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Rox_Shaundiz - Roxana Shakiba

I'm 21 years old and about to enter the last year of school at Maryville College in East Tennessee, and I can't say how eager I am to finally participate in the academic overseas experience for myself. I have begun my journey abroad since the end of August, in South Korea, after nearly seven consecutive years of staying in the U.S.

My ethnic origin is Persian, and I lived in Iran since I was eight, until the first year of high school. My experiences with a completely different culture have been both rewarding and challenging, but my heart tells me to continue the global integration. I believe in the interconnectedness of humanity, and diversity is only a part of the complex web of life. All peoples in this world can be empowered to unite and improve the human condition if there is the willingness to learn, understand, and a sincere desire to benefit each other.

I hope this account will provide hopefully interesting and useful information for those who are curious and/or interested in Korea as well.

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Joined on: June 25th 2007
Last Login: August 13th 2008

Blog Entries: 10
Photos: 31

TB Code: [blogger=41655]
Status: BLOGGER

Blogs & Travel Journals

by Rox_Shaundiz, order by Date newest first.

By Rox_Shaundiz
December 28th 2007

Going Back Asia » South Korea

Kyungbokgung

Yet it's been another long month since my last entry, but as I've completed my time in Korea, I now have the full extent of my experience in my head. I have learned much and seen a lot during these 4 months and they have been a time of personal growth, most importantly. There isn't much compared to traveling and living abroad by oneself, especially a young, inexperienced and uncertain student. It was thrilling to contact an entirely different culture and language, and it was rewarding to discover that it's possible to adapt and withstand the many obstacles such an undertaking [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
November 21st 2007

Cold Cold Cold Asia » South Korea » Seoul

Been a long while since an update, sorry. I suppose the other variety of challenges have met me now. Seoul seems to be approaching a long winter. The weather is already snowy. We had a brief snowfall just this week. Needless to say, I admit to having been poorly packed before the trip, so I am using a very limited wardrobe to keep me warm and not come off shabby. I have spent a fair amount of money and so must slow down spending a lot. I'm mainly only keeping to food and essentials. I haven't been able to travel to [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
October 25th 2007

Last week of October Asia » South Korea » Seoul

Dongdaemun some hour of early morning

Hello world!! I just came back from my last mid-term exam for Korean language and I think it went pretty well. Today I started thinking that it would be such a waste to just drop Korean when I go back home. I've come so far here already. Maybe I can get MC to include a Korean language course like they did with Chinese. Hopefully we can find teachers and interested students. I find it funny that MC gets so many Koreans out of their international body and there isn't a Korean class. From my experience, Korean is the easiest out of [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
October 8th 2007

Cold Weather is Here Asia » South Korea » Seoul

Myeong-dong street at night

I know I haven't updated for a while, but it's just in this blog. If anyone does read this, you can find more stuff about my experience on Facebook. Though I know this is more accessible to some, so I'll do my best to post more frequently. The long and short of it, really, is that until now, I still have not been able to visit any significant traditional/historic places, but I won't leave Korea without having seen as much as my time and money will allow, both old and new. These recent days have been a bit trying because of [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
September 10th 2007

Courses Asia » South Korea » Seoul

I forgot to mention before, and I can't figure out how to edit entries on this thing... I'm taking only 12 credits this semester, but that is reasonable because the language class is 6 credits alone, M~F for 2 hours and quite demanding. I'm taking two major courses, Modern Korean History, and Introduction to Korean Philosophy. Both, I hope to be interesting and good explorations of Korea as well as approved to substitute for two of my requirements in MC. I want to leave substantial room for going out and exploring as well. [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
September 10th 2007

Term definitions Asia » South Korea » Seoul

Language exchange partner: My Korean 'buddy' who is going to learn my culture, language, and learn from me as a friend, and vice versa. Mentor: My Korean mentor who is in charge of making sure I don't suffer too much or get lost or run into problems here. Otherwise, I can contact him/her when I need help with something. He/she is not so much a recreation/culture companion than a reference. He/she is also in charge of several international students, unlike my other partner who will work with me alone. Dongdaemun, Myeongdong: Popular/famous urban shopping/entertainment/eating districts in Seoul. Insadong: Famous traditional market [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
September 10th 2007

Some progress is happening Asia » South Korea » Seoul » Seodaemun-gu » Sinchon

I have a sore throat. After classes I sometimes feel too tired and sick. I know it's still adjustment stress. Today I went to Myeong Dong again but didn't buy anything I planned. Instead I bought a pair of cute earrings for only about a dollar. I think I'm getting better at navigating places. It's good to know things can improve quickly after you arrive in a foreign country, and I'm not nearly as scared to go out anymore. I went with a Filipino girl from Canada and we had a wonderful time. I also got to know her better just [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
August 26th 2007

Arrival Asia » South Korea » Seoul

My experience so far has been interesting to say the least. And quite eventful. The worst thing that happened was the inevitable terrorist check at the airport in both Knoxville and Japan (!?) In Knoxville I had my bag dumped and inspected buy some cross-eyed hillbilly who issued me with a tone that was intended for someone like a serial killer. I suppose it should have been expected, I hadn't thought of every little detail I'd have to confront. In Japan I was surprised to be gestured aside by the security, in the line to board the plane, and scanned head [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
July 30th 2007

Closer to the beginning Asia » South Korea

Almost there... less than 25 days left. I am still running around preparing things, doing some necessary shopping, and my priority will be to secure myself academically and financially for my return. I am scheduled to register for Yonsei classes on the 20th, and I have about two days to do that, then I'll be pretty much packaged up. I'm to receive my room assignment when I physically get there, so until then I'll keep hoping I can get a Korean roommate. I'd just like to be able to immerse myself in the culture as fully as possible. So then, I've [View Full Entry]

By Rox_Shaundiz
June 25th 2007

cool Asia » South Korea

So there's not much going on until at least a month before my departure, but just to vent... I love this thing! Out of curiosity I did a search for bloggers on the Middle East, specifically Iran, and I found over 100. That's so cool to look at the perspective of foreigners on your country and heritage. :D [View Full Entry]

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