Differences and Difficulties

It has now been almost a year since I have moved to Korea. Learning about the Korean culture and the many differences about this country has indeed been an exciting adventure. We have tried new food, new drinks, new games, listened to new music, seen different types of plays, performances, concerts and traditional Korean clothing, experienced new holidays, traditions, experiences like hiking Mt. Halla, doing a Temple Stay and learning about Buddhism and meditation. We’ve also learned some of the Korean language, and learned how to communicate in other ways other than speaking.

Although it has truly been exciting, by this time of the year, we have also experienced language barriers and cultural differences and even cultural difficulties. At this moment, because of the language barrier we have had to change three flights and come back 4 days earlier because of confusion with the contract. We have also had a neighbor of ours (another English teacher) who have had language barrier trouble with one of our Korean neighbors (in the building next to us) because of parking which has caused some small issues with our apartment (since it is all foreigners so they are seen as a ‘group’). I also have been having difficulties with one of my co-teachers. She had tried to turn around our pre-wedding party by forcing Korean traditions onto us which has brought so much frustration. Either way, traveling and teaching overseas has definitely taught me that you have to be a very patient, understanding and laid-back person to take this type of adventure, since you will at some point be put into uncomfortable situations. These situations will come because life is so different in other countries, and there is such a big language barrier that eventually it will become frustrating.

My Opa was right when he told me before I left in the fall that although I will love traveling and enjoy other countries, but that I have to remember how wonderful the US is. He is definitely right! We are so lucky that everyone thinks so differently in the US, and most people have an open mind since there ARE so many cultures, customs, beliefs and differences in America. There is so much freedom! I am also so happy that we are independent and can stand up for ourselves. It seems like at times, the general traditional crowd in other countries, tend to have limited choices and must do things in a specific way or must listen to others because of giving the level of respect to elders or to those who have more power. Freedom tends to be taken away at times.

It will be interesting as we continue to travel around the world, to notice the things we love and maybe do not like as much in other cultures. I think it is important to always be open-minded, and to learn and pick up new ideas and customs from all over; however, I hope to always continue holding onto the values that I grew up with in the US which has made me the strong and independent person that I am. God Bless America! 