Academically, I became much more knowledgeable in the history and politics of East Asia (Korea, specifically). Before embarking on this study away experience, one of my goals of studying in Korea was to broaden my knowledge of East Asia, especially since none of the professors in Macalester's International Studies department specialize in East Asia. Through readings from various Asian (and Western) scholars, I was able to compare and contrast differing views of Korea throughout history. By taking multiple courses related to Korea, I was able to reinforce my knowledge on various political regimes and presidential administrations in Korea since the end of World War II due to overlapping course material. I find it so intriguing that the idea of development for countries remain so Eurocentric although there are examples of successful development in East Asian countries via other trajectories. While I have known since pre-study abroad that the chances of my choosing to reside in Korea in the future was slim to none, I knew that my study abroad experience will be a semester that is filled with meaningful interactions and experiences. And I was right.
Being outside the Mac bubble, …
Korea, thank you for a wonderful semester. Until we meet again...
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February 2018
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