Female/23/From Estonia/ Exchange student in South-Korea

1.Why study or work abroad?


-Advantages and disadvantages of being abroad
I think the biggest advantage of being abroad is getting to know new culture. And the other big advantage is language practice. Living in other country gives more independence.
-homesickness
For me the homesickness started from 3-4 day. And it was maybe until the end of second week (I mean moodless and really missing home). Ofcourse I miss my family and friends but now it's more interesting to see everything and gain new experions.
-motivations (reason)
When I first thought of going abroad I knew that if I am going, then far from home. For me the biggest motivation was to experience living in totally different culture from our culture.


2. What do you think about its culture (food, traditions,values, people)?


At first it was hard to get used to the food. In Korea most of food is very spicy comparing to our food.
It was also strange that people in different age have to follow different rules how to behave.
The most frightening thing for me was the langugage barrier, because when I got here nobody was speaking English with me. And because all the signs are in Korean I couldn't go anywhere.


3. For foreigners, why come and study in Korea?


Korean people are very friendly, helpful and hospitable. The welcome was so worm and everybody wants you to feel as home.
And because the culture is so interesting.


4. What are your future plans?


At first graduate from school and then go to work. And in further future I would like to come back to Korea.


5. How was your experience?


I am very happy that I came to Korea. I have some really good friends, I have seen many interesting places. I would recommend exchange semester in Korea to everybody who are thinking of going abroad.


6.What can you say to motivate people to go abroad too?


I think that if you have the chance to go abroad you should use this. Everything what you do will give you experience what you can use in future.
-tips for people who plan to go abroad
You should talk to your family and friends, because it is quite sure that you're gonna have some rough periods when you need support. So it is very important that they will support you when you want to go abroad.


7.How did your experience/s change or affect how you think and  your personality?


I value my home more after being away from there.


8. What is the most difficult thing for you when you  have stayed in Korea?


I think it is the langugage barrier.


9. Why did you decide to come to Korea than other countries?


The main reason was the cultural difference. To see the traditions which are still alive compearing with  some other countries. To get to know another-way-thinking people.


10. Do you think that the period you've stayed in Korea will be  useful in your future?


I think that every period in life is useful somehow. This period in Korea I can use in my future work because one part of my major is teaching multucultural students.


11. Have you ever experienced a racial discrimination?


No. But it is a bit funny to be foreigner in Korea, because people are looking at you.