[472 Interntaional's Eye] How People Spend the Summer in Different Countries

   Summer has always been one of the most memorable seasons for me, not only because of the weather but also because of the way people celebrate it differently in each country I have lived in. The way people spend summer shows a lot about their culture. From food to festivals, the season looks very different depending on where you are in the world.

   In India, summer usually lasts from April to June and is marked by intense heat. In many parts of the country, temperatures rise above 40°C, making it necessary to find ways to stay cool. People spend their afternoons indoors with ceiling fans or air conditioners running, while outdoor activities are usually reserved for the mornings or evenings.

   Since my childhood, I used to spend my summer at my grandmother’s home in my hometown. I always felt connected with nature there—the sound of the tree leaves moving in the wind, and the way people sat together under the shade of big trees to enjoy summer fruits. Every summer, my grandmother invited me to stay with her, and it was always the most exciting part of the year for me.

   My hometown was full of mango trees, and my grandfather also had watermelon and mango farms. For a child, it was fascinating to collect everything by myself. I did not need permission to eat from the trees; I would simply climb up, pick the fruit, and enjoy it right there. I remember eating black plums straight from the branches, then bringing some home. My grandfather was always kind. He would help me wash the fruits, and then we would sit together as a family to eat them.

   In our hometown, we did not even have a refrigerator, but we had our own way of keeping fruits cool. We stored them in the water from the field’s irrigation walls, which was as cold as refrigerator water. Looking back, I realize I never felt bored during those summers. The best part was that I never felt the sun’s heat too strongly because the trees always gave us shade.

   In the summer nights were just as magical. Since there were no streetlights, people used lamps in their homes and on the roads. The darkness was often lit by countless fireflies, and I was always amazed at how their tiny bodies glowed. My grandfather used to tell me that fireflies were “angels riding with lights on their backs” and that I should never harm them. I often caught them gently in bottles, collecting their glow as if it were treasure. In those quiet nights, neighbors gathered in the wide lobby areas of the big houses, talking, laughing, and sometimes sharing meals together. It felt like the whole community became one family during summer nights.

   Culturally, summer also hosts festivals. For example, in some regions, people celebrate Rath Yatra, a chariot festival, and many communities organize local fairs. Though the weather is harsh, the summer season is still filled with opportunities for bonding and enjoyment.

   Living in Korea, I quickly realized that summer feels very different from summer in India. While the temperature is slightly milder compared to India, the high humidity makes the season challenging. Sometimes, I even felt irritated and did not want to go outside. Thankfully, the university was closed for two months, so I could stay mostly indoors and go out only occasionally.

   Despite the humid weather, I wanted to experience the summer in Korea and explore the country. During my summer vacation, I traveled to Sokcho and Busan because I love nature. I also enjoyed the rainy days in Korea; while some foreign students might not like the constant rain, I found it unexpectedly relaxing. These experiences helped me appreciate the Korean summer in a way I never expected.

   Experiencing summer in different countries has helped me appreciate how culture and environment shape people’s lifestyles. While Indians try to cool down with fruits and hill station trips, Koreans embrace beaches, hiking, and special summer foods. For me, summer has become more than just a season. It is a cultural experience that reveals how people find joy, rest, and community in their own ways. As an international student at Dongguk University, I feel grateful that I can share and learn from these different traditions. Perhaps the best way to spend summer is not tied to one activity or country, but in the spirit of making meaningful memories, whether under the hot Indian sun, the humid Korean air, or the breezy European skies.