Korea : A journey of culture—- contd
Posted on May 31, 2008
Filed Under Guest Columnist | 4 Comments
Submitted by Wendy Loh
Being an international student in Korea
It is global culture. It is indeed a unique chapter of my life to meet friends from all around the world during my time of exchange study. From curious to understand, from surprise to acceptance, being an exchange student has widened my eyes and heart to be able to live well in a globalised world. Moreover, it is even more precious with a tint of Korean culture, a hegemonic and united country that I have never experienced so far. It may seem incompatible in international study of mine; however, it is in fact a good contrast to experience cultural differences.
It is almost two different worlds I live – International house and Korean society. In the international house, it is mainly English speaking. Students from all around the world are sharing their culture, language, study and most importantly, how do they think of Korea from a foreigner’s point of view. Most of us feel somewhat difficult to communicate with Korean friends as they care about their manners and try not to be critical and straightforward in which they regard it as an offensive and rude behaviour. It is often after a stretched introduction then to extract what do they really mean. Besides, the stress and pressure that most Koreans are under in their study is also bizarre to us. It is hard to relate to their mentality as it is not a pleasant way of study.
Cultural differences are the main difficulty most foreigners face in Korea. It is due to the cohesive and hegemonic culture is deeply rooted in the society. For example, the bow, the honorific speech, greetings, way of speaking and mentality, it is through understanding to accept and practice it well ourselves. I personally feel that Koreans are extremely proud of and honour their language and culture. Therefore, to be accepted in Korean community, we have to show respect to the culture by adopting it. Act according to the code of conduct and manners are highly complimentary behaviour. The time of adjusting might be longer than in other countries, however, it is feasible. Later, the pleasure and happiness will come along to get along with Koreans like a family and community.
On the other hand, situation is another scene in the international school. As the international division of Yonsei University is that of more than two hundreds of international student, it is indeed multicultural and globalised in the life of international house. It takes effort to remember their background, names, language, interaction and cultural exchange and there are some people who do not bother with. As people has the tendency to be with the friends that are of the same country origin where they can speak the same language. Besides, individualistic is largely practiced amongst each other when everyone is gathered together. Coming to the end of the semester, there is an emergence of different groupings amongst international students. However, everyone still has fun whenever there is event or gathering going on. During the semester, I am fortunate to have good time with of friends from France, Finland, Canada, Japan, Germany, Russia, Mongolia, America, Taiwan and China. We come together regardless of cultural differences, which is especially memorable for my trip to Korea. In conclusion, I would like to give thanks to my home university in Australia and Yonsei University to have given me a precious opportunity like this. The learning journey is full of laughter and experience. To conclude the Korean language learning at this moment, this is the thanks note from the bottom of my heart:
First of all, it is owing to my home university in Murdoch University Australia and Yonsei University has given me this precious chance to go on an exchange study in South Korea. Second, I would like to extend my gratitude to professor and fellow students that are exploring and learning together throughout the semester. Finally, Give thanks to all the friends who have helped me through good and bad times in Korea. It is a memorable journey; days in Korea will be a wonderful part of my life.
Murdoch University 와 Yonsei University
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4 Responses to “Korea : A journey of culture—- contd”
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Hi,I’m from StudyVoices.com
We’re a new website that’s setting up an online community for international students studying in Australia, or students from anywhere in the world who may be thinking about studying in Australia.
The latest discussion threads involve issues about rental accommodation in Australia. Does any of your members have any advice for StudyVoices?
StudyVoices.com also has an extensive database that can link you with many other sites about living and studying in Australia, Aussie culture, etc.
Visit us at StudyVoices.com. Hope to see you soon.
Dear Wendy
I was interested to read about your experiences in Korea. My office at the Australian Embassy in Seoul would love to get in touch with you. Please email me if you get the chance. Regards
Nice of you, Mary. As much as I would like to reply to you, i do not have your email address nor i could find it on the embassy’s website. My email is lohwendy@gmail.com and let us get in touch. I remember Seoul with fond memories.
Wendy
Dear Mary
I have forwarded your comments to my guest columninst Wendy who is a regular writer with us . Im sure she will get in touch with you
In the meantime do keep coming back for more information on http://www.indiantvtoday.com