My stereotypes of foreign countries overturned by experiencing Korean culture
Takumi Bando
Department of Global Studies, 3rd year (2nd year at the time of study abroad)
Study abroad period: July - August 2023
Destination: Hunkuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea
Type of Study Abroad: Short-term Study Abroad Program
Every year, many Sophia University students study abroad in countries all over the world outside of Japan. How did they manage to find their way through the differences in languages, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some voices of students who studied abroad.
What made you decide to study abroad in Korea?
I took Korean for two years at university, and I have always been interested in Korean culture, so I took this opportunity during my summer break to immerse myself in the language and culture of Korea.
Did you have any concerns before your departure for study abroad?
I had never traveled overseas before, so I was nervous about leaving Japan and living in a foreign country. Also, although I studied Korean at university, I knew that my level was not too advanced, so I was not sure if I would be able to keep up with the classes and communicate well with my classmates.
Was there anything you did or wish you had done to prepare for your study abroad?
I worked hard on my Korean in preparation by reviewing my classes daily and also took TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean as a Foreign Language). I wish I had done more research about places to visit after arriving in Korea, so that my time in Korea could have been spent more efficiently and effectively.
What was the atmosphere like at the university and among the students?
Since it was during their summer break, the university was not so crowded and seemed quiet. About half of my classmates were non-Japanese, but they were nice people and I enjoyed taking classes with them.
How did you expand your circle of friends?
There were about 12 students in each class and each class was conducted in a way that each student had to communicate with the student sitting next to him or her, so I was able to make new friends just by going to class, and after class we went to eat out together or to sightseeing spots.
How were the classes?
The classes covered all four areas: Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading, and exams were given for each of these skills. Each class was free seating, and we communicated with the student sitting next to you each day. It was not a one-way lecture, rather it placed a strong emphasis on student interaction.
Do you have anything that you worked on outside of academics or anything new that you discovered while studying abroad?
Every Wednesday after class, there was a time for experiencing Korean culture, and I took an active part in it. It was rewarding to learn firsthand some new aspects of Korea which I would not have been able to do on a private tour, such as playing traditional musical instruments, watching a Nanta performance, and making traditional Korean seals.
What was the most memorable experience there?
I was touched by how kind the Korean people working in all the stores were, dealing with us foreigners. They carefully provided detailed information, sometimes using Japanese, on how to order food or shop at the duty-free store, etc. I was rescued several times during my stay by the kindness of the Korean people.
What were some of the challenges you faced while studying abroad?
I contracted the coronavirus the first weekend of my stay. I had to miss school and could not go out with my friends. Being restricted during my limited time in Korea was very stressful. However, I was able to get in touch with the overseas insurance company I joined before my trip and they were able to arrange medical care for me, and thankfully, I quickly recovered.
Have you grown in any way, or your mindset shifted in any way?
I had never been overseas before, so I always carried a fearful image of foreign countries. I thought that actually going to a foreign country to experience living and dive into local culture was the best way to overturn such fears, and at the same time, it motivated me to visit other countries to expand my horizons and perspectives.
What advice would you give to those who are unsure about whether or not to do study abroad?
I definitely have no regrets about my decision to join this short-term study abroad program. It was the most exciting and educational experience in my life. Like the phrase, “Better to have regrets than regrets not to have regrets,” if I had not joined this program, I never had a chance for overseas experiences, and my foreign language skills would not have been improved nor I would have gained the necessary skills and knowledge for living in a foreign country. So, I am truly glad that I did it.