ENGLISH TRANSACTIONAL 40S

LIFE AS AN
"ALIEN" STUDENT
Exclusive Interview

By Seraphina Oh
INTRODUCTION:
Which university in
Korea is getting global. Actually, the which country did you
whole world is on a move to mind each
attend? Why did you
other’s business. Studying abroad used
to be rich men’s exclusive. But today,
decide to study there?
many people are able to travel and study At that time, I was studying at Hankuk
all over the world for various reasons. University of Foreign Studies and
However, it still is not an easy task. We majored in Chinese. I wanted to learn
Chinese literature (hieroglyphics,
need someone to guide our journey so
scapulography), but no one majored
we can better adapt outside of our home
in it in Korea, so I went to China to
country. That is why today, we are
study it. I studied at the Chinese
interviewing Mrs. Miyoung Kim, a fifty-
Culture University, and personally
year-old customs broker, who flew to
studied at Beijing University in China
Beijing in 1994 to major in ancient
to study ancient Chinese characters.
Chinese characters. Through this
interview, we may uncover the key to let
ourselves adjust better in a foreign land.
What did you prepare before moving?
First, I searched for who the best professor is in the field of ancient Chinese
characters, so whom should I be taught by. It was my first time visiting China, but
there was no great sense of alienation because both China and Korea are Asian
countries, so I did not prepare any particular except for studying languages.

How many other Korean students were there? Were you

closer to Korean students or students from other
countries? What is the reason behind this?
In 1994, the relationship between Korea and China was not good, and Koreans were
allowed to enter China from 1993. Since the Chinese Munhwa University is a place
that teaches languages to foreigners, there were many foreigners, including
Americans, Europeans, Southeast Asians, and even North Koreans. Since I was
homeschooled at a Chinese home, there were even more opportunities to get close
to foreign students than Korean students.

Have you ever experienced

racism or xenophobia? Or
even witnessed it?
I never have. I think it's more like that
because Korea and China are both in Asia.
Southeast Asian countries do not seem to
have much racism towards each other, and
so I have never experienced it personally or
even witnessed it happening. In general, people from developing countries are
more likely to be discriminated against, but China was a very poor country at that
time, so had no power to discriminate against other countries.

How do you think we should respond to racism?

I've never experienced racism, but here's what I think: There are many forms of
racism: verbal violence, physical violence, or taking away your opportunity. If you
are physically violated or are treated unfairly, seek help or fight back. But I think
it's okay to ignore insulting words. It might get worse if you fight back. Think about
if you can handle the situation or not, and act in accordance with your ability.
In your case, what was the most difficult thing about
studying abroad? Why?
I loved studying abroad. There wasn't much difficulty either. The food fitted well,
and the lifestyle fit well. However, I missed my family very much, and the bad air
quality such as yellow dust and flower flying were the problems. Also, China is
culturally less hygienic and less clean than Korea, which was also very difficult.

Do you think dorm life is better or

renting a house is better? Why?
If it's your first time going to that country, I think it's
better to take your time to get to know the country.
To do so, I think it would be better to live in a
dormitory for a year or two, adjust to life in that
country, and then live alone.

Have you ever experience cultural

differences that bothered you?
At that time, there was no public bath, so I couldn't
take a bath, which was very difficult for me. Also, I
bought street food many times because I didn't have
much money since I was a student living abroad. But
hygiene was often poor. So if you are sensitive to
hygiene, I recommend you not to have street food.

What should people keep in mind before going abroad to

be less confused when facing cultural differences?
You can’t be ready for everything. You have to go and experience it. And I don't
think the embarrassment caused by cultural differences can disappear 100 percent
no matter what preparation is made. But to minimize that, you have to research a
lot about the country before you go. I think learning words and actions that are
considered as rude in that country is important. Accept cultural differences. When
in Rome, do as the Romans do.
 CONCLUSION:
Studying abroad may bring
different results and
takeaways depending on
What do you think about the person. Some might
studying abroad? Was it find the trip easy and
pleasing because the
beneficial? Or was it not worth country had similar culture
it? Why? as theirs. Some might
It was very beneficial. It was an important undergo the worst
moment in my life. It was an opportunity to make experience due to cultural
friends from all over the world and broaden my differences and racism.
horizons. It also helped me to find a dream. I was However, some might grow
an ordinary student before studying abroad, but themselves up and become
after that, my skills improved noticeably. My test stronger with help from a
scores have improved, and professors even terrible incident. Why do
advised me to go for a doctor's degree and you want to study abroad?
offered support. What are you going to do?
What is the ultimate goal
What was the takeaway? you want to achieve
The most important thing was being able to through the experience?
broaden my horizons and gain good Let these questions guide
relationships. I still keep in touch with the you. No matter what
professor I met when I was studying abroad. And happens, take it as a
the experience I gained when I studied abroad nutrient for you to bloom
could never have been gained in Korea. These another bud of flower.
experiences have been very crucial in
determining my future and life.

Any other advice for students

who want to study abroad?
Studying abroad is not a trip but a reality. There
should be a clear standard for studying abroad.
There must be clear criteria for why to go, what
to do, what to get. Otherwise, there is a good
chance that you will lose money and time and
earn nothing. There's no one out there to lead
you. You have to lead your own life.