As i write this short review of my voyage to South Korea and Hong Kong as part of my university’s program to learn more of a another country’s politics, way of life, education, culture and so on, i think to myself what have i received from this so called educational excursion. Well shopping seems to be one of my least interests for it is of minimal importance for me (except perhaps purchasing some souvenirs for me and the people back home). But this seems to be the opposite for many of my friends for shopping to them seems to be a must. And believe it or not, this so called educational excursion study is all about that. So..what have i received?
Yes..the infamous excursion study, where the students are supposedly have the chance to learn more about the country they visit, the culture, the politics, the people, the history or in short everything about the country. Yes, yes..i myself am aware the dullness of this topic for many of us(or at least for most Indonesians). But if the reason of we, the students of the International Relations Department, Parahyangan Catholic University, are supposedly to learn about the country we visit, shouldn’t we do so? Is the name excursion study just a glamorous wrapping so that our parents can finance our visit to these amazing countries?
Truth be told, i am disappointed (yes, i am very much aware that i am one the committees that planned this visit, but i was not told that we had so little time at wonderful places such as museums, ancient palaces, historical places, etc).
No..please don’t get me wrong. i’m not trying to be a smart ass nor am i trying to be a hypocrite but i, other than buying the usual souvenirs and some little shopping(i just bought some t-shirts for souvenirs and two hats for God sakes), I wanted to learn about the country i visited, i wanted to see it’s culture, it’s traditions, i wanted to learn of it’s history, it’s wars, it’s joys, i wanted to go to museums and stay their for at least two full hours, i wanted to see traditional dance shows, to see its beauty. I wanted to see South Korea with all it’s bells and whistles.
But as you have already guessed, this was not the case, and yes this short review has become more of a critic (a critic to me for not finding out the details), which i hope my juniors will read and learn, IF (and that’s a big if) they really want a proper excursion study. To learn about the country they visit, not just mere shopping.
mala fide – dengan itikad jahat
