🌍 Lessons from Living in 5 Different Countries—Here’s My Story!
What I Learned from Living in 5 Countries
🌏 What’s It Like to Live in Five Different Countries?
Have you ever dreamed of living in another country? Some people find the idea of leaving their homeland intimidating, but for me, it was the start of an exciting adventure. Each country I’ve lived in has been a chapter full of discovery, challenge, and unforgettable memories.
The first chapter of my journey began in China. As a student, I spent a year in Xinjiang Province, where hearing everyone around me speaking Chinese felt like stepping into a completely new world. Since I loved studying Chinese, it was thrilling to immerse myself in the language. Living in a region with few Koreans, I felt unique and special. Every place I visited felt like an unexplored treasure, and I traveled endlessly, soaking in the beauty of the area. That one year in China didn’t just teach me a language—it changed my life and sparked a dream to see more of the world.
From China, I ventured to Jordan, a fascinating country in the Middle East. Teaching Korean at a university there was an entirely new experience. Unlike Korean students, who often hesitate to ask questions in class, Jordanian students flooded me with questions every day. At first, it caught me off guard, but I soon realized their curiosity brought energy and life into the classroom. This sparked my own love for questions and open dialogue!
The cultural differences were striking—from clothing and religion to daily routines. And learning Arabic? It felt like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. At first, I couldn’t understand a word locals were saying, and they couldn’t understand me. But little by little, through countless attempts and mistakes, the pieces started to fit together. It felt like leveling up in a game—every breakthrough in communication was a victory!
After three vibrant years in Jordan, I moved to the Philippines. Here, I had the chance to teach Korean while improving my English. Filipinos welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home instantly. Their warm, open-minded nature left a lasting impression on me, and I formed deep bonds with my students. Even now, we stay in touch, sharing memories from those two unforgettable years.
The most recent chapter of my journey took me to Vietnam, where I lived for two years teaching Korean. Before arriving, I had poured countless hours into studying Vietnamese—memorizing textbooks, listening to audio recordings, and practicing speaking. I was so confident when I landed at the airport and spoke Vietnamese… only to realize no one understood me. It was heartbreaking.
But giving up wasn’t an option. I kept studying, navigating the complexities of Vietnamese, which sometimes felt like a blend of familiarity and confusion due to its similarities with Chinese. Slowly but surely, I reached a level where I could finally connect with people. Those moments of communication made every struggle worthwhile.
Now, I’m back in Korea. Do I miss living abroad? Absolutely! But thanks to technology, I’ve found a way to connect with people from all over the world without leaving my room. Teaching Korean online has been an incredible experience, allowing me to meet amazing students from diverse backgrounds.
And the best part? You don’t have to come to Korea to learn Korean. I’ll bring Korea to you! My classes are designed to make you feel like you’re right here with me, diving into the language and culture.
✨ Registration for Like a Korean classes is now open!
Why not become the star of your own adventure? Join me, and let’s create unforgettable stories together. I can’t wait to meet you in class!