Free Fieldtrip

If you wanna see Taekwondo performances for free, you gotta divorce that lazy weekend bed and prepare for this free field trip organized by KINSA (Korea International Students Association).

Phew...there are so many free stuff to enjoy in Korea. Things that I miss back there.

Work, Internship in Korea

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are hiring interns and full-time employees. Check out the positions at http://www.mytoctoc.com/samsung-electronics-global-internship-and-full-time-positions/ andhttp://www.mytoctoc.com/lg-electronics-2012-recruitment-for-foreign-students/

Rent-to-own Condos in Manila

Remember: The population of the Philippines will continue to increase despite the RH Bill. They will find places to live in, dorms to stay in. Why not invest in a condo now? Space Manila and Space Romualdez start at 7,600php. No downpayment. No balloon pay. Just rent-to-own scheme. Delivered fully furnished with aircon, tv, fridge, microwave, beds, etc. See Albums for more details.

click on the links below for 

1. detailed visual presentation of a) Space Manila (Ermita, Manila) and b) Space Romualdez (E. Rodriguez, Manila)   a. https://www.dropbox.com/s/9f0hfc2vmuv9o8t/SPACE%20PRESENTATION%20-%2016March2012.pdf
   b. https://www.dropbox.com/s/xyqzrg90bu7h0oh/Space%20Romualdez%20Presentation_Aug10.pdf
2. automatic Excel file calculator
    *https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjnqjl0larh48ca/Space%20Romualdez%20-%2010August2012.xlsx
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Space Romualdez (E. Rodriguez, Manila)

Space Manila (Ermita, Manila)

UPCAT Essay Questions

Do you like or hate the UPCAT essay questions? I found them leveling the playing field for students of different backgrounds: "Narrate the conversation when you encounter an alien." Not that it's a no-brainer. Just think what this question measures. A lot more than rational-calculative, abstract, or purely conceptual questions can. 

The essay questions were:
1. "Tell a lie about yourself and prove it"
-I'd open my essay with "I lie every weekend" (The Liar Paradox) 

2. "Narrate the conversation when you encounter an alien."
-A blabber on existentialism and then end it with a twist that I was talking with an alien/alternate psyche that exists in my head (not an actual alien, but an alien form of my usual, socially defined self)
3. "If your crush says that he/she loves you, will you say you love him/her, too?"
-It depends if he's a guy or girl who confessed to me. A blabber on gender freedom and love, on opportunities and constraints.
4. "What is your favorite study tool?"
-My seatmates. A talk on collaborative learning. Expand the essay on the value of social networking sites.

I'm sorry. But the question haters don't deserve to be in UP.

Summer Activity in Korea

One of the things I like most in Korea is that there are many things to do in weekends and during vacation. International students can immerse in cultural and historical environments for free (Buddhist temple stay, fruit/veggie picking on farms, homestay programs, Kimchi making, etc). Since it's the official week of vacation, why not try signing up for KINSA's program? 

Send your application to keis2012@gic.or.kr

with your name, university, nationality, cell phone number and perhaps a short reason for why you should be selected to join the activity.

Korea Scholarship 2013

Admissions Guide for International Students for 2013 Spring Semester

1. About the Graduate School of Korean Studies

 The Graduate School of Korean Studies (“GSKS”) aims at nurturing scholars who will contribute to the development and globalization of Korean studies. Since its establishment in 1980 as Korea’s first professional school dedicated exclusively to Korean studies, the GSKS has provided intensive research-oriented education through eminent professors’ close mentoring of students in the fields of humanities and social sciences related to Korea. As a result, not only the GSKS has gained a worldwide reputation for its high standard and quality education, but also graduates of the GSKS are playing pivotal role in widening and deepening Korean studies all over the world with their academic excellence. Currently, approximately 270 students, including about 130 international students from 35 different countries, are enrolled in the master’s and doctoral degree programs and research (non-degree) program at the GSKS.

2. Key Attributes

 ◦ Tuition fees are fully waived for international students.

 ◦ The Government Grant of KRW750,000 per month per person is provided for selected students.

 ◦ Free Korean Language courses are provided to train international students to be more competent at and confident in reading/writing/listening/speaking Korean and eventually help them achieve their academic goals.

 ◦ On-campus dormitory accommodations are available at the rate of KRW463,500 per person per semester (equivalent to 6 months), double occupancy.

 ◦ Most courses are attended by both Korean and international students, encouraging culturally and academically challenging atmospheres.

 ◦ A 4:1 student-faculty ratio enables close one-to-one guidance of students by professors.

 ◦ Various kinds of courses are available including major courses, interdisciplinary courses, fieldwork and individualized courses with a student‘s own topic and research plans.

 ◦ Students may earn credits by publishing articles in accredited academic journals or participating in AKS‘ research projects.

3. Program Overview

 ◦ Minimum requirement of enrollment: Students must enroll in the program for 2 years in order to be conferred a master‘s degree, and 3 years for a doctoral degree.

  ◦ An academic year consists of two semesters, which are Spring Semester (from March 1 to August 31) and Fall Semester (from September 1 to the end of February the following year).

  ◦ Courses are provided for 15 weeks per semester.

 Admissions Guide for International Students for 2013 Spring Semester

1. About the Graduate School of Korean Studies

 The Graduate School of Korean Studies (“GSKS”) aims at nurturing scholars who will contribute to the development and globalization of Korean studies. Since its establishment in 1980 as Korea’s first professional school dedicated exclusively to Korean studies, the GSKS has provided intensive research-oriented education through eminent professors’ close mentoring of students in the fields of humanities and social sciences related to Korea. As a result, not only the GSKS has gained a worldwide reputation for its high standard and quality education, but also graduates of the GSKS are playing pivotal role in widening and deepening Korean studies all over the world with their academic excellence. Currently, approximately 270 students, including about 130 international students from 35 different countries, are enrolled in the master’s and doctoral degree programs and research (non-degree) program at the GSKS.

2. Key Attributes

 ◦ Tuition fees are fully waived for international students.

 ◦ The Government Grant of KRW750,000 per month per person is provided for selected students.

 ◦ Free Korean Language courses are provided to train international students to be more competent at and confident in reading/writing/listening/speaking Korean and eventually help them achieve their academic goals.

 ◦ On-campus dormitory accommodations are available at the rate of KRW463,500 per person per semester (equivalent to 6 months), double occupancy.

 ◦ Most courses are attended by both Korean and international students, encouraging culturally and academically challenging atmospheres.

 ◦ A 4:1 student-faculty ratio enables close one-to-one guidance of students by professors.

 ◦ Various kinds of courses are available including major courses, interdisciplinary courses, fieldwork and individualized courses with a student‘s own topic and research plans.

 ◦ Students may earn credits by publishing articles in accredited academic journals or participating in AKS‘ research projects.

3. Program Overview

 ◦ Minimum requirement of enrollment: Students must enroll in the program for 2 years in order to be conferred a master‘s degree, and 3 years for a doctoral degree.

  ◦ An academic year consists of two semesters, which are Spring Semester (from March 1 to August 31) and Fall Semester (from September 1 to the end of February the following year).

  ◦ Courses are provided for 15 weeks per semester.

A Chance to Fly to South Korea

A forwarded post from the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines is pleased to announce the invitation of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea to participate in the 2012 Youth Camp for Asia’s Future. Seven young people between 18 and 24 years ...old from each of the 23 Asian countries are expected to join this camp which will take place on August 6-20, 2012 in Seoul, Yeosu and Jeju Islands. Camp details and application requirements are outlined in the files attached. You may submit your application to the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, 2/F Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City NOT later than June 15, 2012, 12:00NN. Priority shall be given to applicants who have no previous visit experience to Korea; have achieved award/s from any contest related to Korea; have studied Korean/Korean studies; with a letter of recommendation from the school/university/company head; and with an ability to present a traditional performance on stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.