My Experiences in Taking English-Language Class, Learning Wiki Technology, and Adjusting to Life in Korea - LAOXINYI

 

As an international student, my journey in Korea has been filled with a myriad of experiences, challenges, and achievements. From taking English-language classes to learning wiki technology and adjusting to life in a foreign country, I have grown both academically and personally. In this blog, I would like to share some of my experiences and insights.

1. Experiences in an English-Language Class at a Korean University

Taking English classes at Korean universities is challenging and meaningful. These courses are fast-paced, interactive and focus on critical thinking and communication skills. Professor Piotr encourages open discussion, which is in stark contrast to my home country's more lecture-based system. 

One of the most memorable experiences in my English class was answering the questions given by the professor in class. Because my lack of English skills led to misunderstanding the professor's problems, the professor was very patient to explain and encourage me. So much so that later English communication gave me the confidence to express my thoughts clearly and concisely. Another unforgettable experience was that I worked with my classmates on globalization-related projects, where we gathered information and created compelling presentations based on data resources given by professors and then went on stage. While sometimes challenging, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched when we present our projects.

2. Adjusting to Life in Korea

Adapting to life in Korea is an exciting and learning journey. From learning how to use a convenient subway line to mastering simple Korean greetings, every day makes me feel fresh and challenging. When I first arrived in South Korea, for example, it took me days to figure out how to use my transportation card to switch to the subway, but now, it has become one of the most skilled skills in my daily life.

The hospitality of Koreans made me feel warm, such as when I ordered food at a restaurant, the owner found out that I didn't understand the menu and patiently helped me choose my meal with simple words and gestures. And vibrant Korean culture, such as festivals and street performances, fills me with curiosity and excitement.

However, hierarchy and indirect communication are some of the things that make me feel a little out of place. For example, in class discussions, I found that Korean students are more accustomed to expressing different opinions in a euphemistic way than directly refuting them. This confused me a bit in the early days, but over time I slowly learned to understand and adapt to this mode of communication.

The language barrier is one of the biggest challenges, but it is not insurmountable. Once, I couldn't find a certain ingredient in the supermarket, so I could only ask the clerk in broken Korean, and the other person not only understood, but also took me personally to find it. It was this kind of interaction that made me more motivated to learn Korean. Now that I've been able to chat with taxi drivers in simple Korean, or bargain in the marketplace, life has become more convenient and fun.

3. Learning Wiki Technology

Learning to use wiki technology was a novel and interesting experience for me. This was my first encounter with the wiki platform and I initially felt a bit lost and didn't know how to operate and use its functionality. For example, when I first tried editing a page, I was overwhelmed by its formatting requirements and grammar rules. So I asked my classmates and professors, and with their patience, I gradually mastered the operation method, and was able to use the wiki skillfully for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Wiki technology has played an important role in my academic journey. For example, in Professor Piotr's class, my members and I created a shared page using the wiki, where both my classmates and I could add research materials and discussions. In this way, we not only save time, but also avoid the problem of confusing file versions. By editing assignments on Wikipedia's platform, I discovered that it has many benefits that benefit my other courses. For example, because some words have professional language terms in Chinese, Korean, and English, it may be wrong to translate directly using translation software, so I use a cross-language link on the Wikipedia page to view related terms. I'm also looking at references and theoretical knowledge on Wikipedia.

While the Wiki platform's interface may seem complicated at first, as familiarity grew, I came to realize that contributing content to a global knowledge base was something that made a lot of sense. By exploring and using wiki technology, I not only learned the importance of teamwork, but also improved my digital literacy. At the same time, it also gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of using reliable sources of information in academic work. This learning experience not only helped me complete the task, but also gave me the ability to better adapt to the digital work environment in the future.

4. Suggestions for Improving International Student Experiences

1) More Korean language courses for beginners: For example, schools can offer introductory Korean courses designed for international students, which include practical situational dialogues such as common everyday language, restaurant ordering, shopping, and directions. By setting up regular language practice activities, such as language corners or Korean conversation clubs, students can interact with local students in a relaxed environment to enhance their language skills. I have participated in similar Korean conversation activities and started with simple greetings, but through continuous practice, I was able to confidently communicate with the clerk in the supermarket or restaurant, solving many small problems in my life.

2) Organize more cross-cultural exchange activities: For example, the school can regularly organize "International Culture Day" or "World Food Festival" where international students from different countries can showcase their traditional culture and cuisine. This not only allows Korean students to learn about other cultures, but also allows international students to learn more about Korean traditional festivals, costumes, customs, etc. For example, I participated in a "Korean traditional holiday experience event" organized by the school, and we experienced Korean tea ceremony and wearing Hanboks to take pictures together. This activity allowed me to better understand the cultural background of Korea and also made local students interested in my culture.