News Date:
Thu, 2014-10-23
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After two months into their academic year in Seoul, NSLI-Y students have been busy with the various facets of their language learning and cultural immersion experience. Along with attending a local high school and additional Korean language classes, students' schedules are packed with bonding time with host familes and other program activities. Through these varied experiences, the NSLI-Y students are able to practice their budding language skills and gain firsthand insight into Korean culture.
Celebrating Chuseok
Nearly immediately after the arrival, the students were able to break the ice with their host families with the celebration of Chuseok 추석, one of Korea’s largest holidays. Chuseok is a harvest festival where large families travel great distances in order to celebrate the holidays and give thanks for their many blessings. NSLI-Y student Mary recounts her first Chuseok experience:
During 추석, my host family and I travelled to Siheung, which is around an hour away from our home in Incheon, to gather with my host father’s family in celebration of 추석. Before 추석, I had heard that a major part of 추석 is cooking delicious Korean food and eating all of it, but I was still surprised when, as soon as we arrived at my host father’s brother’s home, we immediately started cooking 전 (Jeon). 전 is commonly referred to as a Korean-style pancake, often having many different kinds vegetables as some of the main ingredients, which is incredibly delicious. After making enough 전 to feed at least a small army, my 추석 turned into a 24-hour bliss of eating, sleeping, and watching Korean dramas, all done with 17 other people.
UN International Peace Day
NSLI-Y students also jumped right into the first of their many volunteer experiences that are to come. On September 21, 2014, students participated in a community service event in commemoration of the United Nations' International Day of Peace by writing letters to children in areas of conflict. NSLI-Y student Serena says:
Not only was I able to volunteer, but I also had the opportunity to speak and participate with other volunteers. This opportunity provided me with a gratifying experience that will remain with me as I continue to strive towards my dream of becoming part of the American Foreign Service. Participating in the UN World Peace Day within South Korea had particular meaning to me and to many others. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, is South Korean, and the thought that I could participate in his native country made the day mean even more. I have heard stories of his generosity and kindness, and I hope that I can portray the same qualities and message of world peace. Also, participating in the UN World Peace Day in a country that has an ongoing armistice sparked many thoughts of the importance and tremendous value of this day.