Studying abroad in South Korea has motivated students to step out of their comfort zones. Without a doubt, adapting to a new language and getting used to a new culture is challenging. However, despite all these difficulties, there are also upsides to studying abroad. Here are the stories of international students studying abroad.
As an American institution in South Korea, George Mason University Korea has been welcoming international students from different parts of the world. When mentioning their experiences in South Korea so far, student Angie Bhattarai (Information Systems and Operations Management, ’19) gladly shared that, “I am enjoying my stay here a lot. I have tried some street food in Myeongdong and Hongdae. The Incheon K-pop concert that our school brought us to see was also really fun!” Another student, Rachel Brockman (Management, ’19), has conquered hiking Gwanak mountain in Seoul. Traveling and hiking in a more rural area of South Korea is on her study abroad checklist. “I’ve heard that the views there are beautiful, and so far, I have not been disappointed.”
Despite of those interesting experiences students have had so far, there are still some downsides of studying abroad that students have been struggling with. Culture shock can be one of the major experiences that students face when coming to study in a different country. “I have experienced some culture shock, mainly relating to the social norms surrounding gender here. It’s a bit tough to get used to, but I am appreciating how far South Korea has come in this regard,” Rachel Brockman said.
Language barrier is also one of the difficulties students is facing while living in South Korea. Morgan McCarthy (Government and International Politics, ’21),
mentioned about her difficulties in meeting people and making friends in school because of the language barrier. This also extends to outside of school. “Taking public transportation requires me to know some specific phrases in Korean”, said a student from Thailand, Sasima Nuntavijan (Information Systems and Operations Management, ’19). “For example, I need to communicate with the driver in Korean when taking a taxi. It is difficult to overcome.”
Indeed, there are some hardships in culture shock that students have to face, but culture shock can also be interesting. Rachel found out that people are a lot more trusting in South Korea. “I can leave my paid groceries out while using the restroom without worry of anyone stealing it.” An Ethiopian student from SUNY Korea, Tiya Jarso, also shared that upon all countries she has visited so far, she found South Korea to be one of the safest places.
Living in a country with a different culture is not easy, but it can still serve to be a valuable experience for young students. “I would highly recommend study abroad to other students!” Angie Bhattarai exclaimed. “This is my first study abroad experience, and if I knew how it would have been, I would have studied abroad earlier. Studying abroad is the easiest way to be able to study and travel, meet other students, understand a new culture, learn a new language and make memories!”
Ya-En Sie | Reporter
ysie@masonlive.gmu.edu
Commenti