A Cultural Exchange:

Seowon Kim ventured from his home country of South Korea to pursue his dream of higher education in the United States. Through this experience, he's embraced American culture, met new people, and explored different ways of life, all of which he owes to this journey.

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Although only a sophomore at George Washington University, Kim has already taken one of the most significant steps toward exposing himself to the American way. What began as a university application has brought him to the USA's epicenter, where he's become engrossed in this country's political and social sphere.

 

"Being in the capital is a symbolic thing for Koreans," said Kim. "Because of this, Washington DC was my only choice in going to college."

 

For Kim, the nation's capital held a special place in his heart that no other city in America could replicate. He found that being in our country's control room best exposed him to its authentic culture, and it was here that he experienced America beyond its political side and into the social realm.

 

"The moment I got here, I was just interested in what the other American folks do," Kim said.

 

Initially, he found that socially, meeting new people felt like an impossible task. But, it wasn't long after that he was embraced by American friends eager to learn about his culture.

 

"America is really kind to people who are willing to learn something from it," said Kim. 

 

In his first semester at GW, Kim had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with an American family in Utah. After this experience, he felt he had understood American traditions. He had become enlightened and was grateful for this opportunity to immerse himself in these local traditions.

 

Although Kim's acclimation to his new country had been successful, he continued to experience minor differences within American and Korean lifestyles. 

 

"One time, my friend and I were driving, and a car pulled in front of us and signaled with his hand. In Korea, we flash our emergency lights instead," Kim said. He then continued, "It was clear there were cultural differences in the smallest ways."

 

Logan Kim, a close friend and floormate of his, rarely saw Kim struggling with the transition. However, he noticed that small tasks seemed overwhelming for Kim. "I mean, I think he has some issues adjusting to things here, which includes time differences and price differences with money," he said.

 

Even with these slight inconveniences, Kim refuses to be deterred. He continues to be proud of his culture and home country and vows to uphold his values.

 

"In America, I can speak Korean with my Korean folks, Chinese with my Chinese folks, and English with my English folks," Kim said. He also acknowledges the balance found. "I'm doing great with others, but it doesn't mean I'm fully Americanized. I'm still behaving like a Korean."

 

Kim's Korean heritage is not only a source of pride for him but also a means of educating others. His friends are incredibly grateful for his cultural background and ability to share it with them. "He expresses his culture through the way he teaches me Korean and helps me; it's almost like he's a real Korean teacher." Said Logan Kim.

 

As Kim continues his journey in America, he emphasizes the importance of holding onto his cultural identity and embracing his homeland. Kim maintains a balance between his old and new reality and cherishes all he's learned in his new country. "It is in America that I've found a balance within myself between living here and continuing my Korean heritage."