Today began with a slight change in pace compared to the previous days since we arrived here in South Korea. Every day so far has felt almost in fast forward personally, up until today when we were able to sleep in a bit longer if you were able to, and relax. At 11 in the morning, the professors asked us to meet them for a little meeting to talk about how everyone was feeling. No judgment or comments just student by student sharing where they were at mentally, physically, and emotionally. Which I appreciated greatly because it showed me that I wasn’t the only one struggling with feeling homesick or adjusting to such a huge cultural change from what most of us are used to. Overall, it created a safe space for all of us to open up with each other which I think was great for team building. As well as to keep us more connected to those around us especially since we have been living together for one week already and need two more to go.
Then after discussing this we moved quickly to discuss how we could improve for tomorrow’s SEL day for the children. People left and right were sharing ideas and opinions with everyone to help them come up with alternative ways how to connect better with the children and to feel more well prepared. After the meeting, we all had about one hour to get a quick lunch and then meet up as we were going to have our first field trip. We had a bus waiting for us and a little surprise many of the Korean university students from our SEL groups were there to join us. We began our drive which took about 45 to 50 minutes to our first destination which was Gongju National Museum. This Museum consisted of various different artifacts such as a half statue of “The Bust of King Muryeong”, Terracotta heads, weapons such as knives, and more. It didn’t even end there they had a second building that was filled with more artifacts like pots that have been found and where people are trying to put them back together on display for people to see. Many of them looked complete but also missing pieces there and there. Our next destination was what my professor mentioned as a traditional village for tourists to see what a village's life would look like. It reminded me of like a little town but more so secluded from the outside world. It had many little huts/houses I suppose you could say, and a park where children could play and basically everything a little village would need which was pretty cool to see. Aside from the day being in the grueling 90s temperature-wise today was a great day to spend as a team with the SF State students and the Korean students as well. I felt so happy to spend more time with the Korean students in my group and my partner Gwen and just get to bond with them. And as well as seeing everyone else with their groups and seeing everyone looking happy and getting along well. -Alex
1 Comment
Xitlaly Santos
6/23/2022 05:04:59 am
How exciting!!!!!!! Love reading how you guys are doing & the different experiences!
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AuthorSFSU Psychology Study Abroad Students Archives
August 2022
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