Extra credit project for international students -- GUAN YUE
Experiences in an English-Language Class at a Korean University
Taking an English-language class at a Korean university has been an enlightening experience. The professor was incredibly patient, always willing to answer questions and ensure that students felt supported. I didn’t face many language barriers in the classroom, which helped me focus better on the course content. Group discussions provided a platform for cultural exchange, where diverse perspectives enriched our understanding of the topics. These classes also highlighted the effort Korean universities put into creating an inclusive environment for international students.
Adjusting to Life in Korea
Adjusting to life in Korea has been both challenging and rewarding. At first, the cultural differences, especially the emphasis on hierarchy and formality, were overwhelming. However, as I adapted, I began to appreciate the respect and structure these norms bring to daily interactions.
Learning the Korean language was an essential step in this journey. Simple achievements, like ordering food or navigating public transportation, gradually built my confidence and sense of belonging. The warm hospitality of locals also made a significant impact. Moments such as exploring traditional markets were highlights that deepened my connection to Korea’s vibrant culture.
Of course, there were challenges, such as the occasional language barrier and adjusting to different lifestyles. Yet, these experiences taught me resilience and adaptability, qualities that have enriched my personal growth.
Learning Wiki Technology
Before this class, I had never tried editing Wikipedia or Wikivoyage, and I rarely used these platforms. Through these courses, I gained a deeper understanding of how these sites operate and learned how to create, edit, and publish articles. One of my most rewarding achievements was expanding the Wikivoyage page for the city of Shaoxing, adding valuable content for future users.
However, the learning process wasn’t without its challenges. Wikipedia has strict requirements for article formatting and referencing, which often led to mistakes. On several occasions, my submissions were returned due to formatting errors. Despite the frustrations, these setbacks pushed me to refine my skills and pay closer attention to detail. This process not only improved my technical abilities but also gave me a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of Wiki platforms.
Suggestions for Improving International Student Experiences
Studying in Korea, I’ve realized that adapting to the language and culture can be quite challenging for international students. While the school provides basic support, we still face many small but significant challenges in daily life, such as understanding complex academic terms in class, communicating with Korean classmates, and navigating local customs. Providing more assistance in these areas could greatly enhance the learning and living experiences of international students.
A multilingual teaching assistant system could be a great solution. These assistants could help us understand course content during class and also address everyday issues that international students might encounter. With their support, many language barriers could be easily overcome.
At the same time, the school could improve cultural adaptation and language exchange programs. Although there are existing language exchange activities, they often feel quite traditional in format. Introducing more diverse options, such as events centered around food, movies, or outdoor activities, could help international and Korean students connect more naturally. In a relaxed environment like this, not only would language learning be more effective, but cultural exchange could also be much more meaningful.
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