AUS students explore Korean culture

Forty students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) spent their spring break learning about South Korea firsthand during a trip to Seoul April 3-10, 2015.

Organized by the Office of Student Affairs' (OSA) Student Multicultural Learning Program, the tour included visits to various cultural sites, including the main and largest palace where the students witnessed a royal guard changing ceremony. They also visited N Seoul Tower, one of the country's famous landmarks and the highest observation point in Seoul; Myeongdong in the center of the city; and Songdo with its Canal Walk Shopping Street and Presidential House Road. Other stops included Insadong Antique Alley, a uniquely constructed area for Korean antiques and artworks; Dongdaemun traditional market place; and the Korean Folk Village, which showcases the customs of the past generations through carefully preserved pottery, musical instruments, embroidery, and bamboo and wooden ware.

With South Korea being famous for K-pop, the students made sure they didn't miss out on the hologram musical show School of OZ. They also thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Lotte World, the world's largest indoor theme park, and Everland, an outdoor park famed for its night parades and laser shows. The students also attended a Nanta performance, the famous Korean nonverbal comedy cooking show. The trip concluded with a breathtaking dinner cruise across Han River.

"International cultural tours provide our students with a rich first-hand experience wherein they gain practical knowledge, skills and experiences that augment their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students. "It is quite impressive to witness how popular the Student Multicultural Learning Program has become and the high satisfaction rating we receive from participating students."

"I would like to thank OSA for the hard work they did did to make this trip a success," said Aaliah Al Aifan, a senior management student. "It was such an incredible trip with the most amazing people. I felt like we were one big family. I learned a lot about South Korea and its culture, and had so much fun at the same time. I encourage students to get involved with OSA because these are the things we will always remember."Accompanying the students were Dr. Al Shehhi; Munketh Taha, Director of Student Development and Organizations; and other OSA supervisors.