Midterm Question 3

D.C is the most unfriendly city in the USA.
http://m.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2010/12/170_47829.html

Midterm Question 2

1. The car parked out front is blue.
2. It was 2:32 when the picture was taken.
3. St. Paul's chapel sits in front of the WTC site.
4. There are about 22 people on the bus from what you can see. Three people were wearing sunglasses.

Midterm Question 1

The sudden drop in the graph occurs in 2006. This is due to economic problems and the economy dropping, kind of like a mini depression. Statistics on a graph can help explain important historical events by showing how things changed over the years. An example is a graph that has to do with things during the Civil War or one of the World Wars. You would see a drop or decrease on the graph.

Language and Experience Interview Questions

Kristen Kohles

January 9, 2010

Human Geo

Language and Experience Interview Questions

            For this project, I choose to interview Ho Jin Hong. Ho Jin is from Seoul, Korea. Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea. With a population of over ten million, it is one of the largest cities in the world. I asked him some questions over Facebook. Facebook is an easy way for Ho Jin, and other students from all over the world, to connect with their friends from America and their home countries.

1. Was it difficult to learn English?

-Yes, it took me a while. English has so many rules and exceptions for all the words.

2. In what ways have you benefited from learning the language?

-It will benefit in future, when I grow up it makes me to find job easily. I think learning English is precondition now.

3. Do you still speak your primary language at home or with family and friends? Why / Why not?

-Yes because it's more comfortable than speak English.

4. How did you come to go to school in the United States? 

-Because my uncle is living in America and I think I can learn English more quickly in America. 

5. What are some of the differences between an American school and a school in your home country?

-In my home country there are 2 big tests for each semester and few homework, homework doesn't affect the grade and not much school club of sports team but in America has only one big test in one semester but has lots of homework have to involve in school club for college.

6. Do you like John Carroll?

-Kind of, it’s just hard to get used to.

7. What is your favorite part about living in America now?

-None, I miss Korea. It’s hard to change countries and lifestyles.

8. Do you miss Korea, and if so, what do you miss the most?

-Yes, my friends and family, all.

9. What was the hardest part about switching schools and countries?

-Culture and language, mostly culture.

10. Was it easy for you to make friends at John Carroll?

-No it is hard because I feel so different.

11. Are classes and schoolwork hard to understand sometimes?

-Sometimes but I just have to go to the teacher to understand work.

12. What’s your favorite subject to learn at school? And why?

            -Math and because it’s similar to how it was taught in Korea. Also, it is my best subject.

13. How long do you plan on staying in America?
            -I'll leave America after graduate college

14. Do you find yourself getting home-sick a lot?

            -Yes all the time.

15. Does hearing “slang” at school make learning English that much harder?

            -Yes sometimes it confuses me and I don’t know what they are saying.

16.  What/who do you feel helps you get through a day at John Carroll?

            - It is good to know that there are other students from other countries there with me too. I am friends with them because they understand me and how hard it is to fit in at new school, in new country. This is why we get along good, they are my friends.

17. Are there any sports/activities/hobbies you did in Korea that America doesn't have or does differently?

-I did Ping-Pong in Korea there is no Ping-Pong team in here.

18. What are some new experiences you have had in America that don't exist in Korea?
            -Stuck in house.

19. Are you learning any other languages other than English or do you want to learn any other languages?

-I learned Chinese, I want to learn Japanese.

After hearing some of Ho Jin’s responses, it really got me thinking. I couldn’t even imagine leaving America and having to go to school in a strange place, where I know no one. Learning a whole new language wouldn’t even be the toughest part. Culture is the biggest difference between countries. In Korea, housing and dress has a great impact on their culture. In Korea, clothing reflects social rank of a person and his /her class position. In contrast, clothing in America reflects personal identity and unique taste of a person rather than his location in society. Modern Korean food is: rice, beans, barley and seafood. In contrast, American food culture is based on fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Burger King (hamburgers, salads and baked potatoes). There is also a great difference between music, literature and movie industries. Many Koreans prefer comedies and dramas while Americans value thrillers and soap operas. Other things such as hobbies,education, and religion would be hard to convert to in a different Country also. I give the exchange students a lot of credit because living in a different country, with knowing only a few people has to be scary, confusing/frustrating, but at the same time, a life-changing experience.

(Seoul Korea- Night life)

(Seoul Korea)

My Exchange Trip To Ethiopia

Dear Journal,

So far, this experience in a whole other country has been very inspiring, changing, and adventurous. Life here is so completely different then home that one would have to actually be here to fully understand. It's so sad to see starving children and adults everywhere i look. But what is really good, is to have a great host and all of her friends helping me have a good time while I'm here. My host, Berta, is the most inspiring person I have come across yet, during my stay in Ethiopia.I am staying with her family in their home in Jimma, the largest city in Ethiopia. Even though their home is made of mud and sticks, like the many other homes in the city, the family accepts their living conditions and never complains. Berta's house is one of the nicer ones, with cements floors. It is one floor with three rooms. Ethiopians have a habit of painting their homes in bright colors, which i have noticed, considering the one I am staying in is bright green.

The day I arrived in Ethiopia, Berta and her family gave me an Ethiopian name that they could call me to make me feel more at home. They chose "Desta", which means happiness. Also, the food here isn't bad at all. The meals usually consist of a vegetable and meat and a side of bread. Also, many different types of spices and honey are almost always used. I can't believe I only have three days left, I'm really going to miss Berta's moms cooking!

Another thing I have really enjoyed about Ethiopia is how they play soccer. I'm a big soccer fan and found it interesting how they can have just as much fun playing on dirt in bare feet, as we can in cleats and on a field. Everyday right before dinner, Berta takes me to me up with all her friends and the kids in the city to play a big game of soccer. It's really fun and alot of the kids are surprisenly very good at soccer, especially because they basically taught themselves and learned without any training like we have in America.

Most of the transportation in Ethiopia is done by bus because they are no railroads and most people can't afford air travel or a car. Today, Berta is taking me on a bus ride around the city so she can show me around a little more. Then we will probably go to the market with her mom to get some things for dinner tonight. Berta says the bus rides in Ethiopia Can be very lively and entertaining, and sometimes, hot crowded, and frustrating. Most of the busses are in poor condition and make short trips take a long time. But I guess it's all an experience I'm willing to try! 

I am having a great time and am learning many different things about a whole new culture. I don't want to go home yet, but can't wait to tell my family all about it!

Desta

Lip Plates

It is a cultural tradition for the people of Ethiopia to have "lip plates." This body modification is found attractive in their culture and a way to respect themselves and their religion and beliefs. About 6 to 12 months before marriage, the woman's lip is pierced by her mother or one of her kinswomen, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. The initial piercing is done as an incision of the lower lip of 1 to 2 cm length, and a simple wooden peg is inserted. After the wound has healed, which usually takes 2 or 3 weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her plate by herself and takes pride in including some ornamentation. 

Mexcio Presentation

Migrant Workers
Kristen Kohles, Giana Langrehr, Brian Matejevich, Sam Foard, Katie Davis

South Africa