78 In Korean learning journey (:/ Preparations/ Seoul Life 2013

THE DECISION

After months and months of deliberating, internal struggle, periods of conviction coupled with times of uncertainty and doubt, I’ve finally made the decision. As I’m typing this, I’m still not 100% convinced of whether this decision is “good” or not, but I’m determined to give it my best shot.

I’ll be returning to Korea as a student, or more specifically, a graduate student. I’ve been accepted at a few universities in either the Korean literature and linguistics department (where all courses are taught in Korean) or Korean studies (courses in English). I’ve decided to go with 연세대학교’s offer of a place in their 국어국문학과 with a partial scholarship.

It’s both terribly exciting and terrifying at the same time. Terrifying because I’ll be uprooting myself (not that I have any 미련..) and plunging into the unknown. My topmost worry is the cost of living and tuition fees. Yonsei and Sinchon are not known to be the cheapest places so I’ll definitely be scrimping like mad and I’m likely to take on a part time job once I become eligible to do so. I hope everything will work out on that aspect. >< Life is never easy I guess.

Enough of the terrifying parts. I’m really very very excited because it feels like I’m going to fulfill a long-time dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to study 국어학 and I have wanted to study in Yonsei since years ago. Over the years, I’ve something of a lingering regret when it comes to Yonsei but I’m super glad that after coming a roundabout way, I’m back here to fulfill that dream. ^^

This decision is going to push me out of my comfort zone in many areas and one of which is that I’ll be doing my entire studies in Korean and I’ll have to write a dissertation in Korean. o.O Some people may feel that I’m being stupid or applaud me for being brave enough to try to attempt higher education in a language that is not my native language. Maybe it’s not very common here because everyone speaks English here but it’s definitely very normal for say… Japanese or Koreans to go like US to further their studies in English. If they can do that, so can I. I have no idea if getting accepted to graduate school in Korea is an “easy” thing or not, but I’m very grateful to be accepted even though Korean is still a very new language to me (5 years). hehe and I’ll be in the humanities department  hahaha. I think I’m quite brave. LOL most people I know choose the International Studies department or like MBA when it comes to graduate studies in Korea.

I’m definitely going to make the most of this opportunity. Study what I love and also level up my Korean to be on par with the natives. It’s not going to be easy but I welcome the challenge. Do research, take exams, give presentations in Korean. ❤ OMG THE THOUGHT OF IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY HAHA.

I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I’m determined to make the journey to find out. This is no well-traveled route and there won’t be many (or any) to guide me through. Uncertainty is the norm and I have no idea what lies beyond. Good or bad, this is my decision and I’m sure going to stick with it and give my 100%.

Wish me luck.

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78 Comments

  • Reply
    Fajar Priyanto (@fajarpri)
    23 July, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Good for you Shanna! All the best for your life adventure.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:41 PM

      Thank you 😀

  • Reply
    joanna
    23 July, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    all the best to you!! such an exciting life journey!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:42 PM

      hehe thanks!

  • Reply
    Keax
    23 July, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    Congratulations Shanna! 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:42 PM

      Thanks Keax!

  • Reply
    Keisha
    23 July, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    Congratulations! 😀 I’ve been thinking about attending university and living in Korea or Japan and I’m a mix of frightened and excited. The normal few weeks abroad or a semester is normal, but I’m looking at something that will be long-term. It’s going to be difficult of course, but it’ll be something that I love and am passionate about. I almost forgot about how many people live and study in countries that don’t speak their native language. If they can do it, so can we. If half of them have done it and failed, it doesn’t mean we’re going to fail too. Being passionate and stubborn is key. XD I wish you the best in this new journey! ^.^

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:44 PM

      attending university as in undergraduate studies or postgraduate? 😀 That sounds really good! 😀 If you do go, let me know!! Yeah, I keep forgetting how many people study in languages that are not their native language! I think I’m just too used to the fact that we are all English speakers here and even doing studies in say.. Chinese is really uncommon (despite it being a mother tongue).

      • Reply
        Keisha
        10 August, 2013 at 12:42 PM

        (Ah! I’m so late! DX) I’d be attending for undergrad studies. I’m really leaning towards being a language major and not many colleges in my area have what I’ll need to complete the degree. There’s a university in Hawaii that offers BA’s in Japanese and Korean, but my thing is if I have to go from NYC to Hawaii, I might as well go out of the country. XD

  • Reply
    latchimi
    23 July, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    All the best 2 u, can emphatise wif u, jus knw dat wen da going gets tough, there r so many ppl who is supporting n encouraging u. never give up, hang in there, I have confidence dat u can do it. Be happy n healthy 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:45 PM

      Thank you!! 😀

  • Reply
    cheryl
    23 July, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    OMG this is such exciting news! it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to read that you’re fulfilling a long time dream because it’s something i regret not being able to do… so yes you have alllllll my support! all the best shanna! cant wait to read all about your adventures and experiences. when will your school term start?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 July, 2013 at 10:45 PM

      aww thanks!! ❤ I’ll definitely be blogging about it! I’ll start in September, but I have so many things to settle in the meanwhile!

  • Reply
    Karla
    23 July, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    This news is what I’ve been waiting for! I just have this feeling( from reading all your old posts) that you will pursue your post grad in Korea and that you will pursue your greatest dream. This inspires me so much!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:06 AM

      hehe thanks! 😀

  • Reply
    weixin
    23 July, 2013 at 12:37 PM

    omg so cool! i’m sure you’ll have the time of your life there, fulfilling your dreams (: super happy for you! 😀

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:07 AM

      aww thanks! Going to make the most of it! 😀

  • Reply
    ethel
    23 July, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    hahaha i really understand what you’re going through. trust me it’s a once in a lifetime experience 🙂 at least after you graduate and experience everything there, if you decide to ever go back, you won’t feel like you regretted anything or missed out on it. the “what if”s are the worst. hope to see you when you’re here!! ^^

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:07 AM

      thank you!! 😀 😀 hehe thanks for answering all my questions so patiently too! 😛 Let’s definitely meet up!!

  • Reply
    mupji
    23 July, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    I had a feeling this blog post was gonna be abt going to Korea for another stint before clicking the link from twitter. hahaha, it’s going to be great. I’m really happy for u, I would do the same too, if I were in your place. abt ur worries, life is nv easy right? everything will work out, just do ur best! 고고고 화이팅!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:08 AM

      Thanks!! 😀 😀 My 2013 resolution is finally going to come true!! Been trying so hard to get back to Korea 😛

  • Reply
    Elaine
    23 July, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    와! 부럽다! My wish is to study in Korea. But my parents don’t allow. They are not comfortable with me staying overseas by myself. That’s why I’m still staying in Singapore T.T but still wish you all the best while you are there ^.^

    Elaine

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:08 AM

      Thank you! 😀 Hopefully you still can get to go for holidays / other trips!

  • Reply
    orbiter
    23 July, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    You go girl. 🙂 You are living my dream, ya know? 😉

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:09 AM

      aww I’ll work hard!

  • Reply
    Xing Wei
    23 July, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Wish you luck.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:09 AM

      Thank you.

  • Reply
    Clayton Wong
    23 July, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Congratulations on two accounts! Firstly, on your 1000th post. It seems 1000 of anything is an awe full lot? And secondly and much more important, for your upcoming graduate studies in Korea – I wish I could join you:). I’m sure you will tell us all a out your experiences there – right? Congratulations again 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:10 AM

      hehe yeah 1000 seems like a lot! Can’t believe I actually wrote so much over the years! Will definitely be blogging about my experiences 😀

  • Reply
    Wong
    23 July, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Congrats Shanna. Wish that I can join you too but the reality is I cant 🙁
    Do share with us your experience there alright.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:10 AM

      Definitely! ^^ Thanks!

  • Reply
    Archana
    23 July, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    I can only hope you will have a far more fulfilling and wholesome graduate school experience than what I’m going through at the moment. Always stay positive and never lose your enthusiasm. Best wishes.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      hahahaha I know I’ll start to go crazy once I’m doing my research >< Mm I'm not doing a PhD though, so I hope it'll be less painful. Hope things will be better for you!

  • Reply
    parfait
    23 July, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    It will be exciting plus amazing experience for you ^^
    When does your course begin? Hope you’re still blogging. Many people here are very curious to know about it, I am sure ^_^

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      September! Definitely will be blogging 😀 So much new content to explore!

  • Reply
    Haricha
    23 July, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    Congratulations Shanna! 😀 Good luck, wishing you the best. 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      Thanks!!

  • Reply
    D
    23 July, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Congratulations! I think it was about a year ago I had asked you regarding accommodation at KU. Interestingly, I am also going over to Korea to further my studies. Hook up if you need some homely Singaporean feel when you are there. You have my email.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      nice! What will you be studying? 😀

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    23 July, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Congratulations, Shanna!!! 😀
    I hope you enjoy a loooot this new adventure (I’m sure you will, because of how hard you’ve been working for this ^^). Life will surely bring many good and exciting things for you, just keep your arms wide open~
    I hope you keep posting here on your blog with updates 😀 Will you start now on September or only on the next year?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:13 AM

      Thanks Vanessa!! ^^ I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in life! I’ll definitely keep blogging, and who knows, maybe there’ll be even more interesting content! hehe. Starting in September, so everything’s a major rush!

  • Reply
    Dawn
    23 July, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    😀 Wow! All the best! I do want to go korea to study too!! But I don’t have the money. Are you taking a loan from the bank? Anw, I think it’ll be one of the best decision you’ve ever made. It’s something that you really like! And when you go there, learn more, blog more, spread the love for korean more. 😀 Great to see that you’re going all out to achieve your dreams. You inspire people, no matter learning languages or going for your dreams. Thank you!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:14 AM

      Thanks Dawn! 😀 Not sure if I’ll be able to achieve my dreams, but at least I’m going one step closer!

  • Reply
    Debbie Wong
    23 July, 2013 at 9:44 PM

    Congrats, Shanna! Decision well made!! I’m so excited for you. All the best in your studies & hope you continues to update us with this blog as well! Cheers!!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:14 AM

      Thanks Debbie! ^^ Will definitely update the blog!

  • Reply
    Sabah
    23 July, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    Wishing you so much prosperity, ease and success upon success. No matter what happens the venture is already successful because tasks should always be judged by the effort put in and not the results. From reading your posts I know that you are going to put in more effort than is humanly possible, hehe, so as far as I’m concerned you’re already gone and conquered! Nonetheless, I wish you success and that you achieve all the goals that you set yourself and that it is everything that you hope it will be and more! With much love Sabah

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:15 AM

      ㅋㅋㅋ Thanks so much!!! I’m definitely going to work hard and not let this chance go to waste!

  • Reply
    Kimmie
    23 July, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    Congratz!!! So happy and excited for you! Wish I have the means to do that too… Awaiting to read abt your exciting journey posts hereafter!! All the best!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:15 AM

      Thanks Kimmie!!

  • Reply
    Sojin
    23 July, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Congrats Shanna!
    One of my 동아리 선배 is a graduate student doing 국어학 at Yonsei. And pretty sure at least one of the Chinese students at my 하숙집 are as well!!
    I’m thinking of going for Korean literature specifically later, but it’s a lot more complicated road for me lol
    When do you start???

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:17 AM

      Thanks!!! wow that’s nice! I’ll probably need some advice/help on housing there, may have to email you for help! XD Hope we can meet up! I’ll be starting in September!

      • Reply
        Sojin
        24 July, 2013 at 7:50 PM

        I think we’ll probably just miss each other. T_T I leave August 17th. I was hoping I could meet up with you if you came early enough!

  • Reply
    Koreanlearner
    23 July, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    Congratulations! That’s really exciting 🙂 wishing you all the best pf luck! How long time does a MSc take in Korea?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:17 AM

      2 years 😀 Thanks!

  • Reply
    Jibril
    24 July, 2013 at 4:40 AM

    Congratulations on the decision!

    I have to say, when I read “Do research, take exams, give presentations in Korean. ❤ OMG THE THOUGHT OF IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY HAHA,” I couldn’t help but laugh. You have such a deep passion for Korean. I hated doing all that stuff in English and Spanish when I was in school, so I could never imagine even attempting it in Korean.
    I wish you all the best!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:18 AM

      hahahaha somehow Korean just makes everything seem better in my eyes LOL. It’s like how I’ll never want to deliver a speech onstage in English but I’m more than happy and willing to do so in Korean LOL

  • Reply
    Dusky
    24 July, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    Congratulations! That’s fantastic to hear! You will have to tell of all of your adventures there as a student and possible part-time worker? If you want that is! 😀 I’m so glad to hear that you will get to fulfill that dream. It’s super exciting and encouraging to hear others talk about their dreams.

    It’s great that the thought of doing all that in Korean makes you happy. When I read it I felt my stomach sink but I guess if I want to do the same I need to buckle down and study, study, study! Maybe if I do that sinking feeling will go away. I’ve said it before (I think I have, anyway…) but your blog is super motivational to me. Again, congratulations!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:20 AM

      hehehe definitely will be blogging about that!! 😀 I’m pretty excited too and I’m learning to take things one step at a time so I don’t get too ahead of myself and also not worry that much >< Just keep going and you'll get closer to your goals too!! Personally I'm also not very sure if I can really achieve what I set out to do, but at least I'm getting closer to my dreams, which is definitely awesome!

  • Reply
    pande
    24 July, 2013 at 9:56 AM

    Congratulations, Shanna!! All the best

    Taking a less traveled path like this shows you have the determination to finish what you start. I am sure Korea can help you open a number of exciting possibilities for your career. Moreover, Yonsei is such a good college, especially their Korean Language department, right. Just make sure to be eat enough to keep warm during winter, as you said in one of your previous posts in Korea. Fighting

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      24 July, 2013 at 11:21 AM

      Thanks!!! ^^

  • Reply
    Hazel
    24 July, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Congrats! That’s really awesome! I am so jealous of you! Before I’m able to live in Korea my goal is to just visit in the first place!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:56 PM

      Thank you! 😀

  • Reply
    azliza
    24 July, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    Hi shanna.
    Congratulations! I also have the same dream like you, to further master degree in Korea. It might tough, but I know you can make it!Fighting Shanna!!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:56 PM

      Thanks! Hope you can achieve your dreams too!! 😀

  • Reply
    24 July, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    You’re a brave girl.
    Congratulations and wish you all the best
    파이팅!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:57 PM

      Thanks!

  • Reply
    yyann
    24 July, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    I’m alittle late in reading this entry but congrats on the new path!
    I can understand the fear in you upon deciding which would be your best decision though. But whatever it is, I believe you do know that there are both pros and cons in both decision.

    It’s going to be a tough journey but hang on there! I believe you will be able to do it since you had set this decision though. ^^
    파이팅!! 😀

    loves,
    yyann

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:57 PM

      Thanks yyan! I’m super excited about it!

  • Reply
    Alice
    25 July, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Late in seeing this post! Congratulations Shanna! This will be a wonderful opportunity to explore as well as widening your horizons. Best of all, kuddos to living for your dreams and not leaving any room for regrets! I suppose you’ll be here at around August – Sept? Take care! I saw that you’re thinking about accommodation. I myself am not familiar with the Sinchon neighbourhood but I’ll ask my friends about it and let you know if they have any good recommendations 🙂

    Now it’s just packing and anticipating this new journey! 🙂 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:58 PM

      Thanks Alice! I really appreciate that 😀 Feels a little unsettled that I haven’t confirmed an accommodation yet. Next time you are in Korea, let me know! Will be fun to meet up and talk ^^

  • Reply
    Liyeng
    25 July, 2013 at 2:02 PM

    Hey Shanna! All the best to you and your life in Korea!!!!!
    Really happy for you.
    And I definitely secretly wish to go there one day too!!
    Look forward for your updates in Korea, if you ever update. ^^

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 July, 2013 at 7:59 PM

      Thank you!! I’ll be updating! ^^

  • Reply
    Talia
    4 August, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Shanna!!! 축하해요~~ ^^ Just read this post and I am so proud and happy for you! Suddenly I feel so honored of knowing you hahah! I wish I have as much drive and passion in pursuing Korean language studies as much as you do. Bless you with peace in your decision and boldness and courage in embarking in this new journey in your life! 우리를 잊지마세요~

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      4 August, 2013 at 11:55 AM

      aww thanks Talia!! hehe it was awesome knowing you too!! All our fun meetups 😛 Hope you have been doing well too!!

      • Reply
        Talia
        7 August, 2013 at 12:18 PM

        How long will you be there? If I go to Korea when you’re still there, let’s hang out again. Hopefully I’d have been more hardworking and my Korean would have improved by then hahah ;P

        • Reply
          hangukdrama
          7 August, 2013 at 12:29 PM

          Definitely!! 😀 Will be fun to hang out in Seoul!! ^^

  • Reply
    saraaahsays
    4 August, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    Caught up with a few of your blog entries and saw this! Congrats Shanna! It’s been such a journey for you and I’m so happy for you that you’re pursuing your interest in Korean/Korea further by taking this step! Will stay tuned to your blog for life as a grad student in Korea! 😀

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      7 August, 2013 at 12:29 PM

      Thank you! 😀

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