Alicia Marksberry

Tell us about your experiences since leaving KU

After graduating from KU, I took a half of a gap year and travelled to South Korea the fall of 2021. I was not able to study abroad in Korea during my time at KU, so I went for three months alone without attending a university or program. I stayed in a dorm/hostel in Seoul and explored the city.

In February 2022 I became the communications coordinator for KU Libraries. Although I am not using my EALC major in this position, I remain interested in Korea and EALC. My hope is to return to Korea or travel to Japan after the pandemic.

Tell us about your time studying in EALC

My focus in the EALC department was Korean. My Korean language and culture classes were the highlights of my time as a student. Professor Lee and Professor Yun are fantastic instructors and made the classes extremely enjoyable and educational.

I made some very close friends through the Korean language program at KU. We had a lot of fun playing games in class and studying together. I also had a lot of fun visiting the Korean language table every week. It was a fantastic time to practice Korean and play with friends. The Korean program at KU was very educational, supportive, and welcoming.

I also of course vastly improved my Korean language skills. When I visited Korea, people were very surprised to hear that everything I learned came from the classroom. I told them it was because I had a wonderful Korean language professor.

I also really enjoyed my Korean culture classes. I learned so much from Professor Yun, especially in her colonial Korea class and her Korean anthropology course. The readings were so impactful, and I was able to learn so much about Korea.

I also really enjoyed a Korean art and culture course I took with Professor Stiller. Although I know nothing about art history, this course was accessible, and I learned so much. I especially enjoyed that Professor Stiller included modern North Korean art. I also enjoyed my modern Japanese fiction and film course with Professor Mizumura. It truly expanded my horizons and I lead me to start reading more Japanese novels on my own time.

Inspiring thoughts

If you have any interest in EALC, I strongly recommend joining the program. The professors are extremely supportive, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The language classes are rigorous, but so rewarding. You will have a fantastic time and will learn so much from the diverse and unique EALC classes offered in the department. In my opinion, it is truly one of the best EALC programs in the county. Majoring or minoring in EALC at KU will open so many doors and expand your world view.