Learning to Navigate a New Environment

When I first thought about studying abroad, I knew I wanted to come to Korea. As a mixed Korean-American, I wanted a chance to not only study abroad in another country but also explore my Korean roots. While I was a little nervous about being so far from home, I’ve received so much support from CIEE and made many local and international friends that I can truly call Seoul a second home. If you’re preparing to study abroad in South Korea and are feeling a little worried, here are some (hopefully helpful) tips:

#1: Nunchi (눈치)

This is a really important concept in Korean culture and society. While it literally translates to “eye-measure,” nunchi means being able to “read the room.” South Korea has a collectivist society, meaning that people prioritize harmony for the good of everyone over the good of the individual. To provide some real-life examples of nunchi, if everyone else is talking quietly on the bus, and you are speaking loudly with your friends, you can listen and adjust your speaking volume to match others’ on the bus. Perhaps, you and your friends are taking up all the space on the sidewalk, causing others to walk on the street to get to their destination. You can look around you and walk in front of or behind your friends to allow other people to walk on the sidewalk. Sometimes, by not using nunchi, you may come across as rude to others, even when that isn’t your intention. Make sure to watch how others react and what others do in social situations.

#2: Homesickness

After the initial excitement of being abroad fades, you may feel a bit homesick. This is completely normal and happens to many people who move to a new place. My best advice is to bring food and a few items that remind you of home. While South Korea has a lot of food and snacks from other countries, you may not be able to find comfort food from your home country. I brought Sour Patch Kids and Cheez-Its as well as a desk decoration from the United States. Additionally, it may be difficult to contact friends and family back home due to the time difference, but make sure to still call or text them regularly. They likely miss you as much as you miss them. Lastly, form relationships with people around you in your classes, academic clubs, or housing. These people might also feel homesick, and you never know who may become your new friends.

#3: Try, Try, Try

It may feel intimidating to do new things in a new environment, but just do it! Try new food. Go to new places. You likely didn’t travel to South Korea to experience the same things as your home country. I had never tried mussels or kimchi stew (김치찌개) before I came to South Korea, but I ate both and actually enjoyed them. I also had never been to Suwon before but took a day trip with friends and had a lot of fun exploring various sights around the city. Lastly, I am not confident in my ability to speak Korean, but I still try to speak to local Koreans anyway. The best way to get better at a language is to speak with others, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes. Most Koreans with whom I have spoken are very patient and happy that I’m communicating with them in their native language.

It's okay to feel nervous about being in another country, especially if it's your first time abroad, but you will have support from your host university, home university, and friends you've made abroad. Make sure to enjoy your time in South Korea because it goes by so quickly!