Wrapping up week two with a typhoon! Honestly the weather reminds me of Lubbock right now, overly windy with only a sprinkle here and there. So nothing I can’t handle.

This second week brought on the first week of classes and course registration. It’s been a completely different experience registering for classes over here. Not all the classes are offered in English, so we have been given a list of International College classes that we are offered to take that will be taught in English. Though none of the Architecture Department courses fall under this college and are not taught in English, we’ve been extremely lucky to have such great studio friends who are so excited and wanting to learn and work on their English. They have been trying hard to speak English for us and help us to understand whats going on due to a few professors not knowing any English at all. I’ve also had the great opportunity to meet some professors within the Architecture Department who do speak more English than others and they have been a great help and supportive figure this week. It’s been a challenge not understanding nor being able to communicate that well with many of my classmates and professors but the effort they have all put in to communicate with me is something I am incredibly grateful for.

I’m very excited for the classes I’ve registered for this semester actually. This semester I have enrolled in a Film Analysis and Criticism class, a Global Issues study, Korean language as determined by my scholarship, and studio. It was different getting to pick classes that just sounded interesting to take instead of already having a predetermined course list due to my degree plan. I’m hoping all the classes I’m taking will open me up even more during this experience and continue to help expose me to the culture of Korea and other countries as well as I continue to meet people from across the world.

Next week is Chuseok Holiday, which is basically like Korea’s Thanksgiving holiday. Traditionally, it’s a holiday where family members gather and share stories and food, giving thanks to their ancestors for an abundant harvest. The International Exchange Center here is offering a Chuseok Food Sharing event for all the international students here to partake in and celebrate the Korean holiday as well. I’ve been told that there won’t be any turkey or stuffing unfortunately, but I’m sure I’ll find something good still.

I’m excited about the events that are coming up and look forward to the rest of the semester and facing each challenge head on. Despite how much I miss home at time, I’m really thankful to be here and getting this once in a lifetime experience to meet people from across the world and immerse myself in a different culture. Keep an eye out for my next post and some more pictures soon!