Another friend from United Kingdom shares information about himself and the GEO program ^^
Read on to know more about Sam.
1. Personal details
Name: Samuel Kasim
Nickname: Sam
Hometown: London
Length of stay in Korea: 5 weeks
School: St Mary’s University College
Course: Tourism Management
Terms of tenure in CUK: Summer (Summer exchange program)
2. What are your likes and dislikes?
My likes include: being with friends and family, travelling to new destinations around the world, learning new cultures, karate training, going for long walks in the rain, reading comics, playing videogames, watching movies and going to live music events.
My dislikes include: bullying, crime, war, poverty, dance clubs/clubbing, slow computers, clothes shopping, having no friends, being lonely.
3. What keeps you busy in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching programs (in particular anime shows and WWE wrestling. Practicing karate, studying, daydreaming, calling friends, internet surfing and spending time with my pet cats.
4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
My impressions of Korea - a country rich in history and heritage. I was indeed correct as I have learnt a great deal of Korea’s depressing and inspiring past, and it was through this that I learned of the Korean people’s high pride and spirit. Overall my impression of Korea is a country that has overcome much sadness, a country that transformed itself into one with a hugely successful economy. The Korean people appear to be a very friendly group, though they appear to have such high national pride, some people appear to dislike foreigners while others welcome them.
I truly enjoyed meeting Korean people and socializing with them through dining, drinking, karaoke. I enjoy learning their culture and language, working directly with them in the GEO program. I enjoyed witnessing some key cultural differences, as well as trying unique dishes (such as live octopus).
5. What is your impression about CUK and its vision of becoming an international hub?
The CUK’s vision of becoming an international hub is quite inspiring considering the fact that Korean people appear to show some form of resentment to foreigners. If CUK is able to achieve this, then it could lead to a positive change of the attitudes and beliefs of Korean people towards foreigners as a whole. As globalization is a continuing trend, more people from abroad will continue to come to Korea, therefore an international hub could prove very beneficial. It is good that CUK is simply evolving in this aspect. Creating an international hub will allow people to learn other cultures and affairs around the world.
6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
I am expecting an opportunity to learn from Korean people and gain a first hand perspective into the different cultural differences that exist. I am hoping to learn from students, in terms of fashion, daily life, education, political issues and what life is like in South Korea in general, how it differs to the life I am familiar with. I am hoping to be able to identify both differences and similarities to British culture/western culture.
I am also hoping the GEO programme can act as a gateway towards my hopeful future teaching career.
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| Left photo: Sam with Yoon Ji, So Hyun and Ji Young Right photo: With Ji Young |
7. Things you want to impart to readers:
Korea and England are very different yet similar at the same time. It appears that both countries struggle with various political issues, and many of the families and individuals appear to suffer from the same life stresses (work, home/living expenses, bullying, terrorism, and life in general. They also appear to have many similar trends-such as fashion interests, musical influences and a live drinking culture.)
Despite this the major key differences I have noted the fact that Korea has appeared to continue to hold on and keep it’s vibrant, and interesting culture. While UK has kept some cultural aspects, in general, the country has simply become like a ‘smaller version of America’. Korea however is still Korea.
8. Message to GEO 18 students:
Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with foreigners and get as much information as you can from them! Ask as many questions as you want about their culture, you may never get this chance again! And make sure, no matter what happens-you don’t forget your English! Whether you travel abroad or not, it will come in handy one day.
