Jeju is the first place I've been to abroad and lived in. Honestly, I didn't do much research about the area before I came here so everything came as a surprise. There were many things new to me as the days went by. I've often wondered how foreign students feel like whenever I met them back home. I've made friends with exchange students visiting the Philippines but I had no idea how interesting or wonderful it was until I was given this opportunity.
The first thing I like about Jeju are the warm, friendly people. I have never been made to feel foreign during my stay here. I was also happy that we were introduced to Korean friends who helped us in many ways here. My friends helped me get around the city, visit some memorable places and even helped me in my studies. Though we've met only for the first time, we could converse as if we've been friends for years. And because we know we would see each other for only a while, they make an effort to connect from a distance. I admire this aspect of Korean culture that they showed us.
I also like the language program because it was very holistic. Not only did we learn the language, but we actually got to see and experience Korea. Every month, we were all pleasantly surprised at every place that we've been too. Each place was always different. Us students saw the traditional Korean life, played traditional Korean games and, of course, ate Korean food. It was amazing to know the lifestyle of the women divers, that they can endure depths of water for their families. There were also small surprises, like how similar some games were to games at home or in other countries. The language and the culture may differ in so many ways, but there are small similar things within. Though our class had different nationalities, learning about Korea had brought us together.
The school system here is not so much different from my university back home, but I liked a lot of things in this school. Though the system is the same, the facilities are updated and make the most of present-day technology. The buildings are well-kept and the classrooms comfortable. Korean school culture is also a little different. I noticed a certain efficiency in the Korean culture. You can seldom see yellow lights as they go on their way. Also, the college students here are very diligent and focused on their studies. Maybe because of the habits formed before college, they maintained it to become good students. I will also always be ever thankful to my teachers in this university. They were very diligent in teaching us and our classes were always a lot of fun. They were teachers, but our class had become closer like a family.
Living here has really opened up a whole new world for me. Everyday there is always something to discover and to remember. Though I can’t help but miss my home sometimes, my homesickness vanishes for a while whenever life happens in Jeju. Being an exchange student is really a big opportunity to expose yourself to new cultures. I will always cherish every moment spent here in Korea. I hope every student will also find the same joy in whatever he or she pursues.