Finals Week AND My Final Week (in Korea)

Hello hello!

It is finals week and also my last full week in Seoul. I won't lie, I have not felt homesick even once during my time here (except missing my cat sometimes). It's beginning to solidify in my mind that I'll be flying back home and leaving Korea next week. I now have to think about things like: Will all my stuff fit in my suitcases? Will I be able to clear my fridge in time? Do I have space for more gifts? What time should I get to the airport? What places should I revisit before leaving? What foods should I eat again before leaving? When is everyone free for a final get together?

It actually makes my stomach hurt thinking about having to say final goodbyes soon. I've made so many lifelong friends here. I hope we can all keep in touch and meet up in the future. Many tears will be shed for sure.

Photo booth with my best friend I've made here! Fun fact: this was our first photo booth with just the two of us together!

I've learned so many things studying abroad and I don't regret it for a second. As I transition in to my senior year of college, studying abroad has given me important insights on how to be an adult with adult responsibilities. I'm glad I was given a chance to experience this all while still being a student.

I will miss many things about Korea. Mostly, I will miss how easy it is to get to and from different places via public transport. There are new places to explore every week here. I don't really like driving everywhere back at home, so easy public transport is so important to me. I also grew up in South Carolina all my life so I've basically experienced everything there is to experience. Another thing I will miss is how easy it is to order food via order kiosks at restaurants and cafes. I hope order kiosks become more common in the states. I'll also miss all the 24 hour cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Those were pivotal to my midterm/finals studying process. I will miss all of the photo booths and pop-up stores. I will miss the convenience stores. I will miss the cafe culture so much. I'll also miss all of the parks (also pivotal to my studying process, I like to stroll at night for stress relief) and exercise equipment at the parks.

Walking home in the AM after studying at a 24hr cafe!

Photo booth the morning of Ipselenti (festival where Kpop idols come to perform)

Last time going to Metcha :(((

I think what I'm looking forward to most back in the states is having a proper shower and not having to stand in a wet room. I also missed my bedroom and my kitchen. Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and family again and showing them all the gifts I got them. I am also looking forward to my full closet again, hahaha. I need to get back to the gym (there are gyms in Korea but let's be real why would I work out when I can do other things in Seoul), so that's another thing I'm excited about. I'm excited to see all my other IB friends that studied abroad in other countries like Hong Kong and Japan!