International Exchange Student Learns the Meaning of “Together”

-Sean Halbert, Junior from the University of Washington,Reflects on His Experiences at Yonsei

 I am an introvert American. Seven months after I came to Korea as an exchange student, I had only made a few new friends. However, I became curious after coming upon the word “Dong-A-Ri.” In my Korean textbooks, it was explained that Dong-A-Ri was a place where one could easily meet friends.

On the day when the Dong-A-Ri expo was held, I mustered up my courage to join Seowoohei, a traditional calligraphy group. Afterwards, for a while, I visited the clubhouse few times a week. One day, a sunbae (upper-classman) told me to come by the clubhouse “whenever you have free time in between classes.” Although I said yes, and I wished to become friendlier with other club members I did not feel that it was possible because we did not have much in common.

Anyway, I frequented the clubhouse in between classes. At first, I thought that I was the only foreigner, but I discovered that the club leader was Japanese, and there were members who have lived abroad. I also discovered that the members got along easily with each other just based on the fact that they belonged to the same club. It was interesting to see how everyone got along.

American party culture is well known and it is easier for people there to make friends and meet many new people. However, people who are introverted like me usually eat alone and are more independent and solitary. American society values individualism, so it is not necessary to be with someone or do things in groups. Everyone values their private lives, and people do not feel the need to eat food with someone else. However, there are times when one could feel a little lonely.

Korea is different in that aspect of culture. People do things as a group. Despite busy schedules, people gather at the clubhouse and do things together. Also, the members are kind to each other. Thanks to this culture, my life as a study abroad student became more enjoyable. In Korea I met with different people to have food together and without appointments being necessary. There was no time to feel lonely. However, I am sure there are things that one should accomplish independently, and I believe that one should not be too conscious of what others think. Nonetheless, I benefited from Korea’s group culture.

People made my study abroad experience here enjoyable.