Extra credit project： Adjusting to Life in Korea----JI HAIYUN

 As a Chinese student studying in South Korea, I deeply understand that adapting to a new environment is not easy, especially when faced with a completely different culture, language, and lifestyle. When I first came to South Korea, I felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliar streets, the completely incomprehensible Korean language, and the differences in food culture, but over time, I found that the process of adaptation can be a valuable growth experience if I am willing to open my mind to contact and learn.

First of all, language is an important bridge to adapt to life. Although many people think that you can live in South Korea with only English, having some Korean knowledge will make your life much easier. Whether it's shopping at the supermarket or communicating with the landlord, basic Korean expressions can help you avoid many unnecessary troubles. I remember when I first started learning Korean, I felt that the pronunciation was particularly difficult, and every practice felt like circling my tongue, but the improvement of my Korean ability not only made me more integrated into the local life but also gave me more interest and sense of accomplishment in this language.

In addition, integrating into South Korea's culture and social circles is also an important part of adaptation. I participated in school activities, which not only made me know many Korean classmates but also let me have a deeper understanding of Korean culture and customs. Korean people attach great importance to manners, such as saying "잘 먹겠습니다" before eating or handing something with both hands. These details show that they treat others with respect. I used to feel nervous about the etiquette at first but later found that people are actually very tolerant of foreigners, and as long as you show a learning and respectful attitude, you can quickly fit in

Of course, it is also important to keep in touch with family and friends while adjusting to the new environment. Whether it is video calls with my family or chatting with friends in China, I feel at ease and comfort. Especially during the holidays, I will miss the taste and atmosphere of home even more. To alleviate the feeling of homesickness, I will try to cook some hometown dishes by myself and invite my friends to taste them. Although the taste may not be authentic, this process of sharing makes my study abroad life more warm.

Finally, I think the most important thing is to adjust the mentality. In the beginning, you may encounter culture shock. For example, if you are used to the fast pace of life in China, you may feel uncomfortable with the "slow culture" in South Korea. Or because of language problems, dare not take the initiative to communicate with others. But as long as you take the first step, you will find that many problems are not so difficult. I often remind myself that studying abroad is an adventure and an exploration. We come here not only to learn knowledge from books but also to experience different ways of life and broaden our horizons.

During the period of living in South Korea, I learned to look at problems with more patience and tolerance and to cherish every day in a foreign country more. Adaptation is a process, and it takes time, as well as experimentation and adjustment. Every time I overcome a small difficulty or learn a new skill, I feel proud of myself. These little bits of growth make me feel that every day of studying abroad is worth treasonable.

So I suggest that if you are studying in Korea or just arrived in Korea, don't be afraid to face changes and challenges. Open your heart to learn, to feel, to discover, and you will find that the journey, although a little difficult, is also full of beauty and meaning.