[ 463 Life as an Exchange Student ]

   I pondered how best to convey my experiences in my writing and I wanted to share my journey in a way that would truly connect with the readers. So, I invite you to imagine yourself as my diary, a keeper of my thoughts and experiences.

Dear Diary,

   Today I want to share with you my time in Seoul, at Dongguk University as an exchange student. Like many students, I too came to Seoul for the K-drama and K-pop culture and knew that this experience would hold much more than just that. As a young adult stepping into a completely new world with a significant language barrier, my first week was both lonely and intimidating. Now it has been 4 months in Seoul, and let me tell you this has been one of the best decisions I made for myself.

   Slowly as time went by and I started to adjust to the new environment, the people, the weather, and the delicious food; came the one and only ARC paperwork. The ARC, the responsibilities, the paperwork, and the appointments are so overwhelming. Following that comes the new phone number, opening a bank account, finding a new place to live, and whatnot. Of course, the health insurance is what came after that where they asked for double the amount and did not mention it was for two months, giving me a heart attack. While I had gotten myself to learn Korean enough to pass TOPIK 1, it was obviously not enough for daily survival. All I could do was read sign boards, understand basic Korean, and maybe ask for directions or order food. Papago and Naver Maps are a saviour. Most Koreans are absolute sweethearts when it comes to helping foreigners, and all the ajummas and ajusshis have my entire heart.

   During this time, I have found the most beautiful people here. I love how everyone is slowly stepping out of their comfort zones and interacting with people from all over the world. Life has been interesting and exciting, along with some stresses but that is just small rocks on the path. Sometimes you do not know what to say, what to do, what to expect; but these people you find on your way figuring things out, really make a positive difference. I have made friends from so many parts of the world, everyone coming with their own stories, their own cultures; it is enriching. It is like, you both know you will be in different parts of the world soon, but you seize the moment you have and enjoy it to the fullest, which is the best part of meeting new people.

   Talking about new people, I do have to mention people who act as literal support systems so that my ship does not sink here in Korea. My family back home who make sure that I have all I need, they wait for me to call, they listen to me rant about my highs and lows, and they get happy for me from 6000km away just by seeing a small screen with some pictures. Also my friends who are always there for me, to hype me up, to support me, and to give me a shoulder to cry or a hand for any and every help I need. It is a heart-warming feeling to have that.

   As I reflect on my time here at Dongguk University, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships I have gained. Being an exchange student has been a journey of growth, discovery, and understanding. It is not just about studying in a different country; it is about embracing a new culture, stepping out of your comfort zone, and learning more about yourself in the process.