2017 02 03 SIWA Discovery

discovery February / March 2017

Education SIWA Focuses on Multicultural Education American Students in Korean Schools Our 54th Bazaar: An International Success Join SIWA’s Leadership Team

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

Enhancing lives through Friendship, Enrichment and Charity.

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President’s Message: Education, the great equalizer Every child should have equal access to quality education; it is a basic human right.

Regardless of one’s ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic circumstance, education holds the key to improved opportunities and a better future. It is the great equalizer.

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In my experience, every educational goal is sparked by a dream. As an education management consultant in the United States., I advised and prepared many students for college admissions. My students were from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with equally diverse interests. However, they all shared a common goal: to gain admission to a college of their choice to learn and pursue their dreams. Some of them wanted to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, Wall Street tycoon or a top athlete at a Division I school. Both students and parents I worked with understood the paramount importance of a college education and the future opportunities that may follow. I loved my work because I could dream with them and find ways to achieve their goals together.

One of my good friends immigrated to the Boston area from Haiti when she was 14 years old without knowing a word of English. She took advantage of every learning opportunity afforded by her parents, overcoming many obstacles and challenges thrust upon her in a new country as an immigrant. Her journey was not an easy one.

Renette has now been a practicing pediatrician for 25 years, providing excellent medical care to hundreds of children.

In 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court of the United States, making her the first female justice of Hispanic heritage and only the third woman in the role. Justice Sotomayor grew up in the public housing projects of Bronx, New York and lost her father when she was only 9 years old. Thanks to her mom’s expectation for academic excellence and Sotomayor’s own determination and hard work, she graduated valedictorian of her high school. But, when she arrived at the prestigious Princeton University, she realized her ability was not up to par with the academic prowess of her classmates. Once again in her pursuit of excellence, she worked closely with a few professors to improve her English and writing skills; it wasn’t surprising that she graduated summa cum laude. Sotomayor then received a full scholarship to Yale Law School and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

Anne Choe

University of Miami 2015 graduation

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Both Sonia Sotomayor and Renette did not use their underprivileged status as a crutch, but rather found the inspiration to forge ahead. They utilized academic excellence to reach their dreams. Their ultimate achievement not only improved their own lives but also the lives of many others through their work and service. Education IS the great equalizer.

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Editor's Message I’m excited about this issue on Education, a subject that is near and dear to my heart.

As an education journalist and teacher in the United States and Korea, I asked myself every day if I were making a difference. Was I covering the right material? How could I make a lasting impact? Was anyone paying attention? My biggest challenge as an educator was inspiring creativity.

Second-generation SIWA member Rufina K. Park has taken on this challenge as well. The former Chadwick teacher is launching an educational publishing company this month that encourages creativity inside and outside of the classroom. Her magazine is launching this month on Indiegogo.

This issue also talks about our organization’s initiative to support the education of multicultural students in Korea, the most monocultural country in the world. Multicultural children face prejudice, particularly those from less developed countries.

Gahmya Drummond-Bey, an educator and two-time TedX speaker, is also founder of an an educational company here in Korea. She writes for Discovery about what she’s learned from her students. And for the adults, we have a compilation of classes to enrich your time here in Seoul.Speaking of enriching time, I hope to see you at this year’s Gala, which will benefit other worthy causes in Seoul. You can find more about the beneficiaries and information on how to purchase your ticket inside.

See you there!

Monica Williams, Discovery Editor discoveryeditor@siwapage.com

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S I W A ' S

Johanna Widmann

Jinhi joined SIWA in 2015 but it wasn’t until 2016 that she became an active member by becoming the vendor coordinator and a raffle manager for the SIWA Bazaar. Currently she is heading up this year’s SIWA Fundraising Gala. Jinhi moved to Korea in 2004 from the United States where she was raised.

She has a U.S. law degree and is currently a partner in the law firm H Partners in Seo Cho Dong. For her first eight years in Korea, she taught business and trademark law at Pai Chai University and also worked as a foreign legal consultant at an IP firm in Yangjae Dong. She is fluent in English and Korean.

Johanna joined SIWA in 2016 and is currently active on the Welfare Committee and is nvolving herself in other SIWA activities.

A German born and raised in the beautiful Black Forest, Johanna worked in the educational sector for several years before relocating to Seoul with her husband and son in January 2016. She had always been passionate about foreign languages and so she takes Korean classes and is interested in learning about Korean culture and society. Johanna enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family.

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Premium Platinum Sponsors

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Gold Sponsors

L e a d e r s

Jinhi Sohn Gala Manager

Platinum Sponsors

N e w

Membership Chair

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diScoveRY

Contents 23

SIWA News 3. President’s Message 4. Meet Our New SIWA Leaders 6. Our 54th Bazaar: A Rousing Success 10. Multicultural Students’ Education in Korea 12. SIWA Needs You! 20. Gearing up for the Gala

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Education 13. Campaigning for Creativity in the Classroom 14. One Family’s Immersion Story 16. What It’s Like to be an Expat Student 17. A Foreigner’s Semester in Seoul

25 On the Cover Cover Photo of Latvian representatives courtesy of Youngsang Cho Editorial Team Robin Carney, Greta Tonnon, Monica Williams

Contributors Amalia Carney, Anne Choe, Gahmya Drummond-Bey, Julie Schuldt, Robbie Schuldt, Neeti Virmani,Clara Jong, Chiara Kelly, Sandhya Ramabadran Graphic Designer Kyung-A Park Published by 10 Magazine / Advertising Coordinator Kyoko Kawaguchi Discovery Photo Files All photos used by Discovery magazine, unless otherwise stated, have been provided by SIWA vendors or members and are the property of SIWA. Photographers who donate photos for SIWA’s use retain the rights to their photos.

For submissions and questions, email discoveryeditor@siwapage.com or go to www.siwapage.com/connect/discovery/

Seoul International Women’s Association Mailbox Seoul Finance Center Level 21, 136 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul Korea 04520

www.siwapage.com

Stay connected:

February / March 2017 discovery

Contributions Welcomed!

Discovery is published bimonthly (six issues per year) by SIWA, with articles and content written by our members and associations. It is distributed exclusively for SIWA members. All opinions expressed in these articles are those of the respective authors and may not reflect the official position of SIWA. All rights reserved SIWA 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent of SIWA.

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2016 Bazaar: Share Culture, Share Love, Share Life The annual SIWA & Diplomatic Community Bazaar brings embassies, organizations, charities, sponsors and volunteers together to raise needed funds for deserving charities in Korea. The 54th Annual Bazaar was held on November 14, 2016 at the Lotte Hotel Seoul, and drew thousands of attendees. The Ambassadors’ Spouses Association in Seoul (ASAS) brought handcrafted goods and delicacies from 33 countries to this year’s bazaar, and our host nation of Korea was also represented.

Local businesses, clubs and charities sold food and products, and SIWA’s generous sponsors provided prizes for raffles. The SIWA Bazaar is a huge undertaking, and it was only thanks to our many volunteers that event was such a success. Many people came together with one objective: to help those less fortunate in Korea and make a positive impact on this community where we live.

Thank you for supporting the 54th Annual SIWA & ASAS Bazaar!

Our hear tfelt thanks to all the volunteers and participants of the 54th SIWA & ASAS Bazaar. This biggest fundraising event of the year could not have succeeded without the support of embassies, sponsors, vendors, international organizations, charities and our volunteers.

Since the Bazaaras of February 2017, 32,600,000 KRW have been disbursed to 5 charities: AGIT, Maria and Martha’s House, Soyang Rainbow, Yang Yang Children’s Welfare Center and Happy Silver World.

Thank you again for making this possible.

Amy Lee, VP Fundraising Justesse Gomis, 2016 Special Event Chair Gabrielle Kim, 2016 Bazaar Manager Please enjoy this look back at the 2016 Bazaar! https://youtu.be/qVc0qTbUkIY

Congratulations to our Top 3 Countries

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At the January Coffee Morning, the Diplomatic Community was recognized for their support. SIWA presented certificates to the top 3 fundraising embassies and expat clubs at the 2016 Bazaar, which were: 1) Japan, 2) Nordic Club and 3) Switzerland. Thank you to these and all embassies and organizations who raised funds for charity at this year’s Bazaar!

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2016 Bazaar Sponsors Premium Platinum:

Asian Tigers HEILL KEB Hana Bank Korea International School

Platinum:

Chadwick International Dwight School Seoul Seoul Foreign School

Gold:

Asian Arts & Crafts Korea JK Medical Group Nanta Seoul Wine & Spirits

SIWA wishes to express our warm gratitude to all participants: Embassies, Women’s Organizations, Charities, Sponsors, Vendors, Performers, Volunteers, and Visitors to the 2016 the word Bazaar.

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2016 Opening Ceremony

SIWA was honored to welcome our official guests to open the 54th Annual SIWA & Diplomatic Community Bazaar. Our sincere thanks to these gracious people: Ms. Nan-Hee Kang. wife of Mayor of Seoul Ms. Nehal Selim Hanna, President, ASAS: spouse, Ambassador of Egypt to Korea Ms. Raheela Khan, Vice President, ASAS : SIWA Diplomatic Liaison; spouse, Ambassador of Pakistan to Korea Mr. John Schuldt, President, American Chamber of Commerce Korea We also thank the representatives from KEB Hana Bank and Korea International School, two of SIWA’s generous sponsors, who presented the SIWA President and Special Events Chair with a cash donation.

Mrs. Yeon-Gil Kim, wife of the President & CEO KEB Hana Bank Mrs. Sun-Wha Oh, wife of KEB Hana Bank Head of Group Ms. Michelle Quirin, KIS High School Principal and Director for next school year Mr. Daniel Choi, KIS Business Director

Bazaar 2016 Financials February / March 2017 discovery

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Participants Participating Embassies Bangdalesh Belgium Bolivia Brunei in Seoul Chile China Côte d'Ivoire Egypt Ethiopia Iran Japan Kazakhstan Kenya

Kyrgyz Republic Laos Latvia Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar Pakistan Poland Republica Dominica Russia Senegal Switzerland Tajikistan

Thailand Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Vietnam

Zambia

Participating Organizations American Women’s Club Garden Club Nordic Club

Participating Charities Anna's House Bitdulre Study Room Eastern Social Welfare Society Ejiram Emmaus Holt Korea Lowvision Association Maesil Orphanage Malguemteo Myongdo Welfare Center North Korean Refugee Center Planting Love Silver World Sobosa Soyang Rainbow Hill

2016 Bazaar Planning Team

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Justesse Gomis, Special Events Chair Gabrielle Kim, Bazaar Manager

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Ann Robinson, Orientation Tea and Sponsorship Jinhi Sohn, Vendor Coordinator and Grand Raffle Lydia Koh, Charity Coordinator Marea Lanham, Orientation Tea Miia Syrja, Entertainment Monica Park, Public Relations Monica Williams, Lucky Draw and Public Relations Robbie Schuldt, Entertainment Sejung Jang, Entertainment Sohee Shin, Public Relations Sonali Rao, Logistics Vanessa Harper, Volunteer Coordinator

Alexa Dodson, Digital Media Producer / Anne Choe, President / Amy Lee, Vice President, Fundraising / Ariane Amiot, Board Administrator Constanze Britz, Membership Chair / Irene Nuutila, Graphic Designer / Kat Wallace, Web Content Manager / Linda Lee, Treasurer Mhyla Borkowski, Vice President, Operations / Monica Williams, Discovery Editor / Neeti Virmani, Welfare Chair / Robin Carney, Vice President, Brand Communications Sandhya Ramabadran, Treasurer / Theresa Penzel, Instagram Manager

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2016 SIWA Leaders assisting the Bazaar in an oďŹƒcial capacity

2016 Bazaar Entertainment Thank you to the wonderful performers who entertained us at the Bazaar.

All Love School Iced Americano Trio Midong Korean Junior National Taekwondo Demonstration Team Philip K

Iced Americano Trio

Philip K

All Love School

Midong Korean Junior National Taekwondo

2016 Bazaar Volunteers Elizabeth Spangler Fabienne Delemarle Gabrielle Kim Gaheun Jeon Galina Panova Gini Lee Ingrid Kang Irene Nuutila Isabelle Kim Jason Holmes Jennifer Gurganus Jennifer Lee Jenny Ha Jenny Jung Ji-Eun Park Jia Chung Jinhi Sohn JinSun Choi Jinsun Park Jisook Wood Jiyoung Kim Joanne Lyu Jordan Mathews Joseph Brandon

Justesse Gomis Kandy Park Karen Kraybill Kat Wallace Katie Chung Lily (Julia) Becker Linda Lee Lydia Koh Marea Lanham Maria Seidl Maria Gabriela (Gaby) Tuckler Mary Ann (Ann) Campos Mhyla Borkowski Michel Kang Michelle Morrison Mikyung Park Minki Son Miok Chung Mitsuko Sato Monica Park Monica Williams Nassaazi Harriet Julie Neeti Virmani Ngoc Vo

Paulina Brennan Robbie Schuldt Robin Carney Roxanna Lee Ruby Jain Sandhya Ramabadran Sandra Kim Sandra Yun SeJung Jang Shim Euiboon Sonali Rao Soon Hyun Theresa Penzel Vanessa Harper Vicki Frame Young Lee Yanghee

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Aeri Lee Alex Ahn Alexa Dodson Almir Haseljic Amy Lee Ann Robinson Anna Mertens Anne Choe Ariane Amiot Audrey Park Ayako Fujiyoshi Baerbel Herbig Barbara Bai Bockhee Lee Bo Young Lee Cathy Leem Christine Yoon Cindy Lopez Clara Jong Constanze Britz Dahee Kim David Choi Debbie Turner Dong Song Cho

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education

Multicultural Students’ Education in Korea In the fall of 2015, SIWA’s Welfare Committee formed a subcommittee to embark on a philanthropic project. The intention was to move SIWA forward in the direction of strategic and proactive giving of our funds.

In the months that followed, SIWA selected multicultural students’ education as the social issue for the project. Multicultural student in this context is defined as a child of foreign, non-ethnic Korean and or foreign-born Koreans.

What does it mean to be multicultural in a country that has been traditionally singular in its ethnic identity and culture? How does a nation who prides herself on nationalism rise to the challenge to integrate influx of immigrants and migrant workers to her social fabric? What does the future hold for multicultural students?

Four guests spoke about the challenges and vision for Korea’s multicultural students at SIWA’s Coffee Morning on Jan. 18.

Mr. Yeonkwon Kim: Director, Center for Multicultural Education, Kyonggi University Mr. Yong Hee Lee: Head Director, All Love School, alternative middle school Mr. Joo Young Lee:Recent graduate of All Love School Miss JeongKyong Lee:Senior at Kyonggi University

Edited excerpts from the event follow:

What is the extent of the multicultural problem in Korea?

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Prof. Kim: Korea has long been regarded as a homogeneous society. However, since 1990 foreigners (especially east Asians including Korean Chinese) have immigrated to Korea for work or marriage. As a result, in 2006, over 2 million foreigners were living in Korea (almost 4% of the Korean population), and almost half were immigrant workers. However, international marriages have a stronger influence on Korean society because most immigrant spouses have children who reside permanently here.

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Headmaster Lee: Labeled as the “new breed of stupids," they are far behind their ethnic Korean counterparts because their non-ethnic Korean mother cannot read to them or adequately prepare them for school. Foreign-born multicultural students are victims of bullying and many drop out. Often, students from North Korea face the harshest challenges. They do not possess the skill set to judge right from wrong and have a difficult time with personal relationships.

What are key intervention factors that have been effective and led to good outcomes?

Prof. Kim: The key intervention factor is education. Currently the younger generation has much more multicultural sensitivity than the older generation due to multicultural education at the school level during the last 10 years. The multicultural education still needs various reforms including teacher education, curriculum reform, development of educational programs, and support of multicultural students (e.g special classrooms, university student mentoring).

By Anne Choe and Clara Jong

Headmaster Lee: We teach our students with the emphasis on education rather than welfare. Our philosophy is “pedagogy of love.�

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The love extended by our teachers in place of the love not received at home is more important than learning the Korean language. There are a few who have attempted suicide or have cut themselves to alleviate their pain. Therefore, we first try to comfort them with native tongue mentoring, art therapy, and counseling.

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We provide 30+ experiential education and vocational opportunities per school year to help students become aware of Korean culture and careers. Students are required to write about their experiential education, and teachers then help them with their Korean language skills while discussing potential career opportunities.

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Occasionally, students violate the school code of conduct. They are required to write essays about their behavior, and parents are brought in to further discuss the appropriate means of consequences. All this is done in the spirit of love.

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What key factors helped you build success stories?

What are requirements to take the learning enhancement to the next level?

Prof. Kim: We need to educate Korean native students as well. Intensive education should be implemented in order to enhance intercultural sensitivity, anti-discrimination, and citizenship.

Where do we look for hope with regards to the future?

Headmaster Lee: Multicultural students with bilingual skills can be an asset. Students have moved on to find employment at hotels and have gained admissions to college programs in Hotel & Tourism Management. They are our future chefs, computer programmers, bankers, and designers.

Prof. Kim: Within half a century, Korea will have leaders with multicultural backgrounds similar to President Obama.

Headmaster Lee: Textbooks and learning materials are inadequate. This year, our school plans to focus on developing better textbooks for grammar and vocational education.

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Nominations Complete for SIWA’s Executive Committee Dear SIWA Members, Greetings from the 2017 Nominating Committee!

Nominating Committee Chair Lissa Miner and committee members Karin Stangeland, Justesse Gomis, Sunghwa Han and Bockhee Lee invited all SIWA members to participate in the 2017-2018 Executive Committee nomination process and encouraged all to volunteer by serving on the SIWA board.

The Executive Committee was voted in by the SIWA membership at the Annual General Meeting on March 8. As required by our bylaws, we accepted nominations for all Executive Committee positions : President The President is the chief administrative officer of SIWA and chair of the Board of Directors. She is an ex-officio member of all SIWA committees except the Nominating Committee. While not performing the actual work, the president has the ultimate responsibility to ensure the functions and activities of each committee are carried out in accordance with SIWA bylaws and policies.

Treasurer The Treasurer monitors and manages the financial position of SIWA. She oversees its financial administration including receipts, disbursements, and performance against budget. She is responsible for all SIWA financial accounts.

Board Administrator The Board Administrator maintains the records of the Board, ensures effective management of SIWA records, and is responsible for all aspects of planning Board meeting and activities. She also manages all Google tools, such as Google Groups and Google Drive.

Vice President (3) There are three Vice Presidents who coordinate and oversee the function of assigned Standing Board Committees. At least one of the Vice-Presidents must be able to speak and write Korean fluently and shall act as liaison with the Korean Community at large. One of the Vice Presidents will assume the President’s job function when necessary.

Currently SIWA’s functions are organized under three Vice Presidents : Vice President, Brand Communications Responsible for the development of SIWA’s brand strategy and contributes to the organization’s overall strategic planning process.

She will develop a world-class brand management plan for SIWA, directly managing activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation. Manages and collaborates with Blog, Discovery, Social Media, Graphic Design, Website Content Management & Public Relations.

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Vice President, Operations Responsible for all systems and processes. She is in charge of all internal communication systems between SIWA leaders and external communications systems from SIWA leaders to SIWA members.

Manages and collaborates with Newcomers, Hospitality, Invitations, Membership, Tours, Interest Groups, & Website.

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Vice President, Fundraising Responsible for managing all fundraising efforts on behalf of SIWA, including but not limited to Annual Charity Gala & SIWA Diplomatic Bazaar. She is further responsible for developing fundraising strategy that will better position SIWA within the corporate domain in Korea. Manages and collaborates with Marketing, Special Events, & Sponsorship.

SIWA’s 2016-17 Executive Board, from left: Robin Carney, Mhyla Borkowski, Anne Choe, Amy Lee and Sandhya Ramabadran (missing: Ariane Amiot, Linda Lee).

If you are interested in any of the positions or want to find out more information, please contact Lissa Miner at nominate@siwapage.com.

The theme for Ottiya’s next issue is Play.

To submit to the magazine or donate, email Park at hello@ottiya.com

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Rufina K. Park’s elementary students were exposed to the best of everything: a diverse faculty, a creative curriculum and world-class facilities.

“I’ve always been fascinated with what good education is. I taught at a privileged school with teachers from 20 countries and a swimming pool.” said Park.

But she thought, ‘Not every kid has this,’” said Park, a former teacher at Chadwick International school in Songdo, Incheon. “How can we expand this a bit? And what can I do?’

Park, who was born in Korea and grew up in Canada, returned to school —this time as a student in the international education policy program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. “For a while, I thought policy was the answer to the equity problem.”

The SIWA member’s turning point came during a stint as a post-graduate research fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She studied the educational reforms in Korea’s public school system, which is moving away from a long-held practice of rote memorization and incorporating creativity and software education.

Her research explored the government’s free-semester program, in which first-year middle school students must take a semester off from tests and grading and incorporate more extracurricular activities like dance, art, coding and excursions into their curriculum. The program, which began with research schools in 2013, is gradually being rolled out to all of the nation’s public schools this year. The idea is to spark creativity and problem-solving skills to help students pursue careers of their dreams.

Park’s 56-page report on creativity in Korean schools went viral in the digital education community. Educators weren’t the only ones inspired. Park also was inspired by the creativity and innovation she saw in the classrooms there and at Chadwick, particularly among younger students. “There’s so much potential [among younger students’,” she thought. “If we could sustain this until they are older, the world would be a better place. The younger grades is where the magic happens.”

Unwilling to await institutional policy changes, she’s bringing together people from diverse communities who are interested in improving education. “We need change that connects the stakeholders who really matter… parents, teachers, students.”

A conversation with friends soon turned into Ottiya, a full-fledged global publishing company with more than 20 contributors from about 10 countries.

Park’s first project was an interactive activity book, “For Everything There is a Season,” which requires the reader to be creative. Her company’s second project, for which she is launching this month on the Indiegogo crowdfunding site, is a 126-page print magazine that reports on creativity in global classrooms.

“Wouldn’t it be interesting if we had snippets of what education is like around the world?” she said. Contributors are from Singapore, Japan, the United States, Canada, Finland and Indonesia and other countries. The magazine includes articles covering how schools are dealing with the multicultural student population in Japan to teaching empathy and kindness in Denmark. The writers are just as diverse as the subject matter and include a designer, policymakers, students and a former architect. In Korea, Park is holding creative storytelling and drawing workshops.

Admittedly, her passion for learning may have been inspired by her mom, Veronica Kim, who was a SIWA member 30 years ago. Kim taught MS Word in their home in Korea to SIWA members years ago.

“I think I still have some books that her SIWA friends gave me,” Park said.

By Monica Williams

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Inspiring Creativity in the Classroom

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An Immersion Story: American Kids in a Korean School

By Chiara Kelly It all became real as the Vice Principal of Chungduk Elementary School offered us vitamin “candies” and cups of warm water, and said, “Welcome to our school” in complimentary English. Our three sons, meanwhile, were nodding off on the office couch, as it was about 1 a.m. in Charlotte, North Carolina, where we had flown in from just the day before.

I watched our whole game plan change as my Korean-speaking husband did all the talking. I was, at first, hesitant with the idea of our children being foisted into a school environment in a completely different language, even though the Korean culture comprises a large part of their roots. I still felt a nagging obligation and calling to raise them as Americans in America. What would such a drastic move do to their future, should they opt to make it back in the United States? I wondered.

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Seth's first day of school

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Then again, I reminded myself of the advantages early foreign language and cultural immersion could afford them, as some of my friends’ children in Charlotte picked up Mandarin and German in recently-implemented language immersion kindergarten programs. Still, I admit, after trying unsuccessfully to get them into the U.S. Department of Defense school on the Army base (I was neither active duty military, nor a local hire), and the fact that my husband’s new opportunity did not afford international schooling coverage, immersion into Korean public school turned out to be a last resort. And although my boys did have their range of struggles in the beginning, including failing even math and English tests, simply because all the questions were in Korean, they quickly picked up the language, as they had to in order to thrive and fit in. This initially wracked me with guilt. But the guilt gradually melted into heart-warming pride once they acquired a working command of Korean, with which they were also able to help their classmates with their English lessons, as well as serve as a conduit between non-Korean-speaking English teachers and nonEnglish-speaking school staff. One of my sons was even elected a class Vice President during his first semester, despite the then-language barrier!

And as a minimal-Korean-speaking parent relocating here well into my 30s, I also had my fair share of struggles and victories. Fortunately, my children were assigned the teachers who could speak the most English, and I was able to communicate with them reasonably well, using “Konglish”—a rudimentary combination of Korean and English—during most parent-teacher conferences and classroom events. I did this not because their English was deficient, but rather because I wanted to make more of an effort, along with my kids, to communicate more in Korean.

In Korean school, from my experience, parent involvement is often encouraged, but not to the same degree as in American schools. One common experience held almost quarterly is called the “Open Classroom,” similar to the open houses I had when I was a kid, where parents are invited to come in and observe the classes while they were in session. Unfortunately, unlike after-hours open houses in American schools, Open Classrooms are held during school and work hours, making it difficult for most parents to attend. And these sessions were often held for all classes at the same time, which made it a challenge for those with multiple children in the same school. At one point, I had to run back and forth between three different classrooms, as all three of my sons’ open classroom sessions were being held simultaneously.

So my sons and their teachers knew not to take it personally when I had to duck out and run to their brothers’ classrooms.

During these Open Classroom sessions, parents were also encouraged to fill out evaluation forms and offer suggestions. But due to my limited language skills, I often passed on filling out the evaluation forms. And even though I could not understand much, I still made it a point to show up in order to show my support for the teacher, as well as for my children’s education. It certainly gave me a new respect for immigrant parents back in the United States, whose children were both my sons’ classmates, as well as my own friends back during the Reagan administration.

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One other rather delightful event, usually held in the fall, are the high-energy “Sports Days,” similar to what American schools call “Field Days,” in which each class competes against others on the same grade-level in games like relay races, tug-of-war and dodge ball. Sometimes, parents, and even grandparents, are invited to compete against one another, as their children cheer them on. At one Sports Day at Chungduk, my sons enjoyed watching their grandpa, who lives with us, play ring toss with the other halmonis and harabojis. But unlike most American Field Days, Korean Sports Days are often garishly decorated, much like graduations, festooned with balloon arches, strings of international flags and convention-style banners. Street vendors selling wares ranging from Slinkies and pinwheels to flower bouquets, also line up to cash in on Sports Days. They’re that big of a deal!

All in all, although we did not originally plan on living in Korea for the duration, or having our kids immersed in Korean school for more than a couple of years, my husband’s career took off in unexpected ways, and for that, we have rolled with the punches and come a long way since that first day in the Vice Principal’s office nearly five years ago.

My oldest is now in middle school, first grade (7th grade) at Korea University Middle School, and my younger two are not far behind. Since then, they have fully adapted, and our new challenge is to keep up their English literacy, which we supplement through individual reading and private tutors. They are also avid swimmers and tae kwon do red and black belts; it prides me beyond belief to see them thrive alongside Korean kids, even as their language skills now far exceed my own. I no longer worry about their adaptive skills, nor my own. In fact, since our move to Korea, I feel I have developed a newfound sense of peace that wherever the future takes us, we will all be fine, and be better for it.

Korean Village field trip

Seth in his graduation getup

SIWA member Chiara Kelly is a freelance writer and editor living in Seoul with her husband and three sons.

Her previous work includes three novels: The Lady Leathernecks (2013), The Solitaire Diaries (2014) and Silver Soul (2016).

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Jason's Taekwondo group

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The Life of an Expat Student I’ve been to four international schools so far. One in Portugal, one in Belgium, one in Poland and now one in Korea. I’m 13. About every two years my dad’s job has us moving to a different country, and I’m used to that. I am a member of an expat family, but that doesn’t make moving any easier. Each school we go to is different, and we always make friends eventually, but that makes it harder to leave when the time comes. But I have never been to a school that has disappointed me.disappointed me.

Each school that I have been to is unique, whether it be in culture, religion or scholastic teachings. But what they always represent is diversity. Sure, you will find more Koreans than foreigners at Seoul Foreign School. That's because we live in Korea. You wouldn’t go to the United States expecting every student to be Chinese.

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But every school has different levels of teaching techniques. Personally, the year that I’ve spent at SFS has been more scholastically challenging than any other school. But that doesn't mean that they push us too hard. They provide us with so many opportunities to better ourselves in the things that we love, such as the Federation of British Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) sports competition, the FOBISIA maths event, the FOBISIA language competition- I could go on.

My other schools had events such as those, but not on such a grand scale.

No matter what school I go to, there is always a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities. And I am grateful for that.

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But when I came to Seoul, I also realized that this would be my first time going to a Christian school. It's not like we didn't celebrate Christmas or anything in my old school, but SFS was the first one that is openly Christian. Now, I myself am an atheist. But I don't feel out of place in my school. SFS is a comfortable environment of a school, where everyone can be who they want to be. We sometimes pray in assemblies, but not everyone is inclined to join. As long as we are respectful of others’ beliefs, everyone will accept you. Of course, no school is perfect. Maybe you don't like the uniform (I’ve been doing fine in that department) or maybe you hate the cafeteria food. Everyone has different tastes.

But I’m glad to be going to an international school. I’ve made friends from countries I’ve never heard of. The nicest thing about going to an international school is that you know someone has the same life story as you. Maybe they’ve moved around a lot, or maybe they’re from the same country as you. You can always count on having someone to relate to.

SFS has been my favourite school so far, because of its diversity, wide range of scholastic outlets and its delicious cafeteria food. I am lucky to be receiving the education I have each year because some people don't have that. I advise any child/teen who has to transfer schools to remember that. I am privileged to have such an exceptional school.

Amalia Carney is a student in Year 8 at Seoul Foreign British School, and the daughter of SIWA member Robin Carney. An American citizen born in Lisbon, she has also lived in Brussels, Warsaw and Seoul.

By Amalia Carney

education

A Semester in Seoul It was my first day of Korean language class and I was looking forward to meeting some interesting friends. I found the classroom, took a seat, arranged my books and pencils on my desk and looked around. I wanted to strike up a casual conversation before class began, but suddenly I was unsure how to begin. I realized that while we all wanted to speak Korean, we were all beginners, and I had no idea if I had any language in common with any of the others students. I didn’t want to assume that they would understand English, so while I wanted to compliment the sweater of the woman next me or remark about the weather, I simply smiled and remained silent.

As I learned about the languages the other students spoke, I surprised them when: - I told the Japanese students that I had lived in Tokyo: “Tōkyō ni sunde imashita.”

- I asked the student from Ecuador why he was studying Korean: “¿Y por qué estudias coreano?”

- I remarked to the German student that I had visited Luneburg “Ich habe Lüneburg besucht.”

This article reflects the experience of Julie Schuldt (daughter of SIWA member Robbie Schuldt) who is studying Global Management at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, USA. She spent her spring semester of 2016 in Seoul studying Korean Language at Sogang University, and other courses at Sungkyunkwan University. After graduation she looks forward to continuing her global experiences personally and professionally.

February / March 2017 discovery

As the days went by, through Charades, doodles, and Google Translate, I learned that the Vietnamese students didn’t like Justin Bieber but liked Maroon 5, the student from Hong Kong had one older brother, and the Russian student was interested in fashion design.

I tried to resist using English in Korean class, and attempted Korean outside of class. But that left over 90% that I could not say in Korean. I saw speakers of other languages use English to converse with Koreans, and I realized how much easier it was for me to use a native, and not a learned, language to manage my daily interactions in Seoul.

I was delighted to see many signs written in English. They didn’t always make a lot of sense such as the sign suggesting to “Wash your hands with soap for 20 minutes, often, neatly, cleanly.” But I did feel that Koreans were making an effort to communicate with foreign visitors and residents.

Understanding menus was challenging -- pictures were usually helpful, but not always -- I unknowingly ordered chocolate-covered garlic once!

As I learned about the many different Korean verb endings which show different levels of respect, a linguistic phenomenon almost non-existent in English; I reminded myself that I use “his” and “her” without ever mixing them up, and I easily insert “a/an” and “the” into my conversation and writing appropriately, which are challenges for non-native English speakers.

When the semester ended, our linguistic abilities allowed us to easily say “annyeonghi kaseyo” to each other, but our common bonds made the goodbyes more emotional as many of us returned to our home countries.

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education

How Many Hats Should a Teacher Wear?

By Gahmya Drummond-Bey

A lesson on moment-to-moment awareness The best teachers wear different hats. So, they say. There are times when we are tutors and cheerleaders. Sometimes, we even wear several hats at once. Although I’ve been in the classroom for more than 10 years, there was a time when every year continued to be a bit overwhelming. I tried to keep each hat ready to wear at a moment’s notice. However, once I took the time to tune into my awareness and focus on bonding and connecting with my students, I began to benefit from the learning experience as much as my students did.

Now, as an educator in Korea, I see my pupils use their tiny hands to continue to mold me into the teacher I am today. They have shown me which hats are truly important and necessary and have taught me lessons that have equipped me with a new perspective. Here are five of those lessons:

1. Follow happiness-- no matter what.

I spend a lot of time playing with my students. “Skin-ship,” which is basically the notion of the importance of touch being coupled with communication and building relationships, is very important in Korea. So, I tickle my students, spin them around, and even dance with them often. This is usually conducive to our classroom’s erupting into a loud box of laughter. Before long, our classroom is almost always filled with students from other classrooms, who just “find” themselves floating toward the fun. Even if they are merely bystanders, I notice that the onlookers are always smiling, enjoying the happiness of the children who are engaging in play. Kids put themselves in happy spaces. Now, I try to do the same.

Discovery February / March 2017

2. Things are only scary if we are taught that they are. Fear is learned.

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We were running outside of a museum after a school field trip.

“Oh, look!” I whispered, as a dragonfly rested on a park bench.

My 5-year-old students looked at with me with fear. I smiled. “That bench is so lucky. I wish the dragonfly would come to me,” I whispered.

“Is it nice, teacher?”

“Of course!” I responded.

“Of course!” another student followed.

I extended my hand toward the dragonfly, but attempt to engage the insect was interrupted by the screams of a crying child.

My students watched as this child screamed and ran after her teacher who’d been startled by a dragonfly that landed on her hand.

“Why is she scary?”

“Dragonflies are so cute!”

“Don’t be scary.”

I watched two of my students as they assessed the situation among themselves before running off to play more.

Fear is learned. Thus, fear is also taught.

“Mommy!”

I stopped in my tracks. My immediate reaction to this word always incites a big laugh in my classroom. What can I say; the word makes me feel---weird.

“Hey! I’m not your mommy!” I exclaimed, with laughter peeking around the edges of each consonant I uttered.

“You are School Mommy,” one of my students replied with a knowing look plastered across her face.

“Who told you that?”

“My mom. She said at home, she is Mommy. But, at school- you are Mommy.”

Respect period

education

3. Teachers are school mommies.

4. Life is easier when you don’t delay your emotions.

My students cry often. Oftentimes, I am unsure of why they are actually crying, but usually, the answers are quite simple.

The 5-year-olds usually cry in the morning and the situation goes a bit as follows: “Chloe, what’s wrong?”

“I miss my mom.”

“But, why are you crying? You will see her later. Don’t worry.”

“I not worry.”

“Then, why are you crying?”

“I miss mom now. [So] I cry now.”

“But, you will see her later.”

“Later, I will not cry.”

Chloe cried for about five minutes as she drew a picture of her mom. Then, I watched her as she hugged the picture, smiled, and then went off to play with her friends. She allowed herself to feel and as I watched her hop around jovially the rest of the day, I couldn’t help but admire her. She hasn’t learned to hold back or ignore her emotions. She hasn’t been taught to appear “strong” by drying her tears in secret. Therefore, she experienced her emotions fully. She cried full out, and then she played full out.

5. “Geniuses” are not born. They are inspired and taught.

Gahmya Drummond-Bey is a Seoul-based primary education expert, twotime TEDx speaker and former Peace Corps Volunteer. She has spent 10 years designing learning curriculums and training education leaders of villages, refugee camps and academies around the world.

February / March 2017 discovery

In Korea, I have taught 5-year-olds to write complete paragraphs. It still astonishes me, even after I have watched my young students develop their own ideas and craft them into eight sentences year after year. They are 5! I often talk to my friends back home, who are excited about their young daughter or son entering kindergarten. “She can even spell her name,” they tell me with excitement. “He can count to 100!” they utter with pride. But, the thing is, I know that their children can do much more. I have watched my 5-year-olds play chess, discuss Socrates, and even correct their parents’ grammar. They are not geniuses. They are not exceptionally intelligent. They can do these things because they study in an environment where such is presented as “easy,” “fun,” and “doable.” One of my students told me, as she watched me correct her parent, “Please don’t write ‘great job’ teacher, I only want ‘excellent’.” I complied.

As a teacher, I have learned to focus on learning instead of teaching. I observe my students with the purpose of learning from them, and I try my best to cater my teaching methods to their learning styles. However, watching my students so closely has compelled me to take a seat in our classroom as a student as well. They inspire, guide, and teach me the secrets to life that we have forgotten. I now know that the best teachers take their hats off, focus on the moment, and play!

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20

Discovery February / March 2017

By Neeti Virmani

The SIWA Annual Charity Gala is the second largest fundraising event after the SIWA & Diplomatic Community Bazaar.

The 2015 Gala generated KRW 21,165,966 in profits, which were all donated to 3 wonderful, local Korean charities.

This year’s gala will be held at the Conrad Hotel on April 8 and will raise money for three wonderful, local charities.

SIWA Activities

SIWA Annual Gala to Benefit Local Charities

2017 SIWA GALA BENEFICIARIES: Gala net proceeds benefit the following organizations: Myongdo Welfare Center Myongdo (The Bright Way) Welfare Center, in Mokpo, Shin-An, was founded in 1985. In our society, there is much disregard for human life in all its forms. The dignity of humans is so often ignored or placed on the lowest rung of priorities; people can be regarded as tools to be used, rather than gifts to be respected, nourished, and encouraged to reach their full potential without any question of discrimination. The Day Centre, started by Sister Geradine Ryan of the Columban Sisters, recognizes and promotes the dignity of the human person by providing the right environment for 800 children and adults with disabilities. In Korea, they have been working for a more inclusive society through educational and work rehabilitation and social integration programs for people with learning difficulties.

Green Dream Facility

Jeon Jin Sang Clinic

Dream Tree, an organization in Seoul, is more than 50 years old. The Green Dream facility that operates under Dream Tree is a home for 282 abandoned children and young adults from single mothers.Approximately of the 10% children are biracial. They are largely the children of the single moms, who give birth at the Busan center. They are brought to this center after a few years. Adoption is not allowed and they have no financial support from the mother/parent, hence the orphanage becomes the home for these children. Apart from providing home facilities, the center provides them with special after-school programming to develop a positive impact on creating intellectual, emotional and social independence for the children.

Jeon Jin Sang is a medical center run by six AFI members (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers), employees and volunteers.

The center was founded by Marie Brasseur, formerly a nurse from Belgium. She received a scholarship from SIWA to attend Choong Ang University School of Medicine in 1981. SIWA's financial support yielded exponential returns as Dr. Brasseur has served thousands of patients in rural Korea for many years. These patients are lowincome. The clinic helps them receive quality health care by providing for their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.

February / March 2017 Discovery

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SiWa activitieS

Tours Past SIWA Tours

Seoul Flea Market

Ansan Hike

Seoul Flea Market

Seoul Flea Market

Ansan Hike

Ansan Hike

Baekje Kingdom Sites in Gongju

Tea Shops and Tea Houses in Insadong

discovery February / March 2017

Hiking Kalbawi Rock

Tea Shops and Tea Houses in Insadong

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Hiking Kalbawi Rock

Hiking Kalbawi Rock

Hiking Kalbawi Rock

SiWa activitieS

Walking Seoul Together along Seoul Fortress Wall on Naksan

Walking Seoul Together along Seoul Fortress Wall on Naksan

Walking Seoul Together along Seoul Fortress Wall on Naksan

Enjoy a morning with your child in our ECD (ages 3-5).

Explore the world of the IB PYP! To register, contact us at admissions@dwight.or.kr or visit www.dwight.or.kr/admissions.

#PursueYourPassion

Music

Art

PE

Friday, March 17

9:00 - 10:20 a.m.

Dwight School Seoul

February / March 2017 discovery

ECD DAY

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SiWa activitieS

So You Think You Can Translate?

By Robbie Schuldt

You might think that just because your friend can speak more than one language, translation must be easy for her. But Sora Kim-Russell told SIWA members and guests who attended the Working Women’s Network event on Nov. 23 that that’s not necessarily the case.

Sora has translated several novels from Korean to English. She detailed the many steps she goes through, and how she learned from her first few projects to streamline her process. First, she reads the book thoroughly, thinking about the tone, and the translation challenges. Then she begins the translation. There are many aspects to characters in a book that come through only by the author’s word choice, such as: education level, respect, and vocabulary or word choice that reflects living in or growing up in a certain part of the world.

Front row, from left: Greta Tonnon (Interest Groups Chair), Minki Son and Robbie Schuldt Back row, from left: Michelle Morrison (WWN leader), Sora Kim-Russell, Anna Hyunsun and Youngsil Park

For example, how would you translate these sentences into another language?

1. You ain’t goin’ nowhere.

The use of the non-standard verb “ain’t” (declarative present tense of the verb “to be not” [and “to have not”] in all conjugations) conjures up an uneducated speaker, emphasis, or informal use by a speaker from the south or south-central parts of the USA. Dropping the final “g” in “going” is called “eye dialect” - the intentional misspelling of a word to reflect the speaker’s lack of education or intended humor. “Nowhere” introduces a double negative in the sentence, which should result in a positive (“You are going somewhere”) in standard English (but not in all languages). But as this sentence is far from standard, we get the sense that the listener is indeed “not going anywhere” if the speaker has anything to say about it.

2. I dare say, sir, that your philanthropic tendencies are most admirable.

The speaker respects the listener by calling him “sir,” and the language is formal and submissive (“dare say”). More colloquially, this same information could be communicated by saying “Thanks for your donation, man!”

3. When we discussed the Thanksgiving meal, Grandma offered “I’ll get a 20 pound bird.”

While Americans reading this sentence can easily understand it, the idea of the Thanksgiving holiday may need to be explained. The translator would need to consider converting the weight into kilograms, or simply saying “large.” And the “bird” is a “turkey” but may need to be explained, as it is not even a common meal in many cultures.

Sora pointed out that translation should be from a second language into one’s native language. Additionally, translators need to use proper spelling and punctuation for the native language. Spellings and even punctuation vary in American English, British English and Australian English. Here are some examples:

British:

‘While in hospital, the traveller learnt that the theatre staff were realising that the addition of colour to their “Wicked” advert would improve sales’, said Mr Hughes.

American: “While in the hospital, the traveler learned that the theater staff was realizing that the addition of color to their ‘Wicked’ advertisement would improve sales,”

discovery February / March 2017

said Mr. Hughes.

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Twelve differences in just one sentence! In the same language! Translators need to be aware of and enjoy these details.

If a Korean speaker and a non-Korean speaker are having lunch together and the non-Korean speaker needs a knife, the knife-needy friend might ask the Korean speaker to ask the wait staff to bring one to the table, and the Korean-speaking friend would likely be happy to help in this situation. Putting spoken language into another language is “interpreting,” while written language is “translated.” Interpreting one sentence for a friend may be easy, but professional interpreters have great challenges: following rapid speech and possibly know industry-specific terms. Interpreters also make quick decisions regarding how to communicate emotional language such as rudeness or elation.

What if the text you are given isn’t well written in the language of origin? Such as a website. Sora laughs and replies, “I hope to always have the choice of the jobs I accept.”

Resources

Translating resources recommended by Sora Kim-Russell, who teaches translation at the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation at Ewha Womans University and LTI Korea Translation Academy: - On Writing Well by William Zinsser - Explain English Grammar by George Yule - Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway

Robbie Schuldt, from the USA, has been a proud SIWA member since 2012. She has studied 10 languages and has worked as an editor.

The examples in this article, and any errors, are hers. Robbie has held several positions in SIWA and is currently Vendor Manager for Coffee Morning.

SIWA Interest Groups Book Club The Book Club meets every second Friday of the month in Hannamdong. SIWA Book Club is free and exclusive for SIWA members.

Coordinator: Ariane Amiot, bookclub@siwapage.com

SiWa activitieS

Past Interest Group Gatherings

Cultural Connection SIWA Cultural Connection group was formed to bring all of our different backgrounds together. Our purpose is to help one another understand and appreciate each other’s diverse culture.

Coordinator: Bockhee Lee, culturalconnection@siwapage. com

Community Service at Anna’s House soup kitchen

Community Service Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen or orphanage for infants.

Coordinators: Lydia Koh and Monica Park, communityservice@siwapage.com

International Culinary Exchange

Community Service at Anna’s House soup kitchen

Community Service at Anna’s House soup kitchen

The ICE program aims to share a culinary skills, food culture and traditional recipes among SIWA members. Come feed your soul and your belly.

Coordinator: Michelle Morrison, culinaryexchange@ siwapage.com

Korean-English Conversation Group If you would like to practice speaking Korean or English, please join our group. We will teach and encourage each other through our conversations.

Coordinator: Park KyungHee, conversation@siwapage. com

Moms and Tots This group provides an opportunity to meet other moms to form friendships and to meet playmates for your children.

Activities range from casual get-togethers at local play area to themed parties and much more.

Coordinator: Mhyla Borkowski, momsandtots@siwapage. com

Korean-English Conversation Festive Holiday Experiences

Korean-English Conversation Group

Photo Club The SIWA Photo Club is open to members who desire a more artistic and structured approach to creating photographs. The activities consist of an annual exhibition, technique workshop, critiques of each other’s works, gallery tour, and photo shoots. Possession of a camera is prerequisite. There will be some expenses, mainly, printing the photos and framing for the SIWA Exhibition.

Coordinator: Inyoung Choi, photoclub@siwapage.com

Transition Group

Moms & Tots Like Dalki Kids Cafe

Working Women’s Network

Moms & Tots Christmas Train Visit and Coffee

Moms & Tots Olympic Park & Picnic

Working Women’s Network is designed for women who prefer evening informational and networking events. The group gathers approximately once a month at a restaurant.

All are welcome!

Coordinator: Michelle Morrison, wwn@siwapage.com

February / March 2017 discovery

Korean-English Conversation Group

Every change in our lives results in challenging our old ways, going through chaos and finally adopting new ways.

SIWA Transition Group is a forum for members to support each other in making sense of their life transitions and finding adaptive strategies. Each member is invited to share their experiences and support others going through a similar situation. The group is led by SIWA members who are experts in transitions facilitating active discussions and learnings to foster personal growth. Core topics for discussions include; personal growth, crossing cultures, third culture kids (TCK) and family support.

Coordinator: Isabelle Min, transition@siwapage.com

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education

Make learning fun with Korean vocabulary Institutions 유치원

yuchiwon

Kindergarten

초등학교

chodeunghakgyo

Elementary School

중학교

junghakgyo

Middle School

고등학교

godeunghakgyo

High School

대학교

daehakgyo

College / University

대학원

daehakgwon

Graduate School Subjects 수학

suhak

Mathematics

과학

gwahak

Science

문학

munhak

Literature

물리학

mullihak

Physics

지리학

jirihak

Geography

경제학

gyeongjehak

Economics

경영학

gyeongyeonghak

Business Administration

In your school-bag 연필

yeonpil

Pencil

필통

piltong

Pencil-case

공책

gongchaeg

Notebook

교과서

gyogwaseo

Textbook

도시락

dosirak

Box Lunch

가방

gabang

Bag Roles 학생

hagsaeng

Student

선생님

seonsaeng-nim

Teacher

선배

seonbae

Senior

후배

hubae

Junior

WŽƉƵůĂƌ WƌŽǀĞƌď 서당개 삼 년에 풍월 읊는다

Seodanggae sam nyeon–ae pungweol eulmneundas

Compiled by: Sandhya Ramabadran SIWA Treasurer & an eager learner of Korean

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If one regularly exercises an activity or skill, he will eventually master it.

Practice makes perfect.

SiWa activitieS

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR

For more details on these and many other events, please visit our website: www.siwapage.com/activities/calendar

March 8 Annual General Meeting Join us for SIWA’s Annual General Meeting where we will take the time to review the past year.

March 10 Book Club The club meets once a month to discuss a book chosen by the group, an interesting mix of women from various backgrounds. The result is a deeper understanding of the book itself but also different cultures. March’s selection is “Colorless Tusukuru Tazaki” by Haruki Murakami

March 14 Coffee Morning Presentation AIWA members are invited to a combined associations coffee morning and presentation by AGIT founder Father Vincenzo. This event is hosted at the British Embassy. Pre-registration with the embassy is absolutely vital; walk-ins are not permitted. You will also need your passport or ARC for entry.

April 8 SIWA Charity Gala 2017 The gala will be an enchanting evening of exquisite cuisine, music and dancing under a full moon.

The evening will be enhanced by spectacular entertainment, raffle prizes, and much more.

Net proceeds from the evening including silent and live auction will be allocated to support local charities in Korea.

April 19 Coffee Morning Mingles Mingles are your chance to chat with your SIWA friends in your local area. There is no fee; you only pay for what you eat and drink. Held in several locations, you can attend the one most convenient to you.

April 24 Welfare Committee Meeting Are you interested in a unique opportunity to help provide direct assistance to some of the underprivileged members and communities in Korea?

SIWA’s Welfare Committee offers members a great way to contribute their background and perspectives in supporting local charity organizations. Participation is by invitation only. To request consideration, please email welfare@siwapage.com.

January 2017 discovery

27

education

Here’s Where to Study Painting or Pinot Noir in Seoul

By Monica Williams

Continuing education can be one of the best ways for an expat -- or a local-- to make good use of a stint in Seoul.

You can, of course, go the online route. Organizations like the Kahn Academy,Coursera.org, edX.org and Udacity.com offer hundreds of classes that you can screen at home, including Policy Lessons from S. Korea’s Development (edX), International Politics in the Korean Peninsula (edX) and Korean language (Coursera).

But if you want face-to-face action in your native language, you might to dig a little. The best places to start are at museums, universities and the government’s Seoul Global Center.

A growing number of individuals and organizations are offering classes that can make your stint more enjoyable. Here are a few:

Ceramics Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) offers free educational programming for foreigners, including ceramic modeling. The next class starts March 17 and runs through May 26. Visit their website or call 82-2-2124-8800.

Cooking If you like seafood, you can learn to make stir-fried chukumi (small octopus) and kongnamul (bean sprouts) rice at the Itaewon Global Village Center. Kongnamul is widely known as a cure for hangovers and a stress-reliever. The center will hold a Korean cooking class on chukumi and kongnamul at 10 a.m. on March 3 at Cheongjeonwon Cooking Studio near Ewha Womans University. The fee is 12,000 won. Sign up by emailing itaewongvc@yongsan.go.kr You can also learn to make a variety of Korean dishes at O’ngo Korean Culinary School in Jongno-gu. They offer hands-on cooking classes for beginners, families and professionals in English or Japanese. Choose from Korean staples such as japchae, spicy chicken, soft tofu stew and seafood pancakes. You’ll get to eat it all when you’re done cooking. Call O’ngo at 02-3446-1607.

Learn to make Korean staples like japchae and spicy chicken at O’ngo culinary school.

Dancing

Floral Arrangement

If all those EXO videos have you wanting to learn how to dance K-pop style, head over to the Negative Motion Dance in Seongdong-gu. The academy offers a range of classes in freestyle, girls’ hip-hop, modern, house and choreographed dance. Take single classes or sign up for a month and be the best dancer at the SIWA Gala this year.

Every Thursday, Kim Hea Sook teaches students how to beautify a room with Oriental floral arrangements. Students will learn about arrangement, centerpieces, making bouquets for gifts, creating piece for corner spaces and decorating using plants. The SIWA member has a graduate degree in horticulture and has been a SIWA instructor for 15 years. The 25,000-30,000 won class fee includes materials.

For more information, email greenheasook@hanmail.net or call 010-5551-7666.

discovery February / March 2017

If you prefer Western style arrangements, SIWA member Min Kyung Kim of Laura’s Flower Studio can show you how to make seasonal floral arrangements, wreaths, gift boxes or hand-tied bouquets. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. The next session starts March 21. For more information, email floristlaura@ gmail.com or call 02.322.0209.

Hanji

Jewelry Making

This class on hanji, or Korean traditional paper art, shows the student not only how to make beautiful lamps, trays and colorful boxes, but it demonstrates how to appreciate and understand Korean culture. Over the years, many SIWA members have taken classes with Mrs. Om, who is a member of the Paper Handcraft Instructor’s Society and has two decades’ experience teaching. Find OM’s Hanji Studio on Kakao or call 010-27863005.

Head to CYE Studio near MeaBong to make some real bling. Master jeweler and creative director YoungEun Choi, who sells her creations in high-end boutiques and depar tment stores, can teach you about silversmithing, goldsmithing, stone settings as well as gemology.

CYE Studio teaches the basics of jewelry making, including silversmithing, gemology and stone settings.

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Leather Making

The Seoul Global Center has been run by City Hall since 2008. The comprehensive support center offers a variety o f e d u c a t i o n p ro g r a m s, including multilevel Korean language courses, which are hugely popular and include preparation for the TOPIK exam. Classes are free but a 30,000 won refundable deposit is required.

If you’d like to try your hand at making a leather belt, bag or wallet, Chad Keane Atelier in Myeongdong offers classes on hand stitching and saddle stitching. After two to 12 months, you’ll have a nice addition to your wardrobe.

Classes are held in Korean and English. Start with a trial class, held every Sunday. Call 02777-9963.

SiWa activitieS

Korean

Chad Keane Atelier in Myeongdong offers classes on creating leather products.

Music The National Gugak Center offers a chance for foreigners in Korea to try playing Korea’s Gugak instruments and help them understand traditional Korean culture.

There are classes for three instruments offered: janggu, gayageum and haegeum.

The class will be offered every Saturday morning for two hours. After an 11-week course training with Gugak instruments, they will get to perform at National Gugak Center’s theater.

Classes are open twice a year in the first and latter half of the year, and they are taught in both English and Korean. All instruments needed during the classes are provided by the National Gugak Center.

If you were energized by the non-verbal showmanship, comedy and drama in NANTA, sign up for a class at NANTA Academy. The school offers classes for all ages and nationalities in drumming, dancing and more.The classes are taught by dancers from the performance but no experience is required.

Painting

Tae kwon do

Learn the art of porcelain painting –European style, Oriental style or modern style -- at Atelier Senan in Yongsangu. Email shanonj@naver.com or call 070.7552.8279.

Tae kwon do is the national sport of Korea and has been popular since the martial art was established in 1945. While most local tae kwon do classes are full of 5-year-old Korean-speaking boys, the Kumkang Taekwondo Center in Yangcheon-gu offers classes to adult foreigners. Not sure you’re up for the challenge?

Try a one-day trial: www.taekwontokorea.com/en; 02-2642-0692 The Namsangol Hanok Village in Jung-gun also offers tae kwon do-related programs in both English and Korean. The best part? It’s free. Sign up for an experience here and you may try your hand at board breaking. www.hanokmaeul.or.kr; 82-2-6674-4303

Tae kwon do is the national sport of Korea and has been popular since the martial art was established in the 1940s.

Yoga

Makgeolli, one of Korea’s traditional alcohols, is enjoying a renaissance.

Brewed from rice, water and nuruk, Learn all the foundations of brewing your own batch. SIWA member Julia Mellor, co-founder of Makgeolli Mamas and Papas (MMP) , can show you how. MMP even offers a brewing certificate program, which covers rice techniques, recipe development, nuruk, chemistry and distillation. Email mmpkorea@gmail.com.

New York Wholistic Care customizes yo g a f o r t h e c l i e n t ’s n e e d s.

Instructors can help cultivate your body’s natural flexibility. No one is too stiff for holistic yoga, they say.

Clients are evaluated before the exercises are tailored to their needs.

Email: help@nywc.co.kr or call 02792-2296.

Want to learn more about wine in a fun and interactive way? Vineworks Korea’s classes include the Beginner’s Guide to Wine, where they go over all the basics of enjoying a glass of wine. They also offer a wine and language class (for business) and wine tastings for professionals. Learn about all of their offerings at vineworkskorea.com or by calling 070-8953-0912. Cheers!

February / March 2017 discovery

Wine & Spirits

Vineworks Korea’s classes include the Beginner’s Guide to Wine.

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If you have the passion, commitment and are open to new thoughts, for serving the society meaningfully,

Join

SIWA welfare committee today!

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Write to welfare@siwapage.com or enroll at http://siwapage.com/join-siwa/volunteer/ and contribute to making the future of the under-privileged better.