Rox_Shaundiz
Roxana Shakiba Joined: June 25th 2007
Logged in: August 13th 2008
Logged in: August 13th 2008
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.
Travel Blog Posts
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 can present. This final month turned out to be both exhausting and exciting, because of the cold, exams, and time I got to spend with my roommate and fellow international students. I hated to leave ... read more
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 any sights still yet due to being a bit emotionally in the lows and midterms. No harm done yet, I still have a month to go. I've been actually longing to extend my stay for ... read more
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 all East Asian languages in terms of the writing system. The weather has been very good these few days, compared to the cold we experienced a couple of weeks ago, this time it really feels ... read more
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 the approaching fall weather, which tends to bring with it somewhat somber and gloomy air, especially in a concrete crowded city environment. Nevertheless, I think my time so far has produced an important level of ... read more
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.... read more
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 and eating district in Seoul. I will update this list as necessary.... read more
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 talking along the way. She is really down to earth and intelligent, and we started chatting about our family troubles and self-esteem issues and talking to someone like that just gave me so much encouragement. ... read more
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 to toe as well as get my things inspected again. I was the only one they did this to in that line. Is it because of my looks? Probable. In my hour in Japan though, ... read more
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 decided to be daring and sign up for classes that will just be new and enjoyable and prevent unneeded academic pressure while I'm there. This experience is for me to explore my potential and just ... read more
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... read more
