1.　Study in Asia;

I cannot describe the difference between studying abroad in an English speaking country English and a country in Asia, because I don’t have the experience of studying in other countries. However, I feel “How wonderful it is” to be studying in Korea. This is because I can speak and listen to Korean language in which I’m interested every day and there are also many opportunities to use English, which is my major, while studying in the classes or in conversation with my friends in daily life.

Moreover, the culture shock I have experienced is very unique. I sometimes have a headache because of switching spoken languages, but I believe this is ‘a beneficial headache’ and try to do my best. Half of my life of studying abroad has ended, but I have never regretted my choice of Korea as my destination for study abroad.

2.　Asia’s (Korea’s) powerful and easy-going character

I cannot talk about the Korea culture without mentioning “palli-palli culture”—literally “fast-fast culture".

In Korea, the speed of various activities such as eating meals or transportation is very fast. I have lived here for more than 4 months, but I feel nervous when cars pass by very fast while I'm waiting for a traffic signal. In a bus people will fall unless they hold a strap or a handrail; and taxies speed off when people have just barely climbed in. There is the crosswalk without a traffic signal even though it is on a four-lane main street. I follow the people who have good timing and cross over, but I haven’t gotten used to it. I think that this is one of the powerful things in Korea. Still, I’m worried about the safety side a little, ….

3.　Things to watch out for in Korea;

"Always carry a pocket tissue with you"; there is no toilet paper in the public rest rooms such as in stations and parks.

"Watch out when you walk”; the roads may be dirty.

"Say yes or no clearly”; to be honest or speak out leaves a good impression. If you are not interested in something or don’t like it, say “no” even though it may not seem friendly.