Message from hlien

[Anonymous]

Like many new participants, I didn't know what to expect when I first signed up for the seminar. I knew I was going to learn more about Asia and was hoping to bring some ideas back to my classroom. But it was more than what I have bargained for.

First of all, I love the food and the refreshment!(Thank you, Catherine!)

In all seriousness, I was really impressed with the quality of the presentations. All the presenters were extremely knowledgeable, including our host. But I was even more impressed by their gracious and down-to-earth manner. I never felt that I was being lectured on as in the cases of some of my former professors. I can actually talk to all the presenters as though we were acquaintances.

The only regret I have is that my brain is not expanded enough to absorb all the knowledge that are being shared in the lectures. At times it seems too much to take-in with such a short span of time. Some of the lectures could have been, and probably are, meant to be digested in the course of weeks rather in a few intense hours. Perhaps this is specifically designed so that we will keep returning to the program in the future or at least explore the topics further on our own.

I love how we ended the program with a real visit to the Korean cultural center and the Getty's. It is both relaxing and educational. It's one thing about learning about 敦煌 in books and article, but there could be nothing better than seeing it up-close-and-personal. The experience in the caves - air-conditional mind you - is nothing short of a miracle. I felt as if I was going back in time to a far distance place that I have only heard of in myths and legends. Visiting the place in person is now on one of my bucket list.

Overall, this has been a fabulous experience. I felt like a little kid in a playground. It's great to be a student again. Thank you for the opportunity and all your hard work in making it happen.