Networking with peers at an academic conference in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Thao Anh Tran

Between meeting and discussing with students across the globe my shared interest in East Asian affairs and seeing North Korea from the Peace Observatory in the DMZ, this past week served as an incredible learning opportunity for me.

As a recent graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs, I am particularly grateful for the financial support I received from the Elliott School Undergraduate Scholars Program. The funding enabled me to participate as a delegate in the Security workshop at the 2009 Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Academic Conference, which was held in Seoul from August 14th to August 17th. Every year HPAIR brings together hundreds of the brightest minds, both students and experts in the field of international relations for discussion on economic, political, and social issues pertinent to the East Asia-Pacific region.

Originally I was extremely worried that I would appear out of place when engaging in discussion of complex issues with future leaders in the field of international relations. Fortunately, my mind was immediately put to ease when I realized my familiarity with the topics of discussion

Continue reading: Presenting Elliott School Research in South Korea

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By Elizabeth Gerke

I am currently taking a course called Japanese Culture Through Film (JAPN 162) and I just wanted to let you guys know about it. We watch films made in Japan and discuss cultural themes presented through them. Topics include history, society, and anthropology such as time periods, gangs, traditions and modern aspects of life. Last semester I took a similar course called Chinese Culture Through Film and I also loved it. I highly recommend a course like these to help balance out your schedule, because they are usually offered at night and meet once a week for two and a half hours (most of the films are feature-length after all). Balancing out your schedule can really help with fitting in internships and other job opportunities. I have really enjoyed these courses and I hope this recommendation helps some of you out with your course options!

Elizabeth is a sophomore majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in Contemporary Cultures and Societies.  She is also pursuing a second major in Philosophy-Public Affairs and a minor in Applied Ethics.