Introduction
I would say one of the most impactful things I did in my life was to do an exchange semester in Korea. Not only did it allow me to be in Korea, but it also changed my whole life path! I didn't really know what I wanted in life or where I was going. Those short 4 months showed me a path I had never considered before and also what I definitely wanted in life. Today, I'm sharing how doing an exchange semester changed my life and why you should consider doing something similar, like a gap year or working holiday, which might not seemingly benefit your career but will ultimately do in your life!
Learning about new cultures
Living in a foreign country exposes you to a completely new way of life. The norms and customs that you used to take for granted may no longer apply, and you'll quickly discover that there are other ways of doing things. Watching TV shows and movies may give you a glimpse of what life is like in another country, but nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. Being immersed in a new culture can broaden your mind and open you up to new possibilities. Every person you meet in a foreign country can bring new opportunities and knowledge that you can learn from.
During my time in Korea, my experiences significantly surpassed my expectations, which were largely based on Korean dramas. Being in Korea and immersing myself in its culture provided a full-spectrum view of what the country has to offer, and it was mind-blowing. My exchange semester at Anyang University was an opportunity to learn extensively about Koreans, their upbringing, and their experiences, particularly the mandatory military service. Moreover, my prior exposure to Korean TV helped me understand certain norms and customs quickly, making my experience even richer.
Learning a new language
Learning a new language is always a great idea, but living in a foreign country takes it to the next level. Even if you've taken a language course before, living in a country where the language is spoken can help you improve your skills exponentially. Watching TV shows and movies can help you learn about the tones and actions used in the language, but being surrounded by native speakers will help you pick up the nuances of the language. After spending time in a foreign country, you'll find that your language skills have improved dramatically, and you may even find yourself speaking the language more often than your native language.
While I was in Korea the first time and spent 4 Months in Korea I could understand roughly 30%. I picked up words and gestures and just guessed where the conversation was going. I wouldn't say I improved while I was in Korea. But when I got back from Korea and I turned on a new Korean TV Show, suddenly something clicked and I just understood most of what was said. I was surprised myself. While you spend so much time just passively listening and immersing yourself in the country, you will be surprised how much you actually picked up!
Building lifelong friendships
During my exchange, I had the unique opportunity to live in a house with 20 people from different countries. At first, everyone was a little shy and communication was minimal. But as we warmed up to each other, we grew closer and closer, eventually becoming a sort of family. We celebrated Kazakh New Year together, sampled Taiwanese snacks, and cheered on the Korean Football Team during the World Cup. The bond we formed was so strong that even after 10 years, we still keep in touch and are planning a reunion this year in Korea to visit our old school, dorm, and professor! Now, whenever I travel, I make sure that I have a friend in the country I'm visiting. This experience truly showed me the power of such cultural exchanges in fostering lifelong friendships.
Getting to know yourself
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Traveling is an adventure, and it's also an opportunity to challenge yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone. When you're in a foreign country, you'll face challenges that you may not have encountered before, and you'll discover what you're truly capable of. Saying yes to new experiences, even if they scare you, can help you learn more about yourself and your limits. When you return home, you'll have a better understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
One thing I knew for sure during my exchange was that I wanted to live in Korea. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, and there were things I needed to do in order to reach that goal. I kept my eyes open for opportunities and worked on myself and my skills to achieve them. It took a while, but I eventually became more mature and ready to move.
Returning as a new person
When you return home after spending time abroad, you'll likely experience a bit of reverse culture shock. You may find that everything remained the same, while you've changed dramatically. It can be hard to explain your experiences to others, and you may find that you have a newfound appreciation for your home country. Take your time processing your experiences and share your stories at your own pace. You may even want to start a blog to share your adventures with others. Regardless of how you choose to share your experiences, know that you've returned as a new person with a fresh perspective on the world.
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
🧭 Cultural Guide · ✍️ Storyteller · 🎨 Curator
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