front desk)

            -Lounge Area: Tables, TV, DVD player (No one ever turned on the TV)

            -Coin Dispenser

            -Laundry Room (Machines only take two 500 won coins each) 

I stayed on the fifth floor, Room 543D. When you get off the elevator you walk into a living space with couches. As you walk along the hall you will pass a glass door on your right, those rooms are for teachers an faculty. On your left will be study rooms, however those are gender restricted as well.  Next you will pass bathrooms on your left and a balcony as well. You will walk through another door and that is where all the dorms are located, as well as two kitchens located on each side of the floor. The kitchens have two fridges, a stove (broken oven), microwave, toaster, sink and water cooler. All food waste and wrappers go into the trash in there. 

I stayed in a four person dorm.The dorm as a whole was quite large and the single rooms was just enough for me. Also I had to share a bathroom and shower with only the roommate on my side. There are two outlets in the room; one under the desk and the other at the foot of the bed. 

There are cleaning ladies that come once and week to clean only the toilet, shower and sink area, please be considerate to them and try to keep your areas tidy. 

Extra notes:

-Wifi isn't the best in the dorms so internet cord is provided

-The first few days you will not have a student account yet, so no access to KU WiFi

-Wifi only works best in sitting area not in dorm rooms

-CJ isn't very good on enforcing their rules.

-The gym isn't really checked on so friends can use it

-We've had guest stay over on our couches, they do not remember everyone.

-They do not like you to eat in the room, 

-You cannot control the level of temp in your room, you can only turn it off and on. (Air conditioner turns on when they think it is hot enough.)

-Mid Semester there will be a room inspections for alcohol, open food and dangerous weapons

-Losing key results in 20,000 won fine

-You can rent bed sheet and pillow

Dorm Options

Hello blog readers, 

During that summer I rewrote and revised my essay over and over again, until I felt confident enough to turn it in with my application. When the fall semester began again, I had completed my UC International Abroad Application and worked on the second part of the Online application. I also attended a Pre-departure orientation; here is where you will receive a code required for your online application. Lastly I sent in my application to Korea University. As long as you keep a note about your deadlines and stay in contact with your traveling adviser you should have no problem with the application process.

Enough with all my blabbering of forms and applications. Lets talk about something fun. Where you will live for the next 4 months in Korea?

Your first option would be the University dorms that are offered. These are 

                      Anam Global House, Anam 2 (Males Only) and CJ International House

*CJ is Korea University's dorms. It is located behind the campus and is about a 10 minute walk to it. For the application process you are required to setup your own account, during the setup you will choose your preference of room, updated info and you are all set. You will not need to worry about the TB test and Dorm receipt until you are assigned a room. (CJ was my dorm.)

Another option I recommend is

                            

                                                           Crimson House

Crimson House is located right in front of the main gates of Korea University campus. Its very easy to get a reservation. Just log on the website and input your information. If you call and talk to Christine the manager, she speaks very good English.

If you do not like these two options I recommend these two websites:

                                                       Airbnb or Goshipages

Both of these are great sites for finding cheap and nice hostels or apartments for students.

*I will give a more detailed report on the actual dorms and hostels in my next post.

First Timer Session

                                          (University of Cincinnati)

Hello blog readers,

My decision to study abroad initially began in my 2nd year as a sophomore, in the Spring 2014. I do not remember exactly what perked my interest at that time, but I did remember saying I would regret my time in college if I did not study abroad at least once. I was already learning Japanese so I decided to take advantage of my opportunity and try something absolutely new.

My first official step to studying abroad was going to a "First Timer Session" meeting; (located on the top floor of the Swift building.) There I met with Jill Reister, and we talked about possible countries, universities that have partnerships with UC, different abroad programs and etc. Since I was sure I wanted to go to South Korea, we set an appointment to meet again and talk more. The second meeting was located at the UC International Study Abroad Office. There she explained the applications steps, timelines and deadlines, information and scholarships. 

Scholarships requirements were personal information, transcripts, and etc. But also a Personal Essay that explains a little bit about yourself and why you would like to travel. Another requirement is the Follow up Project Essay; it is to explain the way you will give back to your university and scholarship,connected with your time abroad. (ex. MY BLOG) 

I applied to two scholarships: (Recommend applying to multiple)

                   "UCInternational Grant" and "Benjamin A Gilman InternationalScholarship."

                               (Click on for links to the Scholarship Website)

Studying in Korea 2015

                                         (Picture taken by Celine Lee)


Hello blog readers.

My name is Monica. I am a junior at the University of Cincinnati. I am majoring  in Asian Studies and minoring in International Business. This blog is intend to inform anyone who is interested studying abroad in South Korea at Korea University, specifically.

My semester began in March of 2015, which is around the time I actually created this blog. However, due to the amount of studying, exploring experiences I had in Korea, it was extremely difficult to have time to write; I fully intended to before going. Unfortunately, I am currently back in the city of Cincinnati and have all the time to update the blog now, fortunately for you readers, right?

First and foremost I would like to thank my university and Korea University for having a wonderful partnership, and enabling me to travel to Korea and study at such a prestigious school as, KU. The international and financial advisers I had definitely made it possible. Also I would like to thank the amazing and awesome individuals I met in Korea, from the first people I saw at the airport to the wonderful friends that met and created lifetime memories and bonds with. These people made Korea a life changing, eye opening, and eternally memorable experience in my life. Currently its only been about a week since my return, leaving a country like Korea and my family that I made there was one of the toughest obstacles of my life.......

My main advice to you students interested in studying abroad is........ENJOY IT! Meet as much people as you can. Be open minded. Try all the foods, no matter how strange it is. Explore not only the tourist areas, go on a quest to find the weirdest places. Don't forget to study but also have as much fun as you can. It is an absolutely life changing experience and you will have the time of your life. LEAVE WITH NO REGRETS!