Kate's e-Portfolio

I was one of the people who are worried before trying something. For me I thought living in Canada was challenging so much before I came here. I had never lived in another country before Canada. Just traveling some countries is all I experienced other culture. I was concerned about language, different culture and racism as well. And I am not outgoing person so I was wondering if I can make a new friends who doesn’t speak Korean. I arrived here with this kind of fear.

After arriving I started my school from August. First 2 months was to learn about English in ELI school. From ELI I learned not just how to speak in English but also how to make a foreigner friend and understand them. It was a such a great experience that I have had. Because I was wondering if I can talk or chat with foreigners who are from different culture and background. But I have realized that there are common and casual things between them and me such as preference about handsome guys and wishes for getting a good job. There were less differences than I thought even though we are all different people.

Also I learned how to adapt to Canadian culture sincerely after ELI. From intercultural communication skill class in UBC campus, I have learned how different we are based on our different culture. I was taught that there were some features of Canadian and Korean cultures. I learned culture ice berg and several different aspects to see the differences between Canada and Korea such as individualism and collectivism. All stuffs are really interesting for me to know how I can manage and adapt myself to Canadian culture.

Thinking back from now, I didn’t have to worry so much. I could make good friends from other countries and understand how to adjust myself to be in Canadian culture by experiencing and studying. I am very sad now to have just one or two months left here. I will enjoy Vancouver as much as I can with what I have learned here in UBC.