Category: Advice

Embracing the Unknown

Published on by jessicamattoxxLeave a comment

When embarking on the journey of a lifetime, there is a certain pressure that you put on yourself to have only positive experiences. The problem with this is that the most pivotal moments in terms of personal growth or change in perspective come with being uncomfortable. When we push outside of normal ranges of view, our natural instinct is to cling to what we know rather than utilize the mental energy to understand a new idea.

One of the most impactful lessons that I’ve learned in New Zealand is to relieve this pressure. Doing so allows you to broaden your perspectives and truly make the most out of every experience. Disclaimer- Going abroad is not an escape from all life’s problems. In all honesty, there have been times since being away that have felt a lot harder than I was expecting. I’ve been here a couple months now, so I’ve had the time to experience both highs and lows. Looking back on when I first got here, I would talk myself out of any negative feelings almost out of guilt that I wasn’t absolutely “thriving”. It is just a fact that there are going to be challenges while abroad. However, over time, challenges or setbacks become less scary, and you learn that you do have the tools to succeed.

Not exactly sure why that thought terrified me so much. Maybe it is just my personality- I tend to have a hard time adjusting to new places and I am definitely the type of person who enjoys familiarity and routine. While routines are good, I had to remind myself that studying abroad is supposed to force you outside of what is comfortable. It feels weird at first, but when you start to let go of any preconceived notions and allow yourself to truly be present in your own, unique, study abroad experience there is such a relief. The challenges become an integral part of the experience in terms of growth and self-reliance. You start to really believe in yourself, one of the most beautiful things that being abroad offers.

Life starts to feel lighter as you take yourself less seriously. Now, I look back on things that I was stressed about with a cocky smile. Challenges turned into hundreds of funny stories. I feel like I started this kind of dark (oops), it was just meant to shed light on the fact that hard times can be far less scary than we make them out to be. That is the cool thing about life, things always get better as we learn and adapt. Can you tell I’m a psychology major? Haha.

The uncomfortable phase is necessary and natural, but the most important thing to do is put yourself out there. Ask questions, learn. Really take the time to have conversations with people that have diverse views and opinions. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve learned (academically, socially, culturally, politically) since being here that I could never for one second imagine not having this experience.

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Backpacking in Abel Tasman During Spring Break!

The University of Otago has a large study abroad population, about 300 of us from all different cultures and backgrounds. I now have friends from England, Portugal, Norway, Germany, and other places in the US. While I am meeting local Kiwis, the community of study abroad students has seriously made the whole experience. There is something about bonding with people over similar circumstances that really brings you together. It is awesome to be able to talk about things that are noticeably different in New Zealand while also comparing them to our various lives at home. They are such a special group, and we really are figuring it out together. Having this big of an international community has not only widened my range of cultural perspectives but also gifted me with a group of people with the passion to travel and explore New Zealand. Truly feel so grateful for the people I’ve met here. They’ve made the hard times easier and the good times better.

Overall, my main point is to run towards the unknown rather than run away. Doing so opens unlocks a whole new world, with special memories that will forever remain with me. Now a proud supporter of embracing the unknown, thank you New Zealand <3.

Keep Your Expectations Real While In Korea

Published on by stefaniepaikLeave a comment

While in Korea, I have noticed that many are surprised by the real Korea. Like any other major city; it smells like sewers and there is trash on the streets. From my fellow abroad students, I have learned that they came to Korea with certain expectations. Now that they are here, they feel disappointed and frustrated. For the months that they have prepared, they come here realizing that they are not prepared. I have also noticed that some abroad students live here a little recklessly.

For this blog post, I have decided to write a mini guide on how to keep your expectations realistic while in Korea. That way culture shock is lessened and you will be better prepared to travel to Korea.

Language

While it is not an expectation to speak perfect Korean. It is helpful to know basic phrases. The capital, Seoul, is pretty accommodating to foreigners, especially in neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Itaewon. Do not get frustrated if you go to a store or restaurant and the employees can’t speak English. There should be no expectation that Korean people speak English. Utilizing apps such as Papago and Google Translate can help in more complex speaking situations. Do not rely on translation apps because they are not always the most accurate. Depending on what you say in English, it could translate into something rude in Korean.

Even learning the basic alphabet can be very helpful, especially in situations where you have to read menus or street signs. There are many books, websites, and even YouTube videos that teach you how to read Korean. Quite literally, you can learn to read Korean in an hour. Compared to other languages, Korean is simple and easy to understand.

No Food Accommodations

Unlike the United States, Korea does not do food accommodations. While it does not hurt to ask, it will be rare for restaurants or cafes to do substitutions or remove items from an order. While I have many examples of me trying to get items removed due to dietary restrictions, one example is when I went to a brunch cafe with some friends. At the cafe, I was ordering for my friends and me. My friend is lactose intolerant and has IBS. So I asked if they could remove the cheese from a sandwich. The cashier said they were unable to remove the cheese because it was premade with cheese.

It is just restaurant culture in Korea to accept the food as it comes. The general consensus is that if you don’t like how it is, order something else or go somewhere else. If you decide to go to Korea, and you have strict dietary restrictions, you have to be very careful of what you choose to eat. If you decide to eat a certain dish, please do your own research on how that dish is prepared. This is because Korean people have a different idea of what diet restrictions are. For example, if you decide to order a soup and ask “Does this have beef?” The employee may say “There is no beef.” So you decide to order it. When you receive your order you realize it is a beef broth. This is a true story from my Aunt who used to be vegan.

Limited Clothing Size

It is common for travelers to decide to buy clothes in Korea. This is understandable because fashion is very prominent in Korea. The Korean fashion wave continues to grow in popularity. An issue many foreigners run into, especially with street clothing stores, is that there is only 1 size for the entire store. To put into perspective what the 1 size is, it is about the equivalent of a woman’s small and men’s M. For both women’s and men’s clothing, the bust (circumference) of the shirts or pants is slim/narrow.

For many of my fellow abroad students, especially the women students, is that they feel a little body dysmorphia. In their home country, they are a size small, but here they are a size extra large.

The reason for this large size difference is due to Korean people, generally, being skinnier and shorter. The other reason is due to Korean extreme beauty standards, which support the notion of skinny = pretty. “If you aren’t skinny, then you aren’t pretty enough to wear these clothes.

If you decide to buy clothes in Korea, please remember that there is nothing wrong with you, it is the fault of Korean Society. Don’t be discouraged from participating in Korean fashion culture! While it is small and scarce, there are various size-inclusive stores in Korea. You just have to do research on where to find them.

Stay Safe!!! (Danger still exists)

Compared to the United States, Korea is a generally safe country. This does not mean Korea is a 100% safe country. Crime is still prevalent and people are still at risk of being harmed. The dangers I will discuss are strangers, clubs, and cars. While there are many other crimes to be knowledgeable of, I feel that these 3 topics are the biggest ones foreigners don’t realize are quite dangerous.

Remember as a kid when adults would tell you to avoid strangers? Well, it still applies in Korea. Cults and kidnappings are serious issues prevalent in Korea. Cults and criminals are more inclined to approach foreigners. If strangers approach you and ask “Where are you going?” “Are you alone?” DON’T let them know that you are alone. I encourage you to lie and tell them you have friends waiting for you. Cults and criminals will look for alone and vulnerable people. So if you are traveling alone, walk to your destination with purpose, and DO NOT talk to strangers.

TRIGGER WARNING (Mention of rape and sexual harassment, please skip to next paragraph if triggering)

Clubs are clubs. They are not the safest place, especially in Korea. Firstly, it is common in Korea to find Korean-only bars. While this is discrimination, it is allowed in Korea. If you decide to go to a foreigner-friendly club or bar, please go with friends and please beware of your surroundings. It is common for women to get drugged and raped. It is more common for women to be touched inappropriately, which is sexual harassment. For clubs, the general consensus is that if you go to a club, you go with the expectation that people will touch you. I personally do not encourage going to clubs or bars because of the potential dangers. There are many other fun things to do in Korea, BUT if you do decide to go, be careful, be vigilant, and go with friends.

Cars in Korea will just drive. Speeding is very common, and getting hit by cars is very common. While Korea is working towards fixing this issue, it is not working. It is the job of the pedestrian to look out for cars. If you are not looking left and right twice, then you will get hurt. Cars are not afraid to get close to pedestrians. This goes for taxis, personal cars, trucks, buses, and everything else that has wheels. So my tips are, look left and right three times and cross the street fast. I have had countless experiences of seeing people almost get hit by cars. Getting hit by a car IS NOT on your Korean bucket list.