Know Before You Go (TaLK Edition): The Little Things

The next three weeks of orientation are going to be incredible. These weeks will also wear you out completely. You're going to be torn between trying to do every activity and simply collapsing into bed and never getting back out. Instead of burning out in your first week try and pace yourself so you can enjoy every minute to the fullest.

Allow yourself alone time every other day, or however often you find yourself wanting to get away. Three hundred English speakers in one place is exhausting. No one will blame you for getting some distance, and if they do  they're not worth your time. Set your clock an hour earlier than you need to be up and go for a walk or run. Eat a fast lunch and slip away for a half hour of quiet in your room (but don't fall asleep). 

photography became a relaxing part of my daily routine.

Give yourself a daily routine that's both flexible and grounding so that you feel as though you can both keep on track with your schedule while allowing for spontaneity in the evenings and on weekends. 

traditional dance performance at folk village, free field trip.

If you want to sit with specific people at lunch ask ahead and make a plan. The cafeteria fills up quickly and if you haven't decided who you want to sit next to you might end up by yourself. This, however, is the perfect time to make new friends. The point is decide before you begin searching for an open seat and your lunch hour will run much more smoothly. 

a typical meal at jochiwon.

Use the free activities. Just do it. You'll save money and remember a lot more of what happens. I'm not saying never go out drinking (there will be a lot of drinking), but don't feel like every night needs to end in alcohol. You still have classes every morning and afternoon and most of them are better if you don't have a headache. Also spend your weekends on the free field trips provided. Usually about half or more of your compatriots will head for Seoul on the weekends which leaves you with the ability to mix up your group and meet more people in their absence (as well as get to the laundry room). Some of my favorite memories of Korea come from the weekends I spent hanging back at Jochiwon while the majority took off to explore the rest of the country. 

nineth gen at the presidential retreat, photo by leah b.

Bring your smarts and your open-mindedness. While the majority of people were easy going and fun to be around there were quite a few having a hard time adjust, or were really not enjoying orientation. Remaining positive can be very hard so if you're blessed with even an ounce try and share that positive energy. If you're feeling a little grumpy about orientation, just remember, this too does pass. 

final night at the benches in jochiwon

One final note. While you're running around orientation making memories and meeting people from all over the world, take a moment to stop and think about everything that has happened to lead up to this point, not only personally, but also historically, and what our presence means for what will eventually become history as well.