”Should I do it?” Jane asked herself. 

She had always been interested in Korean culture. It was something she found interesting given the fact that she lived her whole life in the UK. Their language, their history, their customs, their music (oh their music, their k-pop artists!)… It was basically their whole life that caught her attention. That is why she chose Korean Studies as her major in college. She was one of the best students. Teachers always praised her for being a model student and she felt happier than ever. That is why when one of her teachers told her about a scholarship to study in South Korea she was overjoyed. But after a few hours she started to have second thoughts. What about her family? What about her friends? Was she really ready to leave her home and depart to a foreign country which – even though she loved-  was far away from home and she barely knew anyone who lived there(she became friends with a few  exchange students who came to her college the year before).

“I should probably call my mum. I need to ask her opinion on this.” And that is what she did.

“Hi mum! How are you?”

“Hello dear! I’m good. You know, work is tough these days, but it is nothing I can’t handle. How are you? How was your day?”

“It was really good. Kind of the usual, I went to classes then I went to the cafeteria, I had something to eat… bla bla bla. But something happened today.”

“Oh, what is it honey?”

“One of my teachers told me about this scholarship to Korea. He said he never thought a student deserved it more than me and that I should apply. He’ll help me with the application process and all.”

“That is great, I am so happy about it! But what’s troubling you?”

“Well, I’m not sure if I should apply. I mean, I think I would like it, but…”

“No buts! Does this opportunity make you feel excited?”

“Yes.”

“Would you be happy if you went to Korea?”

“I guess so…”

“Then what are you afraid of? Honey, if you want to, you should apply. And if you won’t like it there, you can always come back home.”

“You’re talking as if I was already accepted.”

“If you don’t get that scholarship than I don’t know who will.”

“Your confidence in me is through the roof.”

“My daughter is the best no matter what anyone says.”

“What will dad say?”

“I’m sure your dad agrees with me. You know we’ll always be there for you. No matter what you do and what happens you’re our daughter and we love you. So shut up and tell your teacher that you want to apply.”

“Yes mum. Thank you! You’re the best!”

“Yes, yes, I know. What was that song again? The one from the Korean girl group you kept singing around the house.”

“Naega jeil jal naga. From 2NE1 mum.”

“Yes, yes, that one. By the way, you have your singing lesson today, right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m so excited; the teacher says I’ve really improved. Though it’s only a hobby, I feel good about the fact that I’m improving. That way I’ll be able to sing my future child lullabies.”

“That good voice of yours will help you in the future, mark my words! But don’t you think I’m too young to have grandchildren?”

“Come on mum, not now! Sometime in the future.”

“I know, I know, I’m just messing with you. Now call that teacher of yours and tell him that you’re applying for the scholarship.”

“Yes mum. Thank you again. I’ll talk to you soon!”

“Take care of yourself. Make sure you eat right!”

“I will. Bye!”

“Bye Jane!”

Her mother always knew how to encourage her. Jane always thought she was extremely lucky to have such a wonderful mother. And now she was sure. She would apply for the scholarship and with a little luck she would go to Korea. And who knows, maybe her mother was right. Maybe she will like it there.

She decided to call her teacher before going to her singing lesson. He would surely be happy with her decision.

“Hello, Mr. Park! This is Jane Welding.”

“Annyeong Jane! What can I do for you?”

“Well, I decided I want to apply for the scholarship.”

“This is great news. I’m really happy you decided to apply. I’m sure you’ll get the scholarship and that you will like it in Korea. It’s a great country with nice people.”

“It’s your home country; of course you would say that.”

“I’m not saying it just because it’s my home country. I’m saying it because it’s true. Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow at school and we’ll talk more about it.”

“Of course. Thank you again. Annyeong haseyo Mr. Park!”

“Annyeong haseyo Jane!”

She then texted her best friend, Emma, telling her about the scholarship. Soon she received a reply:

“So you really want to study there, don’t you? I’m happy for you. Tell me more about it later.”

She knew Emma since she was 3. Emma did not always understand her liking of Korean culture but supported her nonetheless. She was majoring in business and was already approached by different companies offering her internships. She, however, refused them all saying that she was waiting for “the one”.

It was three months later that she received an e-mail telling her that she got the scholarship and was accepted into a top Korean university. A month later she was at the airport together with her parents and her best friend, Emma.

“Call me as soon as you land Jane” said her mother.

“I promise I will!”

“Don’t let any of those weird boys come near you! Especially that blue haired one who calls himself blouse or something”, her dad jokingly threatened.  

“Daaad! I’m 21years old, I think I am old enough to meet boys. And it’s T.O.P. And he’s not blue-haired anymore. Besides, he’s a famous rapper; I doubt I’ll ever meet him!”

“Okay, okay, I’m just saying. You’re still my little girl.”

“Don’t forget about your best friend once you get there and start having fun” said Emma.

“You know I could never do that. We’ll talk on Skype often.”

She then hugged them all and bade them good-bye.

“Good-bye! I’ll miss you all!”

“Good-bye! Have a safe flight and make sure to call. We love you!”

It was the last call for her flight. She boarded the plane and prepared herself for the 11 hour-long flight.  She put her ear-buds in and unknowingly fell asleep. When she woke up she looked at the flight guide and saw that they were only 2 hours away.

Soon, the plane landed. As she stepped out of the plane she thought to herself “Well, this is it! My new home. Welcome to Korea Jane!”