Pre-Departure Assignments and Office Hours

Homework Assignments

Once there were only 6 weeks left before we take off, we started getting weekly assignments. The first homework assignment was relatively simple. It asked how you pronounce some of the hangul constants, what is the difference between two words that sound similar, and the English word for certain words in Korean (ex: 오렌지 is orange). If you read the assigned pages for that week, the assignment should be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! The assignments coincide with the book you were given to study with, so the book can help you with the homework assignment if you get stuck. Each assignment has slowly increased in difficultly, but it is not anything too difficult, and you get the whole week to do it! These assignments are in google doc form. The homework assignments come on Mondays along with the links where we can sign up for office ours; both the assignment and choosing your time slot are due by 11:59 Friday. Our Resident Director (RD) sends us these emails. If something happens that makes it difficult for you to get your assignments done, make sure to talk to your RD. They will figure out a way to make it work.

Office Hours

You will need to attend at least two of these sessions. These session are basically so that your RD can help you with any questions you have on the homework, teach you new things, and keep up with how you are progressing with your Korean. These sessions are actually really fun! It might just be because we have an awesome RD (Gloria!!), but I have really enjoyed the sessions I have had so far. The session happen through google hangout, and up to ten people can be at these session, depending on how many signed up for that time slot. The biggest session I have had was only with 3 other finalists. Don't stress if you start to have technical difficulties (I had a ton of technical difficulties!); just relax and try to fix the problem. Chances are, your RD will probably have technical difficulties too. These sessions have a relaxed ambience, so there is no need to stress out about them.