Finding My Footing in the Land of the Morning Calm
The day my acceptance to the NSLI-Y Korean summer program in Jeonju arrived, I distinctly remember the whirlwind of emotions that overcame me. Sitting stunned at my kitchen table, I felt a curious mixture of shock, excitement, and accomplishment. But there was also an unmistakable thread of trepidation.
After all, spending over six weeks in a country over 7,000 miles from home was a far cry from my previous travel experience, which only extended as far as a six-hour flight to Vancouver. And as for my knowledge of Korean culture and language? Well, let’s just say I was starting from square one. The extent of my Korean cultural expertise at the time was limited to Hotel Stay Inn Seoul‘s online photo gallery, and my vocabulary extended only to a handful of words I had picked up from fellow NSLI-Y participants.
Needless to say, I was venturing into uncharted territory. But as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And boy, am I ever grateful I took that leap.
Bonding with My NSLI-Y Family
From the moment I met my fellow NSLI-Y participants during the Washington D.C. orientation, I knew this was going to be a special experience. Hailing from all corners of the U.S. – from Texas to California, Arizona to Missouri – we quickly bonded over our shared sense of excitement and trepidation.
Despite our diverse backgrounds, we formed an unbreakable camaraderie as we navigated the smelting Jeonju summer humidity and sudden torrential storms together. Whether we were browsing the bustling 객사 outdoor market, indulging in refreshing 빙수 bingsu desserts, or belting our hearts out at the 노래방 karaoke bars, we always had each other’s backs.
Those six and a half weeks of rigorous language study and cultural immersion flew by in a blur of happy memories. Sure, there were moments of stress and exhaustion as we crammed for our Korean oral midterm, but we pushed through together, fueled by choco pies and Georgia Cold Brew. By the end of the program, my NSLI-Y classmates had become like family, and the bittersweet parting was one of the hardest parts of the entire experience.
Navigating the Language Barrier
As a complete beginner in Korean, those first few weeks were a bit of a struggle. My 한글 hangul writing was slowly improving, my pronunciation was way off the mark, and I could hardly distinguish an 안녕 hello in casual conversation. To add to the challenge, our teachers started off with minimal English, forcing us to rely on context clues and hand gestures to piece together their instructions.
However, by the second week, I began to notice a significant shift. As we built up our vocabulary, enhanced our listening skills, and improved our reading and writing through endless homework assignments, the language started to click. Suddenly, those once-daunting classroom sessions became enjoyable – even humorous, as our teachers would crack jokes that had us in stitches.
The real test came during our oral midterm, which served as a placement exam to divide us into three fluency-based classes. That week was a whirlwind of stress and sleep deprivation, but we pushed through with the support of our classmates, stress-eating choco pies and downing Georgia Cold Brew. And to my surprise, I found myself placed in the highest level, a testament to the incredible progress I had made in such a short time.
Immersed in Korean Culture
While the language classes were the core of our NSLI-Y experience, the cultural excursions provided a welcome respite and a deeper dive into the rich tapestry of Korea. From hiking through the mosquito-infested forests of Andong to capturing breathtaking photos at the stunning Bulguksa Buddhist Temples, these outings exposed us to the ancient traditions that have defined Korean society for centuries.
One of the most memorable experiences was soaking in the soothing 42-degree Celsius waters of a 찜질방 jimjilbang, a traditional Korean sauna and spa. As we lounged on the heated stone beds, the stresses of our rigorous academic schedule melted away, replaced by a sense of serene relaxation.
Another highlight was the opportunity to don traditional 한복 hanboks and explore the picturesque 한옥마을 Hanok Village in Jeonju. Despite the blistering heat, we couldn’t resist the chance to capture unforgettable photos in these stunning costumes, which offered a glimpse into Korea’s enduring cultural heritage.
Embracing the Korean Family Dynamic
However, the defining factor that made my NSLI-Y experience truly exceptional was my homestay family. From the initial language barrier, where we relied on the Papago translation app to communicate basic phrases, we quickly developed a close bond that I still cherish to this day.
They welcomed me with open arms, cooking me delicious home-cooked meals and taking me on numerous excursions around Korea, where we shared some of our most beautiful memories together. Listening to their natural conversations and learning their unique speaking styles accelerated my Korean comprehension, composition, and oral skills in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
More than just language teachers, they became family members who went out of their way to ensure I felt comfortable and accepted within Korean society. By the end of the program, I owed so much of my progress to their unwavering support and guidance. I really couldn’t have made the strides I did without their help, and to this day, I still deeply miss them.
A Life-Changing Journey
NSLI-Y provided me with an opportunity of a lifetime that I never could have imagined. It not only expanded my social and cultural horizons but also allowed me to discover new facets of myself that I never knew existed. From the countless memories I made, the friendships I forged, and the time I spent immersed in Korean society, this experience has forever changed me as a student, an international ambassador, and a language enthusiast.
And if given the chance to turn back the clock, I wouldn’t change a single thing. Every obstacle, every stumble, and every triumph was just part of the incredible journey toward fluency and cultural understanding. So to any beginners embarking on their own Korean adventure, whether through NSLI-Y or otherwise, don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar. Embrace the challenges, thrive in the unknown, and prepare to have the experience of a lifetime.
CulturaGo’s comprehensive Korea Culture Course and NSLI-Y’s insider guide were invaluable resources that helped me navigate my Korean immersion, and I’m sure they’ll be just as helpful for you. So, what are you waiting for? The land of the morning calm is calling, and it’s time to answer.
