1st MIZY Youth Reporters expand the territories for teenagers to make an impact toward the world

As a teenager, I wondered what kind of impacts I can make in the world that I am living in. After a long period of thinking, I have always been disappointed with the fact that I am only a teenager. Because I am a teenager I believed that my power will be small and that there would not be people listening toward my words. However, as I started MIZY Youth Reporter program, my doubts about my abilities as a teenager has changed.

             The MIZY Youth Reporter program started in January of 2011. Through document screening and interviews, 15 teenagers of age between 15~24 were selected to grow as an active citizen of the global society. Every month each youth reporter wrote an article related with the international society. The articles varied from author interviews, international events, global campaigns, current events and etc. All of the articles contents differed from one another, yet all with the purpose to expand the territories as a teen journalist toward the global world.

             At first, I couldn’t tell that people were reading our articles. Yet, as more articles of the MIZY Youth Reporters are posted on the Mizy Tistory, it was clear that more people were visiting the website. With the start of about 40 people visiting the website, now over a hundred of people visit to read our articles and read other Mizy Center news. Also many more people have been responding to the articles by commenting on the articles and showing interests. My doubts about the effects that teenagers can make have slowly changed through my growing as a 21st century citizen of the world. As I was coming to an end as the 1st youth reporter of MIZY, I interviewed hundred teenagers varying from actively participating teenagers to timid teenagers. They were asked about how much of an impact that they can make toward the world currently as a teenager.


As shown above, 98% of teenagers themselves believe that they can make at least some kind of effect in the world. Personally, I have experienced that my words can be heard to other people and even though it might have only been a small impact, I am expanding the strengths to make bigger effects in the world. As many of the Youth Reporters of MIZY experienced the same kind of feeling as I did, I have interviewed ChoRok Lee, a junior at Dae-Won Foreign Language High School and a member of the 1
st MIZY Youth Reporter, about her experience as a youth reporter. She is a young but dedicated teenager that is actively participating in the global society. I decided to hear about her experience as a youth reporter on how it helped her to grow as a more active teenager. 

Photo credit to Mizy center



Q. How did you get to apply to a teen journalist at Mizy?

A. Hi. I have participated to writ e monthly English articles about international affairs and exchange as a member of MIZY Youth Reporters. I applied in January and after some orientation sessions we began writing the articles and upload them online, on the MIZY Tistory page. I was particularly interested in environmental issues and activities, so I wrote mostly about them as my theme throughout the year. My purpose in writing was to inform other fellow students who also have the same interest with me but is short in information where they could contribute their passion to. I thought not only could this activity benefit me by the means of improving article writing skills but also benefit those who are willing to search for their ways to specify their dreams and interest. And also officially writing a piece of an article gave me the sense of being the spokesperson of the contemporary affairs.

 

Q. What helped you grow as an active teenager while participating as a MIZY Youth Reporter?

A. Well the most obvious answer that is expected at this question is when someone read my article and was inspired by it and went ahead to dream of becoming a diplomat. But I remember I visited New York to attend the Youth Assembly in the United Nations. It was an international conference in August about MDGs and future roadmaps. I actually hoped to see Mr. Secretary General Ban but I was not lucky enough. But it was told that he peeked at us having a conference twice! Anyways I was able to interview numerous students and activists from all six continents and numerous of countries. It was the biggest breakthrough in my temporary career as a Mizy Youth Reporter.


MIZY Youth Reporters program surely is not the only program that is expanding the territories for teenagers to speak and be heard. There are many other programs launching or being progressed inside of MIZY Center and also outside. What is important is that many teenagers realize their power as a teenager and are actively participating in the society as a valued citizen. With realizing the importance of making one small effect at a time, MIZY Youth Reporters 2nd has officially started. Through the baton touch from the 1st youth reporters to the 2nd, the MIZY Youth Reporters are starting on ground that the first reporters have opened. 1st reporters duty was to open the ears of many people to hear our voices. Now I believe that the 2nd   reporters' duties are to expand effects of voices of teenagers.

 

“Books, thousand of eyes looking at the future”, Seoul International Book Fair 2011

 


The history of the Seoul International Book Fair 2011

Over 23 countries, 572 publishing companies and 774 booths, total of thirteen thousand people were all gathered to witness the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair which took place on June 15th through June 19th held in COEX A, B hall. The Seoul International Book Fair started in 1947, a book fair with only Korea books. However, starting from 1995, they categorized their title as an international book fair festival which portrayed immense signs of popular growth. Year by year, more countries started to participate, along with increasing numbers of steadfast programs, creating stimulating readers interests.

This year many readers were allowed to communicate with the writers (e.g., Cho Kyung Ran, Koo Byung Mo). Also the E-Square (Electronic Publishing Square) show casted electronical book devices. They also had world pop-up books on display and held an event, specifically where individuals can create their own. In hopes that next year’s fair will provide readers with much more experiences, an interview was conducted with one of the sponsors from the book fair festival, Kim Eun Hee from the Korean Publishers Association.  
 

                                       Kids enjoying the animation booth


1.    If you could describe the 2011 Seoul International Book Fair in a short phrase, how would you describe it and why?

-       This year slogan is “Books, thousand of eyes looking at the future”. In terms of this slogan, I want to tell you that the Seoul International Book Fair is a festival that connects not only Korean readers but also the international readers together. There are domestic halls, international halls along with children halls. Also there are many events held for many visitors of the fair to enjoy among the books.

-        

2.    How is the Seoul International Book Fair 2011 different from the 2010 fair?

-       “In terms of what has improved compared to last year, first of all the Seoul International Book Fair 2011 opened more space for the readers and writers to meet. Also to reflect the big issues and changes due to the electronic publishing, we expanded the contents for the E-Square (Electronic Publishing Square). Lastly, lots of special exhibits and open spaces for visitors to participate were provided.”

3.    What is the ultimate goal for the fair?

-    “The fair has a purpose of strengthening the traditional book contents. It is true that the popularities of books are decreasing due to diverse cultural contents. Therefore we are opening gates for publishing companies to connect with readers. Also it allows publishers to actively trade copyrights. In addition, we are pursuing many seminars to help current publishers develop.”

4. To what kind of people would you recommend this fair?   

-    “I would like to recommend this fair for not only readers but to everyone because there are events held that does not have age limits for the enjoyment of reading books. This year, the pop-up books were especially loved also I want to recommend to families with children. Especially, our B hall has a children hall, so there are many chances and events for the family to become one.”


On October 27th Korean adoptees from Norway visited Korea to learn and understand about Korean cultural heritage. They were invited Korea by MIZY Center in cooperation with the Korean Embassy in Norway and the Norwegian Embassy in Korea. There were eight students from Norway and nine from Korea. This project has its purpose in “enhancing mutual understanding and raising awareness of multiculturalism”, according to the Norwegian Embassy in Korea website(http://www.norway.or.kr/News_and_events/Culture/Norwegian-adoptees-visit-Korea/).

 


On October 30th, MIZY selected a handful of students for volunteering positions. Chosen participants gave a tour around Seoul for adopted Norwegian Korean students. Each Norwegian student was paired up with a Korean student and got acquainted with one another, visited popular sights, and received pocket money for a meal, entrance fees and refreshments. This was an exciting opportunity to share similarities and to understand cultural differences.

 

After being paired up with our partner, Korean and Norwegian students participated in a campaign entitled the “Shoes of Hope” Sponsored by High 1 resort, a Korean company, the goal of this intriguing event was to color and draw on shoes; ultimately being will be sent to Ethiopia and given to underprivileged children. Although there was some awkwardness—we didn’t know what to say at first but after being so immersed in the activities showcased, gradually we found friendship and bonded well.

 

Nevertheless, there was still uneasiness so I desperately wanted to break the ice.

I decided to combine paired groups so that we could induce more productiveness. We all went to COEX, although this wasn’t a planned cultural experience, the Norwegian students got to buy things that were expensive and hard to get back in Norway. Afterwards, we visited Olympic Park and got to see a Baekjae culture experience exposition.

 

 

                  From 27 October to 2 November, the youths from Norway enjoyed a hectic program. They attended tea ceremony in a Buddhist temple, visited a kimchi factory and had a trip to the DMZ, the border between South and North Korea. They also stopped by the Norwegian Embassy for an insight in the daily life at an embassy, and to hear more about the relationship between Norway and Korea.

 

             At the very last day of the stay in Korea, we gathered up in MIZY and said goodbyes. We brought our own musical instruments and performed little pieces of music to others. One of my favorite: a Korean participant played Arirang in Korean fiddle. It was a meaningful gathering once again, and we all exchanged our contact numbers and hoped to see together again somewhere in the future.

 

             As one of the Korean participants, Korean students tried to show good sides of Korea to give them fresh, likable first impression. We hope they have had a productive yet meaningful week that they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

 

                     BANN restaurant is opening up a new sensation of Korean cuisines in New York

Lately with the spread of Hallryu, there are expanding new interests in Korean cultures around the world. Besides K-POP, Korean celebrities, and Korean dramas, there is a new kind of culture that is interesting people in the United States. A Korean restaurant in New York is interesting the taste of many foreigners-this restaurant is called Bann. BANN Restaurant, since opening in 2005, has become the premier Korean restaurant in New York City. It is the flagship of a group of bicoastal restaurants developed by Mrs. Young Sook Choi, highly regarded as the pioneer in revolutionizing modern Korean cuisine. Following the success of more contemporary restaurants in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and SoHo, Mrs. Choi began to focus more on broadening traditional flavors and artisan crafted foods, creating BANN's signature style of cuisine.

Executive Chef Eli Martinez brings 'Innovative Korean Cuisine' to BANN, showcasing traditional elements in a modern adaptation with an emphasis on using the finest natural ingredients to develop rich, distinct flavors highlighting the unique tastes of Korean cuisine in a simple & refined presentation. Exclusive to BANN is the distinctive style of dining not found in any other Korean restaurants. BANN's rare approach creates a dynamic sensory experience through the use of all 5 senses. The open kitchen provides guests with an exciting look into how their food is being prepared with views of blazing fires from the wok and aromas of familiar and exotic foods. Known for authentic Korean barbeque, all tables are fitted with smokeless grills where guests can watch a variety of fresh meats and seafood sizzle and cook to their liking.

             Many people believe that foreigners, especially Southerners, do not enjoy Korean food. They think that it is too spicy and not suitable for their taste. However, BANN proves this wrong with their special cuisines that keep the original Korean taste but also suit the foreigners taste at the same time. Today, I have asked BANN about their special tips on success to suiting the Korean flavor to the foreigners.


1. Could you tell us the history of BANN?

             Mrs. Choi is a second generation restaurateur, being mentored by her mother in law who began the famous Woo Lae Oak chain. After working together for the openings of the original Woo Lae Oak in New York and Los Angeles Mrs Choi decided to modernize Korean cuisine and try to introduce it to the Western palate. She opened her first branch of Woo Lae Oak on the prestigious "Restaurant Row" in Beverly Hills and soon the restaurant gained a large celebrity clientele as well as critical acclaim. Having seen how Korean cuisine was well accepted, Mrs. Choi focused on opening a new branch of Woo Lae Oak to replace the original space in New York that had burned down in Midtown, this time in an up and coming neighborhood, SoHo. In 1999 the restaurant opened and has become the premiere Korean restaurant in the city as well as a hot spot for the chic Soho crowd. 5 years later Mrs. Choi and executive Chef Eli Martinez created a new dining concept to go back to authentic recipes and ingredients and focus on traditional cuisine, which would become the signature style for Bann. Bann is now the most recognized Korean restaurant, having been featured in several media outlets such as television shows, movie, magazines, etc. Bann has hosted the National Korean Tourism Board as well as the Korean Culture Association, has been frequented by the Secretary General of the United Nations and other dignitaries. With the success of Bann New York, Mrs Choi opened another location in Korea town Los Angeles at MaDang Plaza.

 

2. How many foreigners normally visit the restaurant?
Bann is very popular with tourists because of the prime location in Times Square. About 50% of the customers are foreigners (from all parts of the world) travelling to New York and of Bann's regular clientele roughly 65% are foreigners.


3. What changes/efforts does Bann make in order to adjust to the taste of foreigners?
When people think of Korean food, they automatically think spicy, which traditionally Korean food can tend to be. However at Bann we try to highlight all the unique flavors of each dish using the finest natural ingredients to create a multi-layered but simple and refined plate. We try to create a balance between flavors like spicy, sweet & savory that will not overpower the other. In a word, it is milder than traditional Korean food


4. Can you introduce us foods that foreigners enjoy the most from your restaurant?
Bann is known for our tabletop barbeque, which is successful because all cultures can appreciate grilled meats. Foreigners tend not to order items that are that are too exotic so will choose the more familiar items such as the fresh sashimi (sang sun muchim), Ke Sal Mari (crab), Dae Ji Jim and Dak Nal Ke Ti Kim as appetizers. For traditional dishes foreigners choose entrees (not so much chiges or soups) like the Kalbi Jim or the Un Dae Gu Jorim. Also here are some of my favorites:


Duk Bok Ki

Baked Scallop

Raw beef

Beef with lettuce

5. What kind of future do you see in Bann? (Or what is the future goal of Bann?)
We are trying to truly globalize Korean cuisine. It is still not as well known as Japanese, Chinese or even Thai cuisine so we try to make it more approachable. We are developing new concepts like Bann Next Door which is our fast casual restaurant that serves popular Korean street food. We want to expand the "Bann" concept by creating different dining styles while focusing on using the finest products available.


  

             Sometimes questions are brought on whether we should keep our original flavor or change the flavor of our food to suit foreigners. BANN Restaurant is expanding the tastes of many foreigners by trying to keep the original flavor, yet also suiting the foreigners’ taste at the same time. Through their efforts, Korea’s culture is spread far through cuisines. Maybe it’s not about only emphasizing the original taste. Like BANN, maybe what combines both the original and foreign taste can be the global choice.



Lithunian college women dress in Korean traditional dresses and spread the Hallyu

 

                                                                       Hallyu Klubas logo

            In Kaunas, Lithuania, you can see Lithuanian college women dresses in Korean traditional dresses and singing Korean songs or talking about Korean movies. Through the teachings of Professor Seo Jinseok at Magnus College of Korea and Korean culture since 2008, a group of women interested in the Korean culture were formed. Seo JinSeok is a professor at the Magnus College and teaches Korean regional sciences to students. With the help of his knowledge of Korea as a Korean himself, they meet regularly and watch Korean movies, listen to Korean pop, eat Korean food and etc. These women are helping the Korean culture, hallyu, grow with their deep interest. Korea was always thought to be a “single race”. However, these foreigners are helping Korea grow out of this single race and spread the cultures and spirits of Korea to their country. Now Korea’s range of race is widening to a multicultural race across the globe.

             In the media many people have been able to watch big countries such as England or France love K-POP. Now even this small country Lithuania that not many Koreans know about, is expressing their loves for Korean music and cultures. Korean culture is spreading fast and far. There have been lots of informations about the spread of Korean music in France through the media. However, many people don’t know how Lithuania got to start loving the hallyu. There has been an interview done with the leader of Hallyu Klubas, Rita Marija Antanaviciute and Laura Smolskte  to see how they have been exposed to Korean cultures with such little information about Korea exposed in their country.

Q1. Could you please introduce Hallyu Klubas?

A.  Hallyu klubas (klubas means club in Lithuanian) was opened on February 17th, 2010, but the idea of it came to us several months before. On our page now there are around 200 members, but in our meetings there are around 20 - 30 people who comes usually. Well, we weren't fluent in Korean language, so with name helped our Korean teacher Seo Jinseok. He is our club's guardian. He suggested this name, explained the meaning and we thought that Hallyu - Korean Wave is the best name to our club.

 

Q2. What kind of activities do you do in the Hallyu Klubas?

A. We are showing Korean movies, cooking Korean dishes, doing Korean things as lotus blossoms or calligraphy, celebrating Korean celebrations like Moon New Year, Chuseok, teaching Korean language, talking about history, representing music, myths, adages, etc. We are trying to show Korean culture in all possible ways.

 

Q3. How did you guys start to like Korea related things?  Is there a special reason behind why you guys chose to love Hallyu?

A. As for me everything started with Dong Bang Shin Ki. I knew about them in 2008. That was something new to me and very impressing, because I was not used to see such a shows from musicians. Later I started to watch Korean movies and listened to other Korean singers and finally I got interested in whole Korean culture.

 

Q4. How did you get interested in Hall-ryu?

A. My first interaction with Hallyu was in the end of 2008. The music attracted my attention. If being more precise, the band called Big Bang made me interested in Hallyu. Later I found out about more Korean bands and until then can't stop listening to it. After music, I got interested in films, a bit in dramas. Hallyu has been some new air in my life as I was tired of Western popular culture already.

 

Q5. Do people in your country know lots about Hallryu or not, and why?

In Lithuania it is possible to find a group of enthusiasts who are interested in Hallyu. However, the majority of Lithuanians know nothing about Hallyu or Korea in general. I believe the reason is lack of knowledge about Korea. As much as I've heard, people most often remember only bad things and the North Korea is what they know. Equally, they assume that in the peninsula South Korea does not exist and every time you mention Korea they immediately interpret it as North Korea. The other point is, the attitude in society. The older generation still is focused on European countries. However, with every next generation, interest in Korea or Far East in general, is getting bigger and bigger.

 

Q6. What are the goals of the Hallyu Klubas?

A. The goal of Hallyu club is to represent Korean culture to Lithuanians and to make Korea more popular.


                                                Hallyu Kluba members with Professor Seo JinSeok

                                                                  Kimbap making event

                                                                Making lotus torches

Are you interested about Korean culture, hallyu?

Then join the Hallyu Klubas yourself!

1. Type ‘Hallyu Klubas’ on Facebook!

2. For more information about the club, refer to http://asc.vdu.lt/lt/clubs/club-hallyu/





 


I could not understand why people in Africa laid tens of children when they could not raise them all healthily. Neither could I comprehend why an enormous continent, Africa, with so much resource left underground, they would not dig them up and make use of them. But as it turns out, we were lucky that we were not born in Africa. Most chances are that we too would be suffering from extreme poverty and malnourished if we were simply out of luck. Just as we are protected, since birth, under a relatively stable environment, African children did not choose their destiny either.

 

‘Phew, that was close..’ Sure. We successfully made a narrow escape from not being born in Africa. But this is not an attitude to be encouraged. We cannot put off solving the seemingly endless chain of poverty forever. As a same human being with a sense of compassion, we feel sorry to hear their everyday lives. We will never experience that pain but 2 billion populations is covering their stomach, not in hunger but knife sticking pain.

 

There was a lecture by Song Shin Hye (The Korean Committee for UNICEF, Manager of Education Development Division) in MIZY center (Seoul Youth Center for Cultural Exchange) in July 20th, with the topic of ‘MDGs, for A World Where Every Child is Happy’. The lecture was originally for the Youth Reporters of MIZY, but it became open for anyone who is interested in child well-being and MDGs.

Song Shin Hye, Manager of Education Development Division, The Korean Committee for UNICEF alks about how UN can be compared to a galaxy.

 

I was surprised to hear there were so many close relations between MDGs and children. MDGs are Millennium Development Goals, approved by UN in 2000, Summit Meeting. It has designated 8 conundrums to be solved upon decided percentage by 2015. (See below for more information) She declared very shocking statistics from the beginning of the speech, that 50 percent of the social class to be protected by MDGs is children, by definition, people of five to eighteen years old. They are vulnerable; immune system is to be developed by thorough nourishment. Yet, overwhelming number of children in South-West Africa, for instance, is heavily dependent on infrequent, unsustainable foreign medical aids. They are so depended on those aids that the number fluctuates according to the foreign aid given.

 

MDG declares: ‘As leaders we have a duty therefore to the entire world’s people, especially the most vulnerable and, in particular, the children of the world, to whom the future belongs. ’ However this promise is not being kept very well. The average life expectancy for people in Zimbabwe is 36. A third of children are dying of malnutrition. Pneumonia derives from simple cold. Many African children suffer from diarrhea because they drank filthy water. Malaria is easily overcome than common mosquitoes’ bites but they are known to be deadly because people in Africa have weak immune system to fight against malaria.


                                                               MDG slogan


UNICEF is facing several responsibilities: First they must increase maternal health (MDG Goal 5: Maternal Health). When mothers are healthy, entire household becomes healthy (MDG Goal 4: Child Health). Children do not have to work instead of their parents but go to school. This is how universal education comes true (MDG Goal 2: Universal Education). People become more intellectual, and develop their insights towards the world through education. This leads to eradication of extreme poverty and hunger (MDG Goal 1: End Poverty and Hunger) in the long run, because educated people are more likely to have better jobs than simple labor or going through trash. Someday, female version of Nelson Mandela will be leading Africa. At this moment, women are less educated compared to male, but through ‘universal’ education, more women will fight for gender equality and empower women (MDG Goal 3: Gender Equality). Ultimately, national strength and sovereignty will come to stand firm, and their governments will focus on basic sanitation as their life quality increases. HIV/AIDS and other diseases will be eradicated (MDG Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS) by increased sanity.


                                           UNICEF(United Nation Children's Fund)
 

There is a time limit to MDG goals. Until 2015, all the goals should be met. However it seems to me it would be very hard in any goal to reach the expected level. Nevertheless, I think we should keep going like we used to. It doesn’t mean the world will end in 2015, the time will pass but people stay the same. The time limit exists to give pressure and prevent from nations saving the issue for later but encourage instantly putting action to it. Whenever we believe it is already late, it is the earliest it can get.

 


Now: how can you contribute to UNICEF and to the world’s being?

Go to https://www.unicef.or.kr/donate/main.asp

You can send gifts or monthly donations. 1,000 won a day can save a dying child. In your pencil case, you are carrying lives of 10 children. What would you do? It is in your hands.

 

 

 

MDG goals


Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

           - Halve the proportion of people living on less than $1 a day

           - Achieve Decent Employment for Women, Men, and Young People

           - Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education 
       - 
By 2015, all children can complete a full course of primary schooling, girls and boys

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
        - 
Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality rates
          - 
Reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate

Goal 5: Improve maternal health

      -       Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio
-       Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

      -        Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS
-        Achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for all those who need it
-       Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

      -  Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resources

      - Reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction in the rate of loss

      - Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation (for more information see the entry on water supply)

     - By 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum-dwellers

Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development

     -        Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory trading and financial system

     -       Address the Special Needs of the Least Developed Countries (LDC)

     -       Address the special needs of landlocked developing countries and small island

     -       Deal comprehensively with the debt problems of developing countries through national and international measures in order to make debt sustainable in the long term

     -        In co-operation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to affordable, essential drugs in developing countries

     -       In co-operation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications


 



     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






 

Image created by Cody Van Kemp (Used with Permission)


      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. 


Internship Programs for High school Students?                                                                   

    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.

Official Logo of Smithsonian Institution

                                                                                                                                       
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)

Official Logo of Youth Internship Center

                                                                                                                                        
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.



       There was food, flags of many nations, clothes, dances and most importantly, there was a spirit of many nations gathering into one heart.

 

                   Chinese tradional dances are performed at the stage of the Seoul Friendship Fair.


Seoul opens up for all people to become one

         Seoul is trying to open new gates for many foreigners. ‘Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’, a festival held in Seoul Plaza through May 7th and 8th, provided opportunities for people of all nations to gather together. This fair is held annually every May for Korean citizens, foreigners living in Korea and visitors from different countries. For 2011, the theme of the fair was, "Meetings of the people from all across the globe, sharing and becoming one". The fair was named 'Seoul Friendship Fair' to resemble that as many countries gather into one area with one heart, foreigners and locals can make a strong bond. There was food, flags of many nations, clothes, dances and most importantly, there was a spirit of many nations gathering into one heart.

            ‘Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’, held by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, set a goal to offer an opportunity for Koreans and foreigners to gather into one place; and this goal was undeniably met. On stage, there were special performances such as Mexico, Bangkok, and 7 other countries’ traditional dances. Off stage, booths were set for people to freely enjoy. People seemed to enjoy walking from booth to booth on foot. At these booths, they could enjoy many different countries’ traditional foods and even try on cultural costumes. “My kids and I really enjoyed the booth where we could try on cultural costumes. It was very special to be able to try on so many cultural costumes instead of just looking at them through picture,” Hyun-Sook Song, a mother of two children, commented about the cultural costumes booth.


A Korean man is asking about the cultural foods from Sri Lanka at the food booth.

 

220 Different countries all gathered into one land

           Next to the costumes booth, there stood about 220 different nations’ booths. Starting from Australia to Venezuela, there stood booths with each nation’s names and flags with each person from that country. They laid out the traditional items from their country which people could buy. Hee Jin Lee, a college student, said “It was so interesting to be able to so many countries’ cultures all at once. The festival was like a 1+199 package.” At the end of the booths they also had polls to vote on the best nation’s food. A student volunteer at the last booth said, “The festival was a great experience for me. As I volunteered, I was able to talk to so many foreigners. I didn’t even know that there were so many foreigners living in Korea before! I am glad to know that Korea is becoming a land for more and more kinds of people.”

           “’The Seoul Friendship Fair 2011’ allowed me to see Korean’s efforts to help us fit in. It feels great to know that people are trying to accept us,” Julio, a foreign exchange student from South America said. Before, Korea has been criticized for its strong bond for only our race. However, now starting with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea is opening up more chances for foreigners to become one with the citizens. Seoul is welcoming people of all colors with an accepting heart. Seoul Friendship Fair was first held in 1996, and the 2011 one celebrates its 16th anniversary. In 2004, 5 countries with 90 foreign performancers were invited to this fair. However, now in 2011, 16 countries with over 350 performancers were invited. Also, compared to last year, there have been more countries participating in the cultural food booths-making more people excited for next year's fair. As we see many more countries participating in this fair, we can feel the spirit of the foreigners and Koreans having some kind of bond now. Friendship means having a strong bond with another. As the 'Seoul Friendship Fair' grows, so is the bond, friendship, for Koreans and foreigners.


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