(Please forgive the horrible allusion to a book series for soon-to-be parents (which I have never read, thankfully), and the comedy film coming out this summer with the same title.)
But I want to talk about expectations.
Working in a study abroad office, I get to hear quite a lot about what students expect from a study abroad program. During pre-departure orientation, we actually ask students what their expectations are, culturally, socially, academically, and personally. Some students expect their lives to be changed--but they haven't given much thought as to what this might actually look like. Some students expect to learn a new language--but maybe haven't considered the difficulty of this task. Some students expect all play and no work--but quickly remember the word study in what they've signed up for.
Whatever the case, it is almost guaranteed that reality will not quite live up to expectations, or it won't look exactly like you might have imagined (right about now you should be thinking of that reality vs. expectations scene in 500 Days of Summer; if you aren't thinking of that, it means you haven't seen the film, and you should probably go watch it. After you read this post, of course). I learned this lesson at a young age; and for as long as I can remember, I have tried to not have expectations, so as to avoid preconceived ideas, notions or judgments--and to avoid disappointment.
Instead of expectations, I like to have goals. Having never been to Asia, much less South Korea, before, I have no idea what to expect. I have talked to some people about ways to prepare for the language and the culture, and I am slowly coming to an understanding of what my role as intern will be. But as far as what my days will look like, what my housing will be like, what my job will look like, what my life in Seoul will look like--I can hardly even begin to imagine! But goals--that is, the reasons I am stretching myself financially, challenging myself personally, and engaging myself professionally--are an entirely different story.
Realistic goals are something tangible that you yourself are in charge of. You have no control over the meeting of your expectations, but you have total control over setting and accomplishing goals. In order to hold myself accountable, I am going to list out some of my general goals here, for all of you to see. That way, if I don't feel like I've completed them by August 5th, I will not just be disappointing myself, but all of you as well.
My goals for my internship abroad at Sookmyung Women's University:
Personally, I want to further develop my independence, open-mindedness, self-awareness, cultural awareness, communication skills (including language!) and flexibility.
Socially, I want to meet new people and make new friends. I want to effectively balance staying connected with people "back home," and fully connecting and engaging with my "new (albeit temporary) home". I want to interact regularly with people who see differently from me, and learn from these interactions. I want to leave South Korea with friends that I will cherish forever.
Culturally, I want to be challenged in an environment that is unlike any that I have ever been in before. I want to be open to learn in a new way, and become as fully immersed as possible.
Academically, I want to be introspective during my internship, constantly reflecting on my experience and the role of higher education in South Korea. I want to study and learn about the higher education system in South Korea in order to gain a new perspective on higher education and student affairs.
Professionally, I want to represent the University of South Carolina, the HESA program, the USC Study Abroad Office, and the USA well--with pride, dignity, knowledge, and skill set. I want to be immersed in the professional culture of South Korea, and more particularly, in the higher education culture. I want to learn from my supervisors, coworkers, and students, and be the very best employee that I can be. I want to establish career connections within my field that I can utilize for the rest of my life.
Overall, I want to have a challenging, engaging, exciting, and rewarding experience. And as long as I stick to my goals, stay focused, am myself, and remain open, I am confident that these goals will be accomplished.
I am interested to hear YOUR thoughts! Do you tend to have expectations, or do you prefer to set goals? Would you care to share some of your expectations or goals for when you travel, study, or work abroad? And if you have any other ideas for me, I would love to hear them.
Love,
lvp
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