Empathy

In Seoul, I think that meeting new people in general is quite difficult. People here rarely make casual conversation or talk directly to strangers that they don't know. Therefore, as a foreigner from the states, I found many weird expressions when I approached strangers in hopes of meeting new people. However, at the University of Michigan, I think it is definitely more inviting. There are many programs that the university offers to help international students adjust to the culture and student environment on campus. Also, in America, we tend to be more direct and open, so I don't think that meeting new people will pose a probably at all. The problem that I think foreign students may have is that they will become overwhelmed with amount of people coming up to them on a regular basis. I think in general the Ann Arbor area seems to be a fairly friendly place and would provide a great atmosphere for international students to meet new people.

When studying at Seoul National University, I think the atmosphere is different. Students are more prone to staying with their own groups and sticking to what they are more familiar with. As an international student here, I did find the Student Ambassadors group to be quite friendly and helpful in providing information and friendship for our stay here. However, I understand that everything is different case by case, so I am not judging the rest of the Korean students. I understand that the cultural difference does not mean that they hate me, but rather that I should acknowledge the difference and adapt accordingly.