Problems For Asian Students: Part 8

Q: Would you introduce yourself?

A: My name Is Seungchan Baik. I am from Seoul, South Korea. I am majoring Chemistry in Concord University. When I was freshman, my major was biology but I changed the major because Chemistry was more interesting to study.

Q: When was your first day to come to USA?

A: After discharge from Korean military service, I came to the U.S. in 2011 for studying English. Chicago was the first city I stayed. I thought all the states are mostly like the same with it but it was my delusion. At the beginning, traveling and having a new cultural experience was the purpose of visiting the U.S. but my parents suggested me to study and also my brother asked me to come because he was studying in Concord University at that time. But the funny thing is that my brother transferred after one semester since I started studying in Concord University. 

Q: Do you miss your country?

A: For the first and second year in Athens were difficult and I missed my country so much because foods are so different. In cafeteria, mostly the foods are western style and even there is no Asian restaurant or market around the campus. The nearest Asian market is Oasis which is in Blacksburg, VA. It is pretty far from Athens around 2hours by car and most international students do not have their own transportation. So, it is difficult to get the ingredients for cooking the Asian food. 

Q: What made you come here?

A: Most reason why I have come to the U.S. was studying English. The world is globalized and English has become the most common language as well. So, I decided to study English in the better situation because studying English in Korea is most likely studying grammar for reading and listening section of paper exam. Therefore, most people can’t speak English when they actually meet foreigner. 

Q: There are many schools in USA. Is there any reasons that you came to Concord University? 

A: As I mentioned above, my brother started studying in Concord first when I was in military service. When I was discharged, he asked me to come to Concord University and study together because he was lonely and need someone to depend on. So, I came to Concord University instead of staying in Chicago. 

Q: How do you like it here?

A: First of all, environment of Athens is really good for people whoever like nature. The air is fresh and quiet place I have ever been because I am originally from capital city, Seoul in Korea. So, the place is really good and making myself calm and comfortable. Also, people are nice and kind compare to Chicago that I had been. I guess the personality of country people is essentially better than city people. 

Q: What are the kind of challenges that you face?

A: There is one of the difficult thing to live in Athens. It is a transportation!! A car is definitely needed to live in this place because it is literally hard to have cultural lives such as going to movie theatre for watching movie, visiting my friend’s house, and going to any of outdoor activities. Of course there is Bluefield bus service but the bus line is not enough wherever I want to go. So, I think that is the most challenging thing of living in Athens.