After 2 days of jet lag, ice breakers, and being oriented, I don't really have the energy to write a full, detailed blog about what I've been doing so far. In part because of exhaustion, but also because the stuff I've been doing hasn't really been photo-op worthy and I'm not sure how I would approach it. Instead, I'll give you a little peek into how orientation has been for me thus far.
First, I arrived in Korea at 4:30 in the morning then made my way through customs to be greeted by a large, enthusiastic group of my orientation counselors. Once I arrived, I received an information packet and signed documents and took pictures even though I was gross and greasy after 24+ hours of travel. It was ridiculous seeing the amount of suitcases between the 76 of us. After arriving at the airport, we arrived at Jungwon University in Goesan, which is honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been!
First, I arrived in Korea at 4:30 in the morning then made my way through customs to be greeted by a large, enthusiastic group of my orientation counselors. Once I arrived, I received an information packet and signed documents and took pictures even though I was gross and greasy after 24+ hours of travel. It was ridiculous seeing the amount of suitcases between the 76 of us. After arriving at the airport, we arrived at Jungwon University in Goesan, which is honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been!
After arriving at Jungwon, I found out that my roommate is Emily, who is so sweet and absolutely adorable! The whole college, including classes, post office, dorms, cafeteria, etc are all in one building! It's a GIGANTIC building lovingly called the Marble Mansion, but it's almost impossible to navigate too, and so it has taken some getting used to. Luckily, our drop off point was right next to our rooms, and we were given a few hours to get situated and shower(!!!) which was fabulous!
While we're in orientation, our program provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner! The university has two or three restaurants (plus a convenience store full of snacks) inside, so there are a lot of options. Here are some of the meals I've had so far:
As you can tell, rice, kimchi, and soup are staples. (and that I will most likely get tired of them very, very soon) Furthermore, utensils are usually just chopsticks and a spoon. Nobody has had a problem with it so far, but if you can't use chopsticks, you *might* have difficulty eating when in Korea.
I think that's about all that I have time for tonight! I have to get up EARLY tomorrow morning to drive to a co-ed urban high school for my first site visit. We get to go on two different site visits over the next two days and I can't wait!
Ready for bed and excited for tomorrow,
Haley
I think that's about all that I have time for tonight! I have to get up EARLY tomorrow morning to drive to a co-ed urban high school for my first site visit. We get to go on two different site visits over the next two days and I can't wait!
Ready for bed and excited for tomorrow,
Haley