2009 International Summer College Session I

Ms. Christina Walters

International Affairs

George Washington University

U.S.A.

I would like to start by thanking Ewha Womans University Alumnae Association of

Greater Washington, Inc. for allowing me the opportunity to participate in Ewha’s summer program. I found that in just a short time I was able to expand my horizons, break free from presumptions, and discover the beauty of Seoul.

During my short time in Korea I understood that it was necessary to seize every opportunity that came my way. Whether it be eating dinner at a new restaurant, taking the subway to a new destination, or practicing my newly learned Korean out at the convenience store, each one provided me with precious memories.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend orientation due to flight delays, but the moment after arriving on campus I felt adventurous. I had taken Korean before and knew enough to get around, so I decided that I would walk out into the night market right outside of Ewha’s front gate. My feet lead the way as my eyes took in the bright neon lights from signs and my nose savored the aromatic scents coming from passing restaurants.I walked in a diagonal line, making sure that I could get back, and found myself taken in by everything. I could not have asked for a better introduction to a country that I became very fond of.

I had feared that by missing orientation that I would have a hard time meeting people, but my fears were proven unwarranted once classes started. During our first class we were allotted two breaks that allowed the students to mingle or, if they wished, to run to the convenience store to pick up some savory treats. (One of my favorite’s being the seaweed covered rice triangles. Truly delectable.) I found that some of the people in my first class were some of the people I felt closest to by the end of the program.

My first class was Korean history. I expected a boring, dry cut telling of some wars and maybe political struggles. What I got was a literature enriched, culture driven, and enthusiastic story of ancient to modern day Korean history. The professor was not only willing to help students, but he really loved the subject he was teaching. Through using the readings and the book, more in-depth material, that could not be covered in class, helped to enrich the daily lectures and paint a fascinating picture of Korea old and new.

After the end of our first class we have an hour for lunch. I never thought I would be able to say this, but the cafeteria food there was amazing. It had options ranging from American styled dishes to Korean styled dishes. My fa