The end is near

My study abroad in Prague experience is ending in two days, and I am quite upset by it. It is funny to think back to crying my eyes out for the first four days, asking myself how I would ever make it through the month, and now I do not want to leave. I had my last final today, making the end feel even more real. I learned so much in my short time in Prague,and honestly feel that I have grown as a person. It sounds cliche, but it is the truth.

I would like to share with you what I learned:

1. Keep an open mind. A study abroad experience, while rewarding and fun, is not always easy. As I mentioned before I was extremely homesick when I initially arrived. It is hard being away from family and friends. Not having the food your accustomed to, and being surrounded by people who speak a different language. There are also minor differences that I would have never even thought about before I got here. My dorm room does not have wifi or air conditioning, but I have learned to deal with it.  I have been forced to grow up by being here. Be patient and enjoy everyday, because time will seriously fly.

2. Make time for work and fun. The classes at Charles University were very rigorous. I had a much more demanding workload then I am used to at New Paltz. I believe that this is due to the fact that I took six credits in only three and a half weeks, therefore the classes were very much accelerated. However, I often stressed myself out worrying, rather then doing my work. It is important to stay organized, and get things done whenever you can. That way there is still time to go out and enjoy yourself, without having unfinished assignments on your mind.

3. Take time out to explore the surrounding areas. I had the privilege of getting outside the city of Prague this past weekend, and exploring the beautiful Czech countryside. We went on a Saturday hike, and the following day I went to a castle 40 miles outside of Prague. Being away from the place you are studying at, even for just a short time, makes you appreciate it that much more when you return.

I have mixed feelings about returning to the United States. I wish all my family and friends could be transported to Prague that way I would never have to leave. On the other hand, I do miss certain things about the United States, and am excited to go back to a comfortable and familiar place. I really want to come back to Prague for an entire semester, and I hope to make that happen. Hope everyone is enjoying there summer. Until next time.

English Village End, Classes Begin

Back in Jukjeon. First day of classes.

Transiting back to Jukjeon campus was hard because there were a lot of Global Village teachers that I was not able to know while I was away in Cheonan campus. Day by day, I learning their names and their personality but for the most part, I tend to stick to the friends I made last year and the Cheonan teachers.

I also had to relearn the geography and transportation of Jukejon, but because I came here last year, I still remembered a lot and it was not that difficult getting around again.

This year, I decided to take only one class so that I would be able to travel more of Korea. So far, I am loving that decision because I was able to really travel and explore.
I am currently taking a mindfulness training class. Essentially, we learn about different personality types and about meditation. It is a pretty chill class. We spend the first 10 minutes of class meditating, which helps get into the mindset of this class and I love doing “nothing.”
I have to admit that in the beginning I was skeptical about this class and whether I would really like it or not because I never thought personality tests were accurate. In this class we focus on the Enneagram, which has 9 types of personalities and a scale of each 9 types. However, after a few days in, I like that the professor says that we do not have to agree with the Enneagram, but it is knowledge that we essentially gain about a personality type.
I am hoping that by the end of this class, I will learn about myself and learn how to improve myself for my future.

안녕~