미지센터의 청소년 국제교류이야기

                  I decided to revisit the museum on September 24^th because of the vast collection of valuable artworks. In order to cover the most popular artwork galleries, I have reported on Egyptian art, Arms and Armor, European Paintings, European Sculpture, and Medieval Art last month, and this month I will be covering Ancient Near Eastern Art, African/Oceania/American Art, Asian Art, Greek and Roman Art, and Modern Art.

From Babylon to Cyprus

“If I was a Babylonian or a Persian, I would have been awed by the sheer size of some of these sculptures."

                Near Eastern art, for many visitors, seemed to border Eastern and Western art. For a minority of visitors viewing Near Eastern art produced in the Late Period, they mistakenly believed that they were looking at Greek art (from which Near Eastern art was influenced). Some of the later sculptures, such as the ones depicting a sphinx and a man wearing a laurel crown (a crown that Roman emperors wore to display their power), have heavy influences from Greece and Rome. Near Eastern art produced in the early period resembled art produced in India, with many statues depicting the faces of deities in very high detail.

“If I was a Babylonian or a Persian, I would have been awed by the sheer size of some of these sculptures,” said a visitor, “just like a human being is awed by seeing a supernatural being.” Another visitor seemed to find similarities between Middle Eastern and Egyptian art. “Stone sculptures, murals that depict different creatures, and the enormous statues...looks like Egpyt influenced Middle Eastern art, or maybe it’s the other way around!”

From the Far East

                For many tourists that seek diversity from Western art, Asian art is a must-visit. From massive sculptures of inland China to the porcelain pottery of Korea, there are many different types of artworks. The majority of China’s sculptures and murals depict Buddhist deities, Taoists, or monstrous demons in Chinese lore. Chinese artworks dominated the Asian gallery, where over 3 gallery spaces (along with a giant hall) are dedicated to them. One of the interviewees joked, “The number of Chinese art is as massive as the number of Chinese tourists!” There were also a large number of Japanese artworks, where most of the artworks consisted of embroidery and clothing rather than statues and metal ornaments. However, there was seldom number of visitors in the Japanese wing, unlike those housing Chinese artworks. “I think I am seeing the same number of designs over and over again,” remarked one visitor exiting the Japanese wing. “A homogenous mishmash of this and that,” said another.

                One disappointing aspect for the Asian wing was the lack of artworks from Korea. Although the collection wasn’t small, there weren’t a significant number of them. “I think I would be more interested if there were more works present,” remarked 2 visitors. According to 20 people who visited the Korean section of Asian art, 15 of them said that the wing could use more Korean artworks. “Korea is rising,” remarked Ann Cheng (a tourist who agreed to share her identity), “and to spread its cultural knowledge, people should know more about its culture.”

AAA: American, African, Aboriginal

“Their method of displaying art seems more spiritual than that of other cultures, and I was impressed by that.”

                Perhaps one of the most unique of the exhibitions, in terms of how these cultures express their artistic side, is the art gallery of African, American, and Oceanic art by Aboriginals. Many of these cultures have displayed their artistic talents with totems, ships, clothing, and personal items over paintings and sculpture. None of the works used metal, and very few used material other than wood or other biological materials. For this reason, this particular gallery seemed to display the distant tribal past of human civilization. The different geographical regions also seemed to play a role in the themes of the artworks created. From the tapestries of the Peruvian Andes to the patterns carved by the Maori, all of the artworks seemed to be different and unique from each other.

                When I interviewed 30 tourists who visited all the galleries, I asked them to choose their favorite galleries. When I asked the 4 people, who have chosen the AAA galleries as their favorites, why they chose the galleries, the 4 people replied that the galleries have shown the most unique way of displaying their artistic sense. For one visitor, it was “their method of displaying art seems more spiritual than that of other cultures, and I was impressed by that.”
 

Olympic Art

“European culture has never been able to measure up to the success of Greek and Roman culture.” 

                Greek and Roman culture, the foundations of European civilization, created unforgettable artworks. Although Greek and Roman art seemed to concentrate on sculpture like the Egyptian and Middle Eastern art, the proportions and details of the face and body are incredible, even more so than Egyptian or Middle Eastern art. The artworks from the Renaissance period, shown in the previous article, resemble and emulate some of the techniques and subjects from the art of the Classical period. The main materials used seemed to be metal and marble, but the Romans also utilized paint, glass, and other diverse materials.

                “Marble and metal is the main attraction of Greek and Roman art, and I like it,” quipped a tourist. “European culture has never been able to measure up to the success of Greek and Roman culture,” remarked an elder visitor. 16 out of 20 people said that they liked Greek and Roman art, but 15 out of the 16 people said that Greek and Roman art did not have much variety in terms of subject matter. “Roman and Greek art was cool and everything, but it’s like having 200 different alterations of Mona Lisa,” said the same tourist who remarked about the marble and metal used in Greek and Roman art.

MoMA?

                                    "I like the pizzazz, the bang-bang, and the wow factor.”

                When I visited the modern art section of the Met, I at first thought that the Met collection wouldn’t be as impressive as its other collections. The main reason for formulating this unproven hypothesis, shared by other tourists that have visited MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), is that New York already has an excellent museum dedicated to modern art. According to a survey of 25 people who have visited MoMA before visiting the Met’s modern art section, 15 of the 25 people told me that they didn’t expect to see a good collection. “New York already has a museum dedicated to modern art,” said one of the interviewees. “Why have this gallery at all?”

                Fortunately, this idea was proven a misconception. The Met does have an excellent collection, including Van Gogh’s, Picasso’s, and Pollock’s works, albeit smaller than that of MoMA. Some works, although contemporary, have been transferred to European or American paintings. For some of the tourists, this was to some degree frustrating. “I want to look at modern art in the modern section, not the Europe section where older paintings dominate the walls,” remarked a tourist. However, many of them found the gallery to be rewarding. “I was able to see many unique and flashy works,” said a visitor who was with his family, “and I think that having the same thing over and over again is boring. I like the pizzazz, the bang-bang, and the wow factor.”

Comedi-art

                    The Caricatures gallery, a special temporary exhibition, is a gallery that many visitors and tourists wish that it was a permanent exhibition. The cartoonist artworks both display the development of political art and artistic skills through the ages. From satirical drawings of da Vinci to political cartoons of 19th century England, the artworks provide many visitors laughs and food for thought. Unlike other artworks, which was mainly related to human, animal, or emotional subjects, most of the caricatures in this gallery are themed on politics. 

                      Because the exhibition is fairly recent, many tourist groups or visitors do not have much foreknowledge of the artworks, if they had any previous information about it at all. However, it doesn't mean that they don't have opinions about this peculiar gallery. "I found this to be the only gallery with laughs," said a tourist from a school trip. Many of the comments referred to the strange, if not ridiculous, appearance of the artworks. "Laughs throughout the ages," remarked the same tourist.

Checkout

                Mere words cannot cover all the wonders of human creativity found in the Met, and neither can my 2 articles. Many of the ancient treasures predate the museum that houses them, and even predate the city that houses the Met. The deep and rich history, as well as the creative strokes and genius that went into the works of art, will surely impress those who decide to visit the museum that lies on 5^th Avenue. As the human mind creates even more masterpieces, the collection of the Met will ever become fuller.

Entry

The Entrance

I initially decided to visit the museum on September 12^th because of its vast collection of valuable artworks. For a museum that boasts one of the largest collections of art in the world, the cost of admission is modest. Although the recommended fee is USD 25, it is up to the visitor to pay, or ‘donate’, whatever amount he or she wishes. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply ‘the Met’, has over a million permanent artworks which are diverse in both time and culture. From the popular Arms and Armor collection to the American Painting and Sculpture, it is usually impossible for visitors to visit all of the galleries in one day without skimming over the artworks. I will be covering Egyptian art, Arms and Armor, European Paintings, European Sculpture, and Medieval Art in this article. 

What the Pharos Made

"Masonry and Size"

For many of the visitors of the Met, the first exhibition they enter is the Egyptian Art Gallery. The Egyptian gallery, containing half of the museum’s artworks, is by far the largest of all the galleries. When I asked 20 visitors of all ages what struck them most from visiting the Egyptian Art Gallery, many of them replied “masonry and size.” Most of the Egyptian Art collection, apart from several textile works, is mainly composed of pottery, stone tools, and stone structures.

The same 20 visitors, when asked what part of the art gallery they would recommend to their friends and relatives, told me that the stone sculptures and tools were the most spectacular. “For me, it was amazing that such fine details in sculpture could be created in a time that lacked the fine tools we have today,” explained one of the 20 visitors. “It’s the sheer bulk and size of the statues that got me,” explained another visitor. Painted art by Egyptians is no less impressive; for one visitor, he “was able to get a lucid picture of ordinary Egyptian life.

Medieval Makes

"It's Jesus and God Everywhere."

Like Egyptian artworks, the medieval sculptures display excellent craftsmanship without modern tools or technology. However, unlike Egyptian works that use bulk to awe onlookers, medieval artworks impress audiences with small details present in medieval paintings and crafts.  “After the fall of the Roman Empire, it is impressive to see that barbarism didn’t destroy art completely,” said a college student from Columbia. “It also shows how developed the human spirit is, despite daily hardships.”

Many galleries display religious artifacts, but almost none of the galleries feature as many religious themes and icons as the Medieval Gallery. The sheer amount of Christian themes in medieval artworks display the enormous significance and importance Christianity had for people living during the Middle Ages. This was why some visitors felt as if they were entering a monetary or a religious institution. “It’s Jesus and God everywhere,” exclaimed a tourist visiting from the Netherlands. An elderly visitor noted the amount of care that went into these artworks despite the lack of tools. “They must have put their souls into these works: it does represent their self towards God, after all.”


Guns & Roses

Weapons in the Met not only represent the technological prowess of humanity, but they also display the prowess of art. 19 out of 20 male visitors I interviewed chose this gallery as their favorite, with comments such as ‘cool’, ‘interesting’, and ‘masterful craftsmanship.’ According to a visitor who was a designer for the gaming industry, he said that the Met was invaluable to industrial and media design. “I’ve come to the Met for inspiration, whether it be building interiors or scenes; however, the arms and armor had given me the strongest impressions and numerous inspirations.”

Despite the name of the gallery, many of the weapons were for ceremonial purposes and rarely have seen the battlefield. The ones that have seen battles are arms and armor from nations other than Europe or North America. “I like the diversity of this collection,” said a tourist, “because unlike the other galleries, this gallery allows me to see different cultures at the same time and compare them.”


Elegance from Europe

Europe, after the Dark and Middle Ages, truly blossomed in art and sculpture. By the time of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, Europe has produced thousands of renowned works by renowned artists. Out of 20 people I’ve interviewed, 15 of them stated that the European art/sculpture section was in their top 3 galleries of the Met, and 5 of the visitors stated it was their favorite section. One visitor described the section as “Europe at is best.”

After visiting the Middle Ages section, many visitors are impressed by the leap forward in techniques found in the European galleries. The subjects have also changed. The Dutch visitor, who I was able to meet inside this gallery, told me that “in this gallery, I see that Europe has abandoned its static theme of blind faith and have started to see other themes artists could spend their time on.” “I am greatly impressed by this level of work,” said another visitor, “and I hope this leap happens again in my lifetime.

Next Visit

From the popular Arms and Armor collection to the American Painting and Sculpture, it is usually impossible for visitors to visit all of the galleries in one day without skimming over the artworks. For this reason, I will feature Ancient Near Eastern Art, African/Oceania/American Art, Asian Art, Greek and Roman Art, Modern Art, and Caricatures (a new exhibition) next month. The Met features many treasures, and I wish the reader to fully appreciate them by going into each gallery in detail.

Getting Ready

Discussing the Debt Ceiling Crisis: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of the Democrats (left), and House Speaker John Boehner of the Republicans (right) (image from CBS.com)

 

          On July 31, 2011, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party passed several compromises regarding the debt ceiling of the United States. In return for the extension of the debt ceiling (the limit on the amount of debt the United States is allowed), the government had to initiate spending cuts of $900 billion over 10 years. Soon after the debt ceiling compromise was enacted, global markets plunged. The Dow Jones Index dipped below its 12,000 line, while Asian indexes like KOSPI of Korea plunged below the 2,000, and later, the 1,800 line.

Why take another Dip?

        The Standard & Poor’s Building in New York

           For the global economy, intricately linked to the US economy and its problems, the fall was caused by the US government. According to CNN, Dagong Global Credit Rating Company (based in China) lowered the US’ credit rating (the rating indicates the creditworthiness of the government of the nation) to an A+. Standard & Poor, the credit rating agency based in the US, devalued the US credit rating from AAA to an AA+ (*this view has been discredited by the US government: BBC News).

So what caused the US economy itself to sink? Guan Jianzhong, head of the Chinese Dagong Global Credit Rating Company, stated that "the squabbling between the two political parties on raising the U.S. debt ceiling reflected an irreversible trend on the United States' declining ability to repay its debts." As the US government failed to reach a concrete decision, many businessmen and investors began to lose confidence in the US government to honor its debts. As public funding is slashed, unemployment is predicted to rise, as well as decrease in demand for certain services.

 

Consequences

The New York Stock Exchange

Although US citizens generally agree that the compromise hurt the reputation and the economy of the US, many disagree on the appropriate action that should have been taken by the US government. The majority of the people in New York City (excluding the Wall Street & financial areas) believed that the US government should have raised the debt ceiling, while not slashing the budget at an extreme rate, sharing the Democrat’s argument on the debt ceiling crisis (*note: the state of New York is a mostly Democratic state according to the midterm elections of 2010). “Cutting budgets would only hurt the economy, where people want jobs and money is the main incentive of job creation,” argued one of the interviewees.  “As much as I want the government to spend responsibly,” said another interviewee, “I don’t want the government to slash funds recklessly.”

Although I expected to find Republican businessmen and investors the slashing of budgets, I found instead an opinion similar to the second interviewee. “The United States,” explained one investor, “has spent too much and we must stop spending recklessly; however, we shouldn’t cut our budget recklessly.” Another interviewee near the New York Stock Exchange building said that “many of the government programs that are being slashed include funds for small businesses to large corporations, so losing this budget battle also means bad news for US business.”

The Ripple from the Dip

  “I wouldn’t want the postal service to get even worse.” (Photo of New York Post Office)
 

The implications for the plunging of stocks across the globe, while clearly evident among investors and governments across the world are less clear for the general populace for now. Although cuts on spending have been passed, it hasn’t taken immediate effect. In fact, the faction that had most greatly felt the consequences of the compromise in the public sector was the private sector. “Ironically, the disaster of the public sector was most felt in the private sector,” said a businessman. “This is less about the American people, but more about the American government: the people may experience spending cuts, but it’s ultimately the government that was responsible for those cuts and the debt crisis it is in.”

Although the public hasn’t felt the budget cut yet, it doesn’t mean that they are less worried. In fact, because the spending cuts will affect or close government programs, the public sector is more worried than the private sector. “I’m worried about my next pay check, or even my job,” said a post office worker who wished not to be named. “I can’t believe the USPS (United States Postal Service) is going to be even slower,” joked an interviewee.

Apart from slower mail delivery, other important governmental programs could mean the difference between life and death. “In some neighborhoods, there aren’t even enough fire trucks or police officers because of lack of money,” said interviewee Mary Haltease (she has agreed to give her name). “That could be a real possibility for some cities of the United States 10 years from now.” For many people like Mary, the government caused a wave that swept its people.

 

 올해로 13회를 맞이한 서울국제청소년영화제(http://www.siyff.com)는 12번의 여름을 보내며 다져온 단단함으로 또 한번의 여름을 맞이한다.
이번 영화제는 7월7일부터 13일까지 7일간 진행되며 개막식은 국민대학교 국제관 콘서트홀, 아리랑시네&미디어센터 등에서 진행된다.

이명세 감독, 임권택 감독의 뒤를 이어 올해는 배창호 감독이 13회 영화제의 심사위원장으로 위촉되었고, 페터 쉴트, 박종호, 리우 준, 이정세, 신지혜 등 6명의 심사위원들과 일반인과 청소년으로 구성된 관객심사단이 심사를 하게 된다. 
또한 서울국제청소년영화제 홍보대사로 선정된 이천희, 김새롬이 영화제 기간 동안 홍보 활동을 맡는다.

 

 

* 13회 국제청소년영화제 공식 포스터/트레일러

 프로그램으로는 국제청소년영화제캠프, 국제영상미디어교육세미나, 씨네톡톡, 읽어주는 영화 등이 있다. 국제청소년영화제캠프는 6박7일 동안 전 세계 10여 개국 100명의 청소년들과  전문가들이 함께 참여하여 실질적인 영화제작 과정을 통해 폭넓게 영상을 배우고, 각 문화를 체험하며 우정을 나눌 수 있는 서울국제청소년영화제의 주요 프로그램이다.

  이외에도 이준익, 신태라 ,방은진, 박하선, 명세빈 등 충무로 영화인들이 총출동, 함께 영화를 보고 영화에 대한 대화를 나누는 SIYFF의 '씨네톡톡'에서 14인의 감독, 배우들을 만나 볼 수 있으며, 국내 최초로 도입해 부모와 자녀들에게 큰 호응을 받았던 '읽어주는 영화(RM)'이 더욱 알찬 영화로 돌아오며, 시각장애우를 위한 RM은 동화구연가가 영화의 처음부터 끝까지 함께한다.
 또한 13회 서울국제청소년영화제에서는 영화만큼 풍성하고 다이나믹한 이벤트들을 준비했다.
먼저 영화와 음악의 만남, ‘풋풋한 콘서트’가 8일부터 10일까지 성북천 바람마당에서 관객들을 맞이한다. 또 8일 저녁 7시에는 오감을 자극하는 마임과 마술쇼의 퍼포먼스를 볼 수 있다. 오는 10일에는 ‘풋풋한 콘서트’의 마지막 무대인 아이리쉬 댄스 린카와 국악 아카펠라 두레소리 합창단이 장식한다. 두레소리 합창단은 이번 서울국제청소년영화제 공식 상영작 '꿈꾸지 않으면'에 등장하는 국립전통예술고등학교 학생들로 구성되어 있다. 다양한 공연 외에도 전시 행사가 기다리고 있다. 8일부터 12일까지 아리랑시네&미디어센터에서 열리는 ‘아리랑 관객놀이터’에서는 윤봉춘 감독의 <유관순>을 시작으로 120여 편의 영화 스틸을 촬영한 사진작가 백영호의 ‘한국영화 사진전’도 만날 수 있다.

이번 영화제는 마크 데 클로에 감독의 <네덜란드에서 가장 힘 센 사나이>를 개막작으로 120여 편의 영화를 상영하고 폐막작인 '발칙한 시선 1부,2부'를 통해 선정된 수상작 상영을 끝으로 막을 내릴 예정이다.

                                   개막작 영화 <네덜란드에서 가장 힘 센 사나이> 中

 '청소년'이라는 이름을 걸고 하는 국제영화제에서 출품작 120여 편의 영화 중 대상의 영예를 차지하는 영화는 어떤 영화일지 궁금하다면, 기말고사가 끝난 중고생, 방학을 맞이한 대학생이라면 한번쯤 들러보는 것은 어떨까.


<사진출처: 서울국제청소년영화제 http://www.siyff.com>

 Moreover, the name Kimchi might seem rather childish at first, but Yu explains there is a special reason why they placed it at the core of their tour. “We cannot talk about Korean food without mentioning Kimchi, and it is also the most well known food outside Korea. It has unimaginable possibilities in cuisine, we will be combining Kimchi, as a representative Korean food, and other regional foods, like a fusion--resulting in Kimchi Taco, Kimchi Kebab, and Kimchi Paellasot—so that the natives can take in Korean food more easily.” Through the tour, Yu hopes to express the flexibility of Korean food: its ability to fulfill sweetness, spiciness, saltiness, and even bitterness, at the same time providing nutritious dishes.

However, their days have not always been easy. Since they were the only interested students when they first had the idea, some of their acquaintances were doubtful of their attempt. Moreover, still young and inexperienced, getting sponsors and supporters were challenging. Yu expresses the team’s last minute tension, “We are still very imperfect. This project is not an easy one so we feel pressure and always feel nervous and worried.” Fortunately, the big problems are all behind now, and they are at the stage of completing their contracts for financial support. Afterwards, they will start training for actual cooking. The Kimchi Bus is expected to set off during the mid September after Chusuk(Korean Thanks Giving). After an opening event in Korea, the bus will go oversea to Russia, cross Eurasia, Middle East, Europe, and finally, North America by July next year.

So, how did these men become such passionate cooks (Yu says that he is not a professional cook yet, but he will be one in just two months)? Shim says that he started to cook in high school. “I sometimes cooked at home just for fun. The food did not taste good, but cooking itself was just fun. Later, I took a professional path in cooking because I believed it was something I could really enjoy without getting restricted by money.” Yu, on the other hand, says that he naturally grew fond of cooking because his parents were busy, and he had to make his own meals.

 

Even though both had started cooking at a relatively early age, they both expressed the importance of other factors than technical skills. Yu says “Cooking is not only about technical skills. It is very scientific and complex. Thus, those hoping to become great chefs obviously need to have concrete foundations. Also, faith in oneself and what one is doing is the foremost important thing. ‘Do I really want to do this, and can I be good?’ When you can say yes to these questions, then you can persuade your parents, or else overcome their opposition.” Shim added to this, and said, “To cook properly, you also need to study hard generally. Studying hard will not only help you in learning professional cooking, but also help you in the long run. Illiterate cooks will cook mechanically, whereas literate cooks are more creative and gain more knowledge more quickly than those who are not.” Shim furthered his answer by briefly introducing Heston Bluemental, the world famous cook whom he respects the most. “Bluemental reinterpretates simple, ordinary foods with his highly advanced and scientific skills into something completely original and sophisticated. Moreover, rather than learning from famous chefs, he pulled his restaurant Fat Duck up to the second best restaurant in the world with his own genuine ideas. He’s an honest chef and scientist.”

Lastly, to the question of whether there are any bigger or personal goals in doing the Kimchi Bus project, Yu demonstrated great zest, “I suppose it’s also about challenging myself. How much can I achieve. After completing the 2006 trip with no money, I tasted the savour of accomplishing my goals and grew more confident about challenging myself.” Shim, in contrast, expressed hopes of promotion in his career.

In ending the interview, leader Yu closed by saying, “Many people ask what we are planning to do after the tour, but we have not gone that far yet. Right now, our mind and body are busy enough with Kimchi Bus, and we really cannot think about other things until it is over. After the trip, many changes will have occurred, and I suppose we will be acting according to those changes.”

 For more information about the Kimchi Bus, visit Kimchi Bus online page ‘www.kimchibus.com’ or Si-hyeong Yu’s blog ’www://optimist.crazytour.net/’. Also, for more information about Si-hyeong Yu’s 2006 No-money trip, read his book “26 Euro“.

 

Finding MoMA

The MoMA Building, fromthe opposite end of the MoMA building

     In 1960s, Koreans went to Germany in a hope of financially stable-life. Men and Women worked as miners and nurses respectively. Their life was not juicy at all; in fact, miners had to work in 40 degrees hot and 3000m deep underground. However, their influence to Korean economy was massive – they earned 30% of Korea’s national export. 
     Despite Korea’s huge economic improvement, people still visit Germany. Some wish to achieve their goals, look for refreshment, and to challenge. While I was on my two-week long backpacking in Germany, I met three Korean ladies who visited Germany for different purposes. (Two of them were cousins of my travel roommates, and the other was random backpacking college student.)


Granny Nana in Kassel

     Nana (the second from the left in the image) first stepped on Germany at her age of 20 because she wanted to study industrial design at university in Kassel. When she arrived at Germany, she had only studied German during 3 years of her high school life. Despite the language barrier she decided to study in Germany to achieve her dream. (She commented she used to dream of becoming a world renowned designer.) According to her, she was the only Korean in the university. In other words, she had to be strong and independent to survive in foreign land. While attending the university she decided to open a small organic toy store for babies. She named her store Nanchen after her name. And her store which began as a flagship store now became successful toy company with forty years history.
      I asked two cliché questions to her: What does Germany and Korea means to you, respectively? She answered without a doubt. If Korea mentally supported her, Germany physically assisted her dream. Her family in Korea encouraged her, and people in Germany gave her an opportunity to challenge.
      She also commented, “I never regretted my coming to Germany. True. It was difficult to adjust to completely new environment alone. However even such hardships helped me achieve my goal. Never stop but challenge; then, there will be a way.”



Aunt Lina in Berlin

     Lina (the first from the left of upper image) has lived in Germany for three years. Before, she had lived and worked in Korea for about a decade. She used to work as music department marketer in S company. Though she was living financially successful and stable life at Korea, she was dissatisfied with her life. She found repetitive and routine office work tired. Thus she decided to come to Germany – since she majored German language at the university – and refresh her life. Until now, she seems to enjoy her life in Germany.
     I asked the same question as I did to Nana, and Lina’s reply was very different from Nana’s. Her answer was simple: “Korea is closed and Germany is open.” She believed despite much globalization, Korean society is still conservative and closed minded. She continued that average life of an adult is too busy to rest. “Koreans work for the company and family rather than themselves. I think they should know how to work and play just like Germans or any other Europeans.”
     During the weekends she practices piano which she have always wanted to learn. And she attends German class at the university nearby. She advised us not to spend time merely studying and working; she wanted us three to try what we like.



Anonymous Backpacking Student at ICE (IntetCity Express)

     While heading to Berlin by night train, I met Korean backpacker. She 23-year-old student was traveling Germany alone. According to her she had traveled Swiss and Austria with her friend, and they separated at Germany.
     She was taking time off university for a year and travel around Europe. I asked, “Why did you decide to travel for so long?” Just like previous two ladies, anonymous backpacker wanted some change. “Having lived as a typical Korean university student for few years, I forgot what I wanted to do. I cannot grasp what I would like to do in the future. I needed some time to meet people, get advices, and learn more about ‘life.’”
     She added, “I think traveling around Europe gives me a lot of time to ponder. Why do not you try imagining your future while traveling? It might give you an insight.”


     Traveling around Germany, I could not see many Koreans among Asians. Though short chats with three ladies gave me a lesson which I could not have learned from other travels: to try and challenge. Wish we continue questioning for our future.

/MIZY Youth Reporters Yeong-ran Ahn

 

      How does it feel like to work in a cubicle or an office? How is office-work different from schoolwork? How does a company manage its employees and future plans? All these questions are hardly possible to answer before one actually get to be employed by a certain company. However, it is not yet impossible.  Fortunately, Internship program allows one to explore a company or a job before the actual employment.

What is Internship?
   
    Wikipedia, web-based encyclopedia, defines internship “a system of on-the-job training for white-collar jobs, similar to an apprenticeship.” Interns are mostly college or university students, but occasionally high school students are being accepted to participate in internship programs. Student internships provide opportunities for students to gain experience in their field, determine if they have an interest in a particular career. 

    For a long period of time, internship was considered exclusively for those who are enrolled or graduated university of higher academic institution. However, as the competition to enter university undergraduate program gets ever intensified, several organizations and institutions opened their doors for internship program to even high school students. With its international standing, Korea is also providing various internship opportunities for high school students. I suggest you to join in internship held in Korea, which can allow you explore both Internship and Korean culture.

    Even though many high school students are seeking internship opportunities, the reality is that the parents of those students who are willing to participate in internship program are organizing most of internship programs. Furthermore, many companies avoid internship program applicants attending high school due to high school students’ lack of professional knowledge on specific area of study that the internship program requires. However, still, there are several organizations or companies.

                                                                                                                                       
1. Smithsonian Institution
- Smithsonian Institution offers internship opportunities for both college and high school students. Applicants can apply to one of Smithsonian Institutions, while there are internship programs that directly aim for high school students. However, unfortunately, Smithsonian Institution accepts only applicants holding US citizenship.
(http://intern.si.edu/internship_types_all.html)

                                                                                                                                        
2. Youth Internship Center
- Youth Internship Center, which mainly aims for the provision of internship opportunities to high school students, provides various internship opportunities.
(http://www.yintern.or.kr/)

    Through internship programs either stated above or not will provide students opportunity to explore what their best interest is. As ones “specification” is being ever emphasized, it is important to learn what one is good at before the one actually rush into such path.

My Experience as Intern

    From May 23 to June 2, I was fortunately able to participate in school-sponsored internship program. With the help of my parents, I was given with an opportunity to explore the world of law firm, located in Korea. Through the internship experience, I wished to grow my ability of critical analysis, time-management and clear expression of my opinion, and also to observe the “legal” world inside.

      As an intern in a law firm, I was responsible for helping an attorney. I assisted an attorney who mainly advised intellectual property law. Since I did not have legal knowledge at all, I could not dive into the world of law directly. Therefore, I was only responsible for tasks that secretaries and office workers do in law firm; I was assigned to work on translation and organization of documents. Through the internship, I learned new skills. I could learn how hard it is to work for a company. Staying in office without proper break time was seriously difficult for me to manage. Furthermore, I could feel the heavy responsibility assigned to each members of the company. I wish those learning helps me when I actually get involved in the real companies.

      Overall, working for a law firm was a valuable experience since it allowed me to observe the system and circulation of law firm, which is hardly possible for a non-member of the law firm to explore. The experience was valuable, because I could develop my critical analysis skills by reading lots of legal materials, time-managing skill by completing works on time and observation of the Korean legal system by attending courts and prosecutors’ office. Unfortunately, this internship is my last internship in high school, so I believe this internship provided me with a valuable opportunity to explore what it is like to be a member of a company. Furthermore, I could see what I lack, which is clear and effective way of expressing my opinions. I believe this internship opportunity significantly helped me to broaden my perspective on my future choices of both majors and careers.

Tips for Future Interns

    Through internship program provided by law firm located in Korea, I was able to work as an intern for two weeks. Despite the brevity of time, I was able to learn what internship is like. And, here are few tips that may help you in the future.

1. Don’t Try to Challenge on Your First Day Lunch Time
- First day is time for you to adjust yourself and learn what the company is like. After a long time of work, you may wish to explore around the company and look for nice restaurants; however, I suggest you to have your lunch somewhere near the company, because there are many variables and it is unwise to be late on the first day.

2. Repeat the Name!
- Especially if you work in a non-Asian company, where people are usually refereed by their last or first name but not their title, it is crucial to remember people’s name. I suggest you to repeat their names when they introduce themselves. For example, if one introduces oneself “My name is John,” I recommend you to answer in form like “Nice to meet you John.” Repeating the name will help you to better remember.

3. Be on Time
- This cliché cannot be more emphasized. Be on Time. It can give good impressions to your employer, which means higher chance for you to get better recommendation from the employer.

4. Bring a Book or Homework
- Even though you will be given with assignments, most of the time, you will have free times. However, it is unwise to use the free time playing games or going outside. I highly recommend you to read a book or do homework when free time is given.

5. Don’t Bring Laptop or USB Unless Told to Do So
- Certain companies prohibit its employees to bring their own laptops to the company due to high-risk of credential information being leaked. Therefore, do not bring your laptop before you got permission from your supervisor.

6. Wear Appropriate Attire
- It is important to wear appropriate attire. However, appropriate attire does not mean fancy and overly formal suits. If you are working as a journalist, you will not be required to wear formal suits; however, if you are working in a law firm or governmental institution, you will be required to wear formal suits. I highly recommend you to overdress on the first day just in case.

7. Be Careful Using Company Laptop
- Company laptop is for work but not for chatting or web surfing. Furthermore, companies are sensitive about unauthorized downloads from webs, which can also download virus that can influence the entire company intranet. Therefore, I recommend you to use your laptop only to finish your assignments or simple mail checking or searching.

      Bearing these seven tips in your mind, you will be able to overcome all the obstacles you will face during the internship period.  And, internship will invite you to the world that you have never explored before.