International Students Breaking Down Barriers

Being invited to the farewell party held by the Non-Resident Nepalese Association of Korea for the Ambassador H.E. Kamal Prasad Koirala as a representative of KISSA (Korea International Students Support Association), I found myself being immersed in yet another culture. Besides a small number of Korean participants, I was the only non-Nepalese and American. Although I did not understand much as the program was mostly run in Nepali, it didn’t feel so strange. I’ve lived outside of my country for 15 years, spending time in Japan, Korea and China. Even though some might say that the United States is a melting pot or salad bowl, I’ve actually had more opportunities outside of the U.S. to be exposed to and understand different cultures. Even though my classmates in the U.S. were from diverse backgrounds and races, they were either born in the U.S. or immigrated at an early age.

While I started to study in Korea, I began to meet people from many nations and the one thing we shared in common was that we were studying or working in the foreign land of Korea experiencing both exciting times as well as difficulties. It was very natural to bond with one another and I became curious about their cultures. However, it wasn’t until I became actively involved with international student activities that I could have the opportunity to be invited to cultural programs or gatherings by the various communities such as Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Japan, etc. Being exposed to different communities could further my understanding and appreciation for my friends and their cultures.  

Growing up in the U.S. does not guarantee an embracing mindset to other peoples even though there is much opportunity to interact with people of different backgrounds and much emphasis on equality. However, interactions with people of other cultures at an early age have helped me become more open to other cultures and customs. I’ll never forget learning how to use chopsticks from my Chinese-American friend’s mother in the first grade of elementary school even though my mother is Japanese or learning how to enjoy curry with my hands at my Pakistan friend’s house.

Korea is rapidly becoming a multicultural society. At the moment, foreigners make up 3% of the Korean population and 10 percent of marriages in Korea are international marriages. Accordingly, many social issues are arising such as racial discrimination and social exclusion. In response, government, company and social organization-initiated programs giving special benefits and opportunities to multicultural families have been increasing over the past few years such as discounts off education and entertainment services, free Korean or culture classes, mentoring services, etc. There are also programs where expats, including international students, visit elementary and middle schools to do presentations on their countries. Even though these presentations may leave some impact on the students, having friends from other cultures is a much faster route to understanding and acceptance.

Amidst Korea’s transition into a multicultural society, the increase of multicultural education for not only the youth, but of all ages in Korea is an important issue to address and I think international students can play an important role.

Students from many nations including Korea coming together to work for various causes provides a great opportunity for exchange not only between Korea and international students, but also among different nations. Even though such meetings may have limited effects, the close relationships with a few can lead to understanding and embracing each other’s cultures. Fear, indifference and hostility towards others are a result of ignorance. University students’ involvement in activities allowing for cultural exchange such as international student association activities can act as a role model especially for younger generations. It can also result in a good impact on their children, as children are often reflections of their parents’ attitudes and behavior.

I remember my friend telling me, “In Bangladesh, we don’t have such a great opinion of Americans. But after meeting you and some other friends here, I have come to realize that Americans are really nice people.” I hope international student organizations such as KISSA can play an important role in breaking down barriers and contributing to a more harmonious world within Korea and beyond. рефинансирование кредита условия банков