midterm season
‘Tis the season. No, not the holiday season just yet, but midterm season! Cafes are packed with students studying, glasses of iced coffee are everywhere, and there’s the occasional student passed out on the desk, with a pen still in hand and a backpack as a pillow. Although I’m happy that I never reached that level of stress from studying, I can say without a doubt that the rigor of Asian academics is real. As I experienced the midterm season of KU, I began to realize how intense Korean university students study in preparation for exams. Fortunately, all of my midterms were open book; but with that expectation comes the expectation that the exam will be difficult and time-constrained, and each one of my professors ensured that we all understood that point.
Here’s a rundown of how the midterms that I took, what the exam entailed, and how I think I did:
BUSS 311 (MGT 341) - Organizational Behavior
This midterm was both a breeze and a challenge due to the fact that the concepts were easy to grasp and apply, but a time constraint was imposed to ensure that we thoroughly studied the course materials. Instead of the usual allotted time of 1.25 hours, we were only given 1 hour to complete a mixture of numerous multiple-choice and true-false questions, as well as 3 short essay questions. What was most interesting about this midterm was the professor’s use of celebrity names in the questions. I’ve never taken an exam where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Katy Perry were the subjects of the questions!
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this exam was fighting the instinct to write lots during the essay portions. I’m sure that I wrote more than expected for the essay questions - which probably took much more time than needed - but I’m happy for the opportunity to show my understanding through written compositions.
BUSS 407 (MKT 372) - New Product Development
Unlike the previous midterm discussed, this midterm exam had no multiple-choice or true-false questions. Rather, this midterm took a different approach in which the professor would grade our understanding of the course concepts through multiple written essays. The midterm exam held 4 different elaborate essay prompts, and completing the exam would mean to answer 3 of the prompts to the best of our abilities.
The prompts were posed in an elaborate manner so as to require our own critical thinking and personal analysis of the course materials discussed in class. While this exam was difficult to prepare for (because no prompts were given in advanced), I was happy that this midterm adopted this exam format as I could explain my thoughts in a clear and intricate written manner.
BUSS 325 (BUS 367I) - Korean Business & Management in the Asian Context
This midterm has been the most challenging one I’ve taken, probably in the entirety of my collegiate career. As this class covers many details of the realm of Korean business, it was extremely difficult to study and understand the many areas of knowledge that we covered for the past few weeks: the history of Korean business, cultural practices in Korean business, current economic conditions, and current trends on Korean management philosophies.
This exam consisted of a variety of multiple-choice and true-false questions, all of which were difficult considering the extremely low margin of error in the answer choices. Additionally, there were two essay questions based on the case studies discussed in the lectures.
What was interesting about this midterm exam was that it was optional - we have the option to take only one exam in the course: either the midterm or the final. If we took the midterm, we could still have the opportunity to take the final for a chance for a higher grade. Considering how difficult the exam was, I’m glad that I took the midterm and I’m considering taking the final after finally understanding what to expect.
BUSS 313 (MGT 342) - International Business Management
No midterm for this course. As this course was project heavy, my professor decided to cancel the midterm and place more emphasis on the final exam. Not sure if I’m happy or unhappy with this decision, but all I can do is hope to do well on the final!
‘Tis the season. No, not the holiday season just yet, but midterm season! Cafes are packed with students studying, glasses of iced coffee are everywhere, and there’s the occasional student passed out on the desk, with a pen still in hand and a backpack as a pillow. Although I’m happy that I never reached that level of stress from studying, I can say without a doubt that the rigor of Asian academics is real. As I experienced the midterm season of KU, I began to realize how intense Korean university students study in preparation for exams. Fortunately, all of my midterms were open book; but with that expectation comes the expectation that the exam will be difficult and time-constrained, and each one of my professors ensured that we all understood that point.
Here’s a rundown of how the midterms that I took, what the exam entailed, and how I think I did:
BUSS 311 (MGT 341) - Organizational Behavior
This midterm was both a breeze and a challenge due to the fact that the concepts were easy to grasp and apply, but a time constraint was imposed to ensure that we thoroughly studied the course materials. Instead of the usual allotted time of 1.25 hours, we were only given 1 hour to complete a mixture of numerous multiple-choice and true-false questions, as well as 3 short essay questions. What was most interesting about this midterm was the professor’s use of celebrity names in the questions. I’ve never taken an exam where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Katy Perry were the subjects of the questions!
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this exam was fighting the instinct to write lots during the essay portions. I’m sure that I wrote more than expected for the essay questions - which probably took much more time than needed - but I’m happy for the opportunity to show my understanding through written compositions.
BUSS 407 (MKT 372) - New Product Development
Unlike the previous midterm discussed, this midterm exam had no multiple-choice or true-false questions. Rather, this midterm took a different approach in which the professor would grade our understanding of the course concepts through multiple written essays. The midterm exam held 4 different elaborate essay prompts, and completing the exam would mean to answer 3 of the prompts to the best of our abilities.
The prompts were posed in an elaborate manner so as to require our own critical thinking and personal analysis of the course materials discussed in class. While this exam was difficult to prepare for (because no prompts were given in advanced), I was happy that this midterm adopted this exam format as I could explain my thoughts in a clear and intricate written manner.
BUSS 325 (BUS 367I) - Korean Business & Management in the Asian Context
This midterm has been the most challenging one I’ve taken, probably in the entirety of my collegiate career. As this class covers many details of the realm of Korean business, it was extremely difficult to study and understand the many areas of knowledge that we covered for the past few weeks: the history of Korean business, cultural practices in Korean business, current economic conditions, and current trends on Korean management philosophies.
This exam consisted of a variety of multiple-choice and true-false questions, all of which were difficult considering the extremely low margin of error in the answer choices. Additionally, there were two essay questions based on the case studies discussed in the lectures.
What was interesting about this midterm exam was that it was optional - we have the option to take only one exam in the course: either the midterm or the final. If we took the midterm, we could still have the opportunity to take the final for a chance for a higher grade. Considering how difficult the exam was, I’m glad that I took the midterm and I’m considering taking the final after finally understanding what to expect.
BUSS 313 (MGT 342) - International Business Management
No midterm for this course. As this course was project heavy, my professor decided to cancel the midterm and place more emphasis on the final exam. Not sure if I’m happy or unhappy with this decision, but all I can do is hope to do well on the final!
climbing mt. bukhansan
One of the “must-do” bucket list items for anyone who is in Seoul is to trek the hike up towards the peak of Mt. Bukhansan, which is home to Seoul’s highest point, Baegundae Peak. While not an avid hiker myself, I decided to go with a few other friends who were beyond eager to tackle the physically challenging hike. We collectively decided to watch the sunrise from the peak, and as we did the time calculations of our itinerary, the time of waking up was quite daunting. Sunrise of that morning would be 6:42 AM, and the hike, starting from the east, up towards the peak would take a total of 2.5 hours. That meant that we would need to start the hike at 4:00 AM, and being that we were 20 min away from the trail by taxi, we needed to meet up at 3:30 AM to arrive at the trail on time. 3:30 AM. What an ugly time to start a day, but if it meant for a breath-taking experience of a lifetime, I agreed and found myself ready to embark early that morning. As I exited the taxi at the start of the trail, the local time was right before 4:00 AM, and the local temperature (in Fahrenheit) was probably in the low 40s. I was cold, tired, and quite nervous for the hike, but with a race against the time of the sunrise, I had no time to think about everything and I just started my journey up the mountain. The trail had no lights along the pathway, so I used my phone flashlight to guide me up the mountain. For the first 1.5 hours, I found myself struggling up steep rocky steps, occasionally taking a breath and letting other hikers behind me pass by. Every now and then, I’d turn around and take a look at how high up I’ve climbed, and each time I did, I saw the city lights of Seoul get smaller and smaller - this only motivated me to continue journeying up. In the final half-hour or so of the hike, I began to see the hints of orange line the mountain-ranged horizon, signaling the coming of the sun. In notice of this, I decided to push through so I could reach the peak just as the sun would make its grand appearance. Though I was motivated to push through, the final part of the hike is the most strenuous and dangerous, as the only steps on the trail were carved onto the mountain, and only ropes were there to keep me from falling to death - literally. For probably the first time in my life, I was literally steps away from falling off a high and slippery mountain. My hands tightly grasped the ropes along the trail and lifted myself up the mountain inch by inch, slowly but surely. As I was approaching the peak of the mountain, I heard all of the other hikers exclaim “wow” in a messy yet euphonic chorus. At that moment, I immediately turned around, and witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises in the morning. I sat for a moment, and soaked up the moment, realizing how worth it it was to get up that early and cold morning. A new day has begun - and who knew that I’d be starting atop Seoul’s most significant and prominent mountain. As I sat on the mountain for a while, I noticed that there were many other hikers - of all ages - who had climbed the mountain to catch the sunrise. I even caught a glimpse of what some Korean locals like to do while on the mountain. Some brought a kettle of hot water to enjoy their morning coffee while others were preparing bowls of instant ramen. And of course, everyone atop the mountain just had to seize the opportunity for a unique photo session. I have to say - even some middle aged men and women pose better than do for photos! Hiking Mt. Bukhansan has definitely been one my favorite memories in South Korea so far. It was truly a unique opportunity, and I am extremely happy that to say that I've achieved such a feat. |
mt. bukhansan photo dump
cheesy reflections
Perhaps now is a good time for me to reflect on the journey so far. Here I am writing Chapter 5, and it seems to me that the chapter title New Heights truly captured the theme of my thoughts and presence during the height of midterm season and atop the height of Mt. Bukhansan.
Midterm season has challenged me academically in ways unknown to me, and climbing Mt. Bukhansan tested my physical abilities as an uncomfortable and inexperienced hiker. But beyond these moments that allowed me to reach new heights, I began to think about all other ways that I’ve grown since then.
I’m beginning to navigate around the megacity of Seoul without the need for a map. I’m finding myself learning how to communicate and collaborate with students from all faces of the world. And most importantly, I’m learning how to make new friends all while maintaining friendships back home and being comfortable with the occasional solitude that grants me the opportunity to reflect on my journey.
I’m truly grateful for the journey at this moment - and I’m most grateful that Korea has helped me to achieve new heights.
Perhaps now is a good time for me to reflect on the journey so far. Here I am writing Chapter 5, and it seems to me that the chapter title New Heights truly captured the theme of my thoughts and presence during the height of midterm season and atop the height of Mt. Bukhansan.
Midterm season has challenged me academically in ways unknown to me, and climbing Mt. Bukhansan tested my physical abilities as an uncomfortable and inexperienced hiker. But beyond these moments that allowed me to reach new heights, I began to think about all other ways that I’ve grown since then.
I’m beginning to navigate around the megacity of Seoul without the need for a map. I’m finding myself learning how to communicate and collaborate with students from all faces of the world. And most importantly, I’m learning how to make new friends all while maintaining friendships back home and being comfortable with the occasional solitude that grants me the opportunity to reflect on my journey.
I’m truly grateful for the journey at this moment - and I’m most grateful that Korea has helped me to achieve new heights.
chapter close
Seems to me that this chapter of the journey has been a wake up call for me: as I hike back down Mt. Bukhansan and wind down from midterm season, it also seems that my study abroad experience has passed its halfway mark, and is already making its way down to the end of the journey. While I’m absolutely struck at how fast time is flying, I’m thankful that this blog allows me to slow down for a moment and to appreciate the experiences and to be hopeful for what lies ahead!
Seems to me that this chapter of the journey has been a wake up call for me: as I hike back down Mt. Bukhansan and wind down from midterm season, it also seems that my study abroad experience has passed its halfway mark, and is already making its way down to the end of the journey. While I’m absolutely struck at how fast time is flying, I’m thankful that this blog allows me to slow down for a moment and to appreciate the experiences and to be hopeful for what lies ahead!