Finding Friendship Far From Home
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Taking the First Step
Moving to a foreign country is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Before coming to Korea, I was excited about experiencing a new culture, trying new foods, and improving my understanding of Korean society. However, one thing I didn't fully prepare for was how challenging it would be to build friendships in a place where everything felt unfamiliar.
When I first arrived, I experienced a mix of excitement and loneliness. I was worried about the language barrier, cultural misunderstanding, and whether I would be able to connect with people from different backgrounds. It was more about my worries, of what to say or how to approach people I don't know. Like, do I say how do I not make this interaction awkward for either of us? How do I maintain this connection after having one conversation and exchanging Instagrams? Am I talking too much, or am I not talking enough? These are all things I thought of whenever I would meet someone new or enter a different environment.
Building Connections Through Everyday Moments
What surprised me most was how friendships began with the smallest interaction. A conversation during class, sharing a meal after an event, or asking for help on the street turned into a meaningful connection. Many of the friendships I made only started after I began getting out of my comfort zone and joining club events, visiting different churches. Shout out to Hanyang’s Glitters (Business Club) & Kople.
Hands down, one of my favorite parts of being in Korea was making new friends through these two clubs. My biggest regret was not going to as many events as I could. If you are studying in Korea or just visiting, I highly recommend joining social clubs to connect with people. Kople was by far my favorite. I got to meet people from different countries and different schools around south Korea.
The Impact of Friendship Abroad
Most of the rewarding aspects of studying abroad have been meeting people from around the world. While expecting to learn about Korean culture, I didn't expect to learn so much about the cultures of my fellow international students. Of course, building friendships in foreign countries is not always easy. There are moments when language differences create awkward situations and cultural expectations are difficult to understand, but my willingness to step out of my comfort zone made a huge difference.
As my time in Korea comes to an end, I realized the people I have met have become one of the most valuable parts of my experience. The memories we created together, traveling, studying, and exploring, are simply sharing meals and memories I will carry with me long after I leave.
My final advice would be to definitely join clubs and get out of the house. If you're an introvert like me, I know its tought, but I promise it's worth it. They will make your experience here worth it.
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