Samantha Heringer (Medicine Hat College, Canada) 

 The poster hanging in the hallway of my school caught my eye immediately. “Study abroad in South Korea”. This was an opportunity that I had always dreamed of. With high hopes I carefully researched the various summer schools being offered in South Korea. My eyes lit up when I was introduced to the Hansung International Summer School. I couldn’t stop smiling. “This is the perfect program for me” I explained to our International Studies Coordinator. Without hesitation I carefully filled out the application and submitted my documents. Once I had been accepted I knew that this summer school would be the opportunity of a lifetime. Now that I have completed the program I can confidently say that HISS has exceeded my expectations. My knowledge and appreciation for Korea and her vibrant history has been expanded through academics, cultural experiences and relationships over the past month. For that, I am extremely grateful. 

I felt so welcomed by the University faculty and staff immediately. During our welcoming ceremony we were all received with huge smiles and encouraging words from everyone. We had no reason to be nervous. I was confident from that point on that we would be very well taken care of and I was absolutely correct. There was always someone available to offer a helping hand when we (the international students) felt unsure and in no time at all we all settled in together quite nicely. I was so nervous to meet my roommate but thankfully, I was paired up with the most amazing girl from Australia. Sharing a dorm room with her over the past month gifted me with the opportunity to build a friendship with her. This is one of the ways that I feel the Hansung program is very relationship oriented. I didn’t expect to build long lasting relationships over such a short period of time, but the people who I have met here will be with me in myheart even once I return home.

I am especially thankful to our Director David Kim and his assistants (Steve, Jin Joo, and Song as well as many others who contributed). Director Kim has put so much hard work and thought into this program as well as time and dedication. He personally introduced us to so many aspects of Korean culture through delicious meals and educational field trips. Thanks to David we all stayed safe, organized and in good spirits. Some people in the past have said that David does not smile often… and they would be mistaken. When we made our director smile, it was the best feeling in the world. If any one of us felt that we were struggling we always knew that we could bring our concerns to David. He loves to take photos of all the students but our favorite 2 photos are the ones where our director is smiling with us! Our class was not perfect but David continued to be patient and gracious with our shortcomings. I have a very fond memory of all of us seated at the dinner table with all of our delicious sidedishes (반찬) and a small glass of soju. David made a toast to us and we all cheered “건배!”On behalf of everystudent from HISS 2024 I want to thank David from the bottom of our hearts. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again! 

The concepts of Han (한) and Heung (흥) were introduced to us towards the end of the program however; I release now that I had witnessed the power of these e-x-p-r-e-s-s-i-o-ns throughout my entire time in Korea. As explained by Dr. Yoon Joo Hwang, ‘Han’ indicates a deep feeling of lament, determination and a cry for justice that is embedded in Koreans as a result of the tragedy that the country has endured. South Korea exemplifies incredible resilience and is now globally recognized as a powerful and prosperous nation. For this reason is it easy to overlook the great hardship that the country and her people have experienced. From corrupt governments as early as the Joseon Dynasty, to the 35 years of Imperial Japan’s occupation, to the death and sacrifice of the 3 year long Korean War, this nation is no stranger to adversity. Modern Korea continues to battle a growing disparity between classes, the looming concern of North Korea and low fertility rates. These were things that I did not expect; however, now that I am aware of these adversities, I have all the more respect for Korea’s unfading beauty and determination that shines through administ it all. ‘Heung’ is referred to as a feeling that stirs up excitement and energy. Amongst great pain, Korea has also experienced great triumph. These moments are exemplified by Korea's global ‘debut’ in both the 1988 and 2018 Olympic games as well as through The ‘Korean Wave’ that swept across the word beginning in the 1990’s. 

Through these events and many others, the world’s eyes became opened to the beauty of Korea that had always been there. These two concepts go beyond a classroom. I could sense the pain of Han while paying my respects at the National War Museum and I felt the excitement of Heung in the music and energy in the city streets. These are experiences that taught me so much and moved me deeply. 

Through this program I not only gained a greater understanding of Korea but also a new respect and appreciation for different cultures as a whole. There is so much value in learning the history behind different countries. By taking the time to listen to people’s stories I realize how culture shapes all of us. Through education and understanding I believe we can build connections with people from all over the world and respect one another. Over the past month I have fallen in love with Korea: the food, the tradition, the clothing, the architecture, the history and most of all, the people. If I were ever given an opportunity to return to Hansung University, I would take it in a heartbeat. Once again I want to thank the university, our Director David Kim and all of the staff and students who have dedicated their time and energy in order to make this program possible.

 With love from Canada,