Category: Preparing for Study Abroad

Chilling Out!

Published on by Juliet ELeave a comment

One of the key challenges I’ve faced since becoming an adult is balance. I don’t know if it’s just a me problem, but one of the hardest things about life on your own is keeping lots and lots of balls in the air simultaneously. Classes, studying, work, social life, paying bills, keeping up with family back home, cooking dinner, working out, etc. There is always something to do, and sometimes it feels impossible to devote the right amount of time to each aspect of life. I’m forever impressed by those people who seem to have it all together, but the reality is those superheroes are probably struggling just as much as I am. 

This struggle has not disappeared since I’ve been living in Buenos Aires, but it has changed. I’m not working, which is like a breath of fresh air. And the basics – meals, a roof over my head – are provided for by my host family. Nevertheless, I feel like I’m constantly busy and continually fighting to maintain a regular schedule.

This week, for example, I spent an entire day running around trying to solve an issue with my money exchange service. After visiting three different locations and calling three separate customer service numbers, I finally gave up, and I still haven’t solved the problem. Then, of course, there were classes to attend and homework to do. Another day I spent hours shopping, hoping to find a pair of boots I could wear to fancier events like tango shows. I turned up empty-handed because I found almost nothing in my size – the downside of being tall, I guess. And because I’m also here for a good time, I went out several times this week: bowling, museums, restaurants, bars, and clubs. On a few of those nights, I stayed out pretty late Argentine-style. This meant I had to sleep in the next day and had even less time to get everything else done.

One of those late nights

Don’t get me wrong; I am definitely not complaining. I’m grateful to have so much to do and lovely people to spend time with. But I’m still learning to set aside time for rest and relaxation, which is just as important as any other facet of life. Overwhelming my schedule is only going to burn me out. I keep reminding myself how limited my time is here (only three months left???) and pushing myself to take advantage of everything. But I’m not a superhero, and doing literally everything is simply impossible.

Living abroad is the perfect time to try new things, meet new people, and travel to new places. I love the challenge of going for it. At the same time, going abroad is also an important opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. If I don’t leave time in my week to sleep, to take a deep breath, to truly do nothing… I’m depriving myself of that opportunity.

I’ve been surprised by how easy it was to adapt to life here, but I forget that I am thousands and thousands of miles from everything I know and love. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed! No matter how hard I try, I’m just not a superhero. Anyone who claims to be is lying. I’ll have to give up that futile battle and let myself rest from time to time. And by rest, I mean finally finish Breaking Bad. Wish me luck.

South Korea First Impressions and Important Insight

Published on by stefaniepaikLeave a comment

Weather

Firstly, Korea is unbelievably humid. Once I stepped off the airplane, the humidity hit me hard. Even though it is inside with air conditioning, you could feel the damp air. South Korea has humidity higher than most US states. In the summer, the average humidity is about 71%, with highs reaching 77%. So I quickly realized that showering everyday is important. As someone who was born and raised in Washington State, I thought that when it rained, the rain would cool the temperature down; I was so very wrong. When it rains, the temperature outside is still hot and the rain is warm. Which honestly makes the weather more miserable.

It is also important to wear sunscreen everyday, even if it is cloudy or rainy. In general wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the sun, but here is Korea it feel especially important, due to the fact that the sun here feels like it will burn your skin to a crisp.

In terms of clothing, t-shirts and shorts are the best clothing options; but nothing too revealing because Korea is a conservative country. If you decide to wear long sleeve shirts, pants or even a jacket, BEWARE. You will sweat through your clothes within an hour, especially with all the walking required.

Accessibility

While Korea is a very advanced country, leading the world in technology, medicine and home to global brands like Samsung, there still lacks accessibility for those who are mentally and physically disadvantaged. For example, if you have asthma it might be more difficult to get around due to long staircases and steep hills. For the first couple of days being here, my legs were incredibly sore. My average steps per day is around 17,000. There are escalators and elevators, but there are not guarantied everywhere and in many cases will cause you to to take more time due to their inconvenient location.

(Trigger Warning!!! Mentions of suicide, please skip to next paragraph if triggering)

In terms of mental health, Korea is not supportive. While programs that help those with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation exist, discussion about mental health is still highly stigmatized. In Korea, suicide is most common among teens and adults due to societal pressures. While traveling and exploring around various neighborhoods in Seoul, I have noticed anti-suicide structures, especially around bridges.

When coming to Korea please be cautious of your medication. Certain medication is not allowed in Korea, therefore before coming to Korea, please consult with your doctor.

Lifestyle

In Korea it is common for restaurants, cafes and stores to open around 12pm. Stores will close around 6pm and restaurants/cafes will close around 10pm. If the neighborhood is a more nightlife/party area then restaurants will close around 2am.

Drinking culture is very big in Korea. It is a common way for people in Korea to socialize; new or old friends. For certain business employees, it is common for team dinners to include drinking. This causes employees to feel pressured to drink by their boss. In Korea, listening to your superior is important, therefore refusing to drink is considered rude to your colleagues and boss.

Smoking cigarettes is very common for Korean adults, both young and old. Many Korean chose to smoke because it releases the stress from their job. While other drugs like marihuana are completely banned in Korea, smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes are completely normal and common. In Korea, a person is considered an adult at 18 (international age). Therefore at 18, you are allowed to vote, drink alcohol, smoke and drive a car.