외국인학생의 대학생활

<Foreign Community>
 
Look into the Life of International Students
 
By Rigoberto Banta Jr., Guest Reporter
 
Chonnam National University offers great opportunities for its foreign population to experience college life in a different perspective although sometimes life in a foreign country may be a bit uncomfortable for some. There are people who take it as a challenge to be conquered and there are some who take it negatively. Personally, I believe that as a foreigner, it is necessary to adapt to the culture, but there are some points that really tend to be a nuisance which hinder most of the foreign students from enjoying what the university can offer.
 
 
 
 International students taking a Korean Language course
One major struggle would be language. A professor once told me that it is a must for foreigners to know the Korean language if they intend to enter a Korean university. I agree, Korean is a must for those who plan to stay for a period of time but, I think, to be given the chance to choose the class’ medium of instruction will be of great help in enhancing the academic performance of foreign students. The opportunity will not only maximize students’ learning but will eventually give rise to a university that is at par with global educational standards. Whether we like it or not, English is one of the keys in meeting the global standard. I think it is time for CNU to reconsider changing the language policy of the school so as it can keep itself competitive with the trends of globalization. Furthermore, this will also improve the English ability of students.
Culture, on the other hand, should not be subject to any form of judgment from foreigners. The first lesson of adaptation is being able to appreciate and adjust to the idiosyncrasies of Korean culture. That appreciation and adjustment will later on lead to cultural respect. But if foreign students are not guided properly in the understanding of Korean culture, all the more that the difference will be highlighted and eventually may lead to discontentment or worse, culture shock. Cultural differences and shocks are inevitable in the life of any foreign student but it should not be the basis of Korean mockery and scorn. May it be from the everyday kimchi to the infamous soju, appreciation is a must. And this appreciation may only be attained if Koreans themselves will attempt to share their culture with foreigners.
 
 
 
 
 
Being a foreign student can also be both beneficial and laborious because through this experience, students do not only represent themselves or their school but they also represent the country where they are from. Through that, they can introduce their culture to the people they deal with, at the same time, be a reflection of culture’s beauty to others. On the other hand, it can also be a source of pressure. It pushes students to work extra hard because through this manner, they can bring pride to their native land. I believe that the university is aware of this fact. Thus, in my opinion, the university should also make an effort to motivate these foreign students to strive harder and hone their potential so that when these students go back to their native land, they can be effective channels of social transformation in the countries where they are from.
It is a reality that the University values its foreign population. Foreign students, on the other hand, struggle to learn the Korean language and culture to survive University and Korean life. Thus, these two ends should meet. Creating mechanisms or policies that will allow these ends to meet may eventually allow students to enjoy their stay at CNU at the same time leading the University to its goal of academic excellence and global competitiveness.
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