So today was my first day of orientation. & I have to say, it’s everything I imagined & more. The main reason I joined this program was to explore & adventure. & after hearing past experiences from speakers today, & seeing the presentations of what Korea has to offer, I’m seriously overwhelmed with the amount of things I want to try… Cooking, language, pottery & taekwondo classes – WHICH, I learned the TaLK Program actually gives us scholars an allowance to try. They call it a “Cultural Allowance” which encourages us to adventure & try out many of the cultural experiences in Korea. We were even told that our POE directors often coordinate “cultural field trips” for the scholars – I was STOKED when the director asked who was placed in Chungnam (which I am) & that in the past, the POE director rented an entire plane to take their scholars on a field trip to discover Korea. SERIOUSLY??
She also encouraged us to check out neighboring countries to Korea. Asian airlines are often so cheap, &, well, we’re already out here – why not? I could fly to Thailand, Hong Kong, or the Philippines, the home land, & even take a ferry to Japan, which some of the fellow scholars are talking about…
Ok, so aside from the amazing opportunities, let me briefly move on to the people. I figured everyone here would be pretty down to earth & adventurous, as I am. But wow. They’re so warming & welcoming. If ever I was standing by myself, people would ask me where I’m from, or what compelled me to join this program. I’ve literally heard, “Hey, come sit with us & join our little pow-wow!” In this day alone, I’ve met people from South Africa, all over Europe, Australia, Canada, & of course, numerous parts of the US. I’m looking forward to meeting more people who are placed in my province – hopefully they’ll want to travel & adventure just as much as me 
It’s so surreal… & I can’t wait to actually get to my province & experience all that I’m merely hearing about… My main obstacle at this point is figuring out which bottle reads “shampoo” vs “lotion” at the convenience store, & conquering this jet lag… UGH the jet lag…
Stay tuned for fotos…
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