PRESENTATIONS AND THEORIES

Attending a prestigious school in South Korea, or Asia, to say the least, definitely comes with a certain kind of stigma. Everyone I've told, both at home in Hawaii and in Korea, always have the same reaction when I say I attend Seoul National University. With that in mind, the academic environment here is competitive, yet at the same time, casual.

I am taking Case Studies in Marketing, International Financial Management, International Business Management, and International Business Environment.

The most challenging class I have here is International Financial Management--especially since our professor is teaching IB Finance in theory. I've never taken any courses with lectures specifically designed on theories, so this is why I especially think this class is difficult. I enjoy learning about finance but I can't say it's my strong point, therefore, combining currency conversions with financial theories is definitely a lot to take in at once. If you plan on taking this course (equivalent to FIN321), be prepared to take an extensive amount of notes, because your professor will likely explain beyond what the slides can describe.

The rest of my courses aren't too bad, but all require presentations. To be honest, I've never had to make scripts for any of my presentations back at Shidler; here at SNU, I have to. This is because all of the students here, especially the local Koreans, are REALLY GOOD at presenting. I can become easily intimidated when it comes to presentations, so after seeing how well they can present with or without a script, I knew I had to step my game up.

All in all, be prepared to be challenged. This can come either through being challenged by your peers or the professors themselves.

On another note--I'm on my last month of school already! How exciting. All I have left are a few more presentations and exams, and I'll be on my way to Hawaii, on my way to Ono Seafood, Ichiriki, Haleiwa Bowls, and every other dish I miss back home.