Reflecting and looking back on my last few months in Korea has helped me draw some new conclusions. I have come to realize my experiences are not typical for a foreigner that has been here for such a short time. Korea has been very welcoming, and warm. I have experienced new adventures, cultural differences, delicious foods and been blessed with many advantages (Thanks Mom and Dad for the small face). The negatives have been minimal and controllable. My advantages are due solely to my roommate, boxing coach, translator, guide, and good friend. He always gives me the best courses of action, and has answered countless questions about everything Korean. He continuously pushes me to be better. My goal now is to help him meet the prettiest girl in Korea and then amaze her with our Nor-a-bang skills (Nor-a-bang is a Karaoke room. We specialize in re-mix to Ignition by the one and only R Kelly).

I believe my experiences in Korea are different than a typical foreigner that comes here to teach. They are not better just different. I only have 2 or 3 American/European friends with whom I sporadically speak with. I study, eat, and have the occasional Soju with a group of 한극 친구 (Korean friends). Many non Koreans hang out in packs. They form crews that go out for nights on the town. In my opinion they are just recreating what they had at home in a new country. Nothing wrong with that especially being 7,000 miles from everything familiar. (Side note: I too definitely miss my friends back home and the shenanigans we would get into. Trying to remember those crazy college nights and events is getting harder as time goes on. It might be hazy because of the beer hops and testosterone. It is amazing no one ever got seriously hurt). For me the point of traveling is to see the differences of cultures. The only way to do that is to hang out with the locals. At times it is difficult and almost impossible to convey exactly what you want or mean. You just have to rely on the art of communicating without talking and always being polite. In Korea manners matter even with friends. You must always show respect to those who are older than you. Even if they inform you to stop being so formal. First impressions are key so wow them with your well memorized opening lines and just smile and nod when being spoken too. Soju always helps people loosen up. Going out with locals really allows you to see the intimate parts and structure of the country. I learn something new about this complex society and culture daily. I do not think it possible for a foreigner to ever fully understand it.

Korean can be incredibly overbearing. However with the right attitude, mind set and group of friends, westerners have great opportunities over here. Anytime you want to visit just let me know. The first 7,000 miles are the hardest. Just try to hit the ground running and do not stop once you get here.