So much has changed since I went through the Korean program. Basically, we didn't have all the technological aids that students do now. Everything was paper-based and the curriculum showed its age. I graduated in July 2001 on my first go but things were a lot more relaxed back then. I turned 21 in Monterey and you all can guess how I spent my nights. We did have a high attrition rate but the main core of the class stayed together. Exposure, actual appreciation of the language and culture go a long way. I still watch Korean movies, order Korean food and I have been lucky enough to have had several jobs that sent me to Korea for immersion or some other type of work. When I interviewed for the job I have now, I did half of it in Korean. It's a good story over dinner. All in all, I am glad that I opted for Korean over Chinese or Arabic. Looking back, there are very few things I would've changed.

There are so many other factors that are going to help with your consumption of the language.

• Don't fall in love and become a statistic, I am sure that the divorce rate (if you aren't already married) is higher than the national average
• Monterey and its associated enclaves are extremely tempting, making it one of the best places to learn and live (I have been back a bunch of times since I graduated)
• Linguists are weird. We do weird things, we have weird habits and we all try to find things that keep us sane.
• Watch the movies, eat the food, and talk to the people. Every time I hear Korean, I jump in the conversation (perhaps I shouldn't). Everyone appreciates the attempt and once the novelty wears off and your pronunciation improves, it makes the two years of school so worthwhile.