By Morré Frédérique 

Junior Editor, GSIS Newsletter

Every semester the GSA team organizes a Membership Training (colloquially known as an MT), which is a two-day excursion for students to get together to socialize and have the opportunity to get to know each other better. Whilst these are usually meant for newcomers to get into the university spirit and to break the ice, all GSIS students are allowed and encouraged to participate in order to establish or rekindle friendly relationships with their peers. 

From scenic riverside photos to energetic karaoke sessions, and late-night bonding over food, games, and Korean drinking traditions, the Fall MT weekend was packed with fun and camaraderie.

This Fall Semester the MT took place on the weekend of the 14th-15th of September, in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi province. The venue was set near the river, and also included a large field, which was perfect for the events that the GSA team had prepared for the group.

The bus arrived in Yangpyeong around 14:30, and after some much welcomed snacks most students decided to go near the river to take pictures, and to take in the beautiful environment. At 17:00, after getting settled in the venue and some downtime, the students started the ice breaking games and karaoke to warm up the voice for the main event: the cheering practice to prepare for the upcoming Yonko games. Everyone participated with great enthusiasm, glad to be made more familiar with the iconic cheers that are used during the sports events, and new friendships were formed both on the field and back inside where the singing continued.

Around 19:45 it was time for dinner and a group picture in front of the venue. Students were served barbecue, alongside a variety of banchans. Naturally, beer and soju were provided for those who wanted. Thanks to the warm atmosphere that had been established previously, students felt comfortable teaching each other Korean drinking games such as Bunny Bunny and Ddalgi, and the food was accompanied with plenty of laughter.

Around 21:00 the students went back into the venue and had an enjoyable time all night long. They played plenty of games, taught each other beer pong, and sang together until the sunrise. The GSA team was proud to announce that by the time they finally turned off the karaoke, they had successfully used up around 800 minutes of their given time, which seems to have been a record-breaker.

A quick survey of some participants revealed that this may have been one of the most successful MTs that have been organized in the last few years, and it has sparked everyone’s enthusiasm for the Spring Edition. Great thanks to the GSA team who made this possible, and to all of the participants who made sure this MT was a warm, welcoming and safe space for all the students!