Caroline: CP#3

Conversation Partner: Meeting #3

2/17/20

3:00-4:00PM

This past Monday, Soojin and I met at CIES to chat and help her continue to develop her conversational abilities. Considering we had not been able to meet for several weeks, there was a lot to catch up on. I asked her how her classes were going and if she felt nervous or overwhelmed for the coming weeks' final exams. She responded that she wasn't too worried, and was more excited for the trip she had planned for the short break following the conclusion of finals week. Still undecided between Atlanta and Las Vegas, we discussed the potential benefits of visiting both cities as well as the logistical aspect of traveling out of Tallahassee (Atlanta is decidedly closer and is driving distance whereas Las Vegas would require an extensive plane trip). Given that I am from Atlanta, I offered her some fun ideas for what to do in the city outside of the typical tourist attractions; some suggestions included the Beltline, Ponce City Market, and the Tiny Doors art installations. We then chatted about cultural differences in how Americans versus Koreans "party" as Soojin expressed confusion over the fact that Americans bring drinks to enjoy for themselves to parties, where in Korea it is customary to bring a drink to the host/hostess as a "thank you for having me over" type of gift. Finally, I told her how I had my wallet stolen the previous weekend and we lamented together over having to get new credit cards when ours were taken. Soojin told me how nervous she was talking to a customer service rep over the phone in her second language and how she practiced several times before finally making the call. Overall, we had a great time catching up and I am excited to hear about which vacation destination she ended up choosing at the start of the new session next week.