Finding a Supportive International Community in South Korea: My Journey
Hi, my name is Kateryna, and I'm from Ukraine. I’ve been studying in South Korea for 3 years now. The first two years, I studied Korean at 서경대학교, and later, I enrolled in a bachelor's program at 아주대학교.
As someone who has firsthand experience of the challenges of
adapting to life in a foreign country, I understand how overwhelming it can feel. However, I discovered that finding a supportive community and actively engaging with people can make the transition much smoother. I want to share my
personal experiences of how I found friends and built connections, helping me feel less alone in South Korea.
Here are a few key steps that helped me adapt to my new environment:
1. Cultural Activities (서경대학교 / Seokyeong University)
2. Online Chat Group "Ukrainians in Korea"
3. "Friends" Club at 아주대학교 (Ajou University)
4. Mentor program
1. Cultural Activities at Seokyeong University
Seokyeong University offers a wide range of cultural events and workshops specifically designed for international students. Some of the activities included trying on traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok), learning Korean dance and music, cooking, and even makeup classes. I attended almost every event, which gave me the opportunity to meet many people, enjoy myself, and immerse myself in the local culture.
One of the standout events was the "International Day", where students from different countries showcased their cultures. At the time, I was the only Ukrainian in my language class, but that didn’t deter me from proudly representing my country. I cooked traditional Ukrainian food, printed stickers with Ukrainian symbols, and brought Ukrainian candies to share. The response was amazing! Many students were curious about my country, and they took photos with me, which opened the door to exchanging social media accounts and keeping in touch. This experience reinforced the importance of actively participating in such events—not only did I make friends, but I also improved my communication skills and had a lot of fun.
2. The "Ukrainians in Korea" Online Chat Group
