Si Yon, an arts student from Seoul National University, visited Waterloo on exchange during fall 2018.
My first hiking experience with UWaterloo's hiking club!
I visited the amazing sight of Canadian Rockies.
In the Rockies, there was snow in the summer.
Arriving at my residence (Columbia Lake Village), where I lived for four months.
A view from my room. This pink-blue sky was so pretty that I couldn’t help but take pictures to remember it.
I visited St. Jacobs Farmers' market. There were so many foods :)
My roommate and I dressed up as witches for a Halloween Party.
Why did you choose to come on exchange to Waterloo?
I have never been to Canada before and I thought going on exchange was a good chance to visit here; especially during the fall with all the beautiful maple leaves! The reason I specifically chose Waterloo is because it is not a big city. I always lived in a big city and I wanted to experience a small town. Also, I heard the University is very famous for its co-op program. Although I can’t participate in co-op since I am an exchange student, it was nice to get to know all these supports the University is giving students and be part of the career focused atmosphere.
What was an average day like?
It rained a lot in Waterloo, which affected my mood. However, although I felt melancholy, I enjoyed my time here a lot. Compared to my life in Korea, I have a lot more leisure time. This experience taught me how to use time wisely and helped me learn a lot about myself.
What was your favourite spot(s) on campus?
Discovering differences between Canada and Korea is very interesting, like the menus at Starbucks are different! I like trying new foods and beverages there, plus the line at the AHS Starbucks is not that long (which is very important to me).
I like to study in Hagey Hall’s 3rd floor quiet study place. It is close to most of my classes and it is such a nice place to concentrate because all of the students studying there seem to be very focused on their studies. I get motivated by them, which is very helpful.
What was it like to live and learn in another language?
I had lived in the U.S. when I was young, so I think that experience helped me a lot to adapt here.
What was one of your favourite experiences from your time abroad?
Taking yoga classes whenever I wanted to was very relieving. At first I did not know how to purchase a shoetag, so I had to visit the PAC office to ask about it. I usually go there two to three times a week (usually during weekdays), whenever I have time after class. The first time I went with my roommate, but now I usually go alone.
What has been your favourite food you’ve tried in Canada that you don’t have back home?
Poutine, definitely. I usually do not like fried food very much, but poutine is so good because of the mozzarella cheese on top of it! I guess I like it so much because I love cheese.
Were there any challenges? If so, how did you overcome or cope with them?
Having to speak in my second language (English) all the time was pretty difficult. Usually when I think about something, it comes to my mind first in Korean. So, I have to translate it quickly into English, but it does not always turn out to be perfect or as timely as I want. Still, I keep trying. It is not so easy, but as I practice it is getting better.
Coming on exchange to an English speaking school was definitely a good opportunity to enhance my speaking and listening skills. So even if it might be tough, I highly recommend students try. Especially the fact that you have to use English in everyday scenarios outside of school, such as in the supermarket, airport, and gym. This is an experience that you will never likely go through unless you live in an English speaking country!
Did any of your experiences challenge the assumptions you had about Canada or Canadian culture?
People are all so kind, and they are willing to help. Especially the fact that they say sorry all the time was very interesting and sweet.
Is there something about Canada or Canadian culture that you found unusual when you first arrived that you have now embraced?
Canadians say "sorry" all the time! Even in situations where they did not do anything wrong. They are so polite that they seem to think everything is their fault. This was very interesting to me because Korean people do not say sorry that often. I guess it is a cultural thing.
How has this exchange helped you grow?
Personally, it gave me a lot of time to reflect. I discovered my likes and dislikes, what kind of person I am, and I’ve had the chance to think about my future. I hope my English got better compared to the beginning of the semester.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would participate more in class and not be scared to say the wrong answer.
Do you have any advice for students thinking of studying abroad?
Going on exchange is very nice because you get to experience another culture (people, food, neighborhood, friends of different backgrounds) in addition to learning a new language and living abroad. I believe it is one of the nicest opportunities you can experience when in university!
What will your story be?
Visit our Come to Waterloo page to discover exchange and study abroad programs, and learn how to apply online.