I’ve been studying Korea and Korean for a long time, so I’m way excited to be going to SNU. As an American, I feel a special responsibility to represent my country as best I can. While I’m there, I will constantly remind myself of this fact and make sure that I present a good image for both myself and my nation.
For some people, I might be the only American they’ve met (though not so common in Seoul) and more likely I might be the only American who can actually talk to them in their own language. As such, I would really like to do some volunteer work while I’m over there. Specifically, if possible I’d really like to do some kind of service for North Korean refugees in South Korea. I don’t know how realistic this goal is, but I would like to find out more. I’ll try to do some research and contact people after I get to SNU to see if there is some way I can do tutoring or something for North Korean refugees within a reasonable distance. I have a special place in my heart for the North Korean people who suffer so much and lose out on so many opportunities. Anyways, if I can help just one person out then that would make me really happy and hopefully make some sort of a difference in their life.
Anyways, if anyone knows anything about organizations or programs along these lines I would love to hear about it.
check these sites.
http://ww.w3ip.com
http://www.fnkradio.com
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Thanks, I will!
You may also ask your advisor or program coordinator at SNU via Email or in person about opportunities. When I was at KNU my class went to a welfare center every Friday to teach some elementary kids English. There was also a program SCH set up for willing students, although that fell through when many people (the so-called volunteers) weren’t or flat out stopped showing up.
Wow, Matt! Almost every time I read your posts, I am surprised! You have real interest about Korea, not to mention, and also fire! I should learn from you.
But one thing I’m just a little bit worried about is that your recognition of responsibility…Well it’s great to give a nice image as an American… standard(?), but if it is like “consturcting” yourself as a nice guy, I don’t think so. Just show your true yourself! I think it will be nice enough to give everybody good impressions:). And umm one year is a long time and hope you to show real yourself and will be able to make a “true” Korean friend!
I don’t know things much about N. Korean refugees but there are some institutions related to N. Korean refugees. It would not be that unrealistic if there are any kind of students associated club doing volunteer works for N. Korean refugees. I guess there are. You can probably join it!
@Hyeon soo, Kang
Yeah, I will be my true self. My true self is an upstanding citizen who I believe would represent the USA well. I just have to remember to be myself rather than try to act cool or do things I wouldn’t do here. It’s more like I want to try to make sure I don’t ‘deconstruct’ myself ㅋㅋㅋ.