Is California very different from Korea? I'm scared for culture shock. 🇰🇷

[Sarah]

I'm coming to California for university from Seoul and I'm so excited but also terrified. Everything I know about America is from movies and they probably lie, right?

Korean students who studied abroad before told me California is very relaxed compared to Korea. Less pressure, more casual relationships with professors. But also more expensive? They said "everything costs more than you expect."

I'm worried about making friends. In Korea, we have group culture. You eat together, study together, do everything together. I heard Americans are more independent. Is it hard to find community?

Also, my English is okay but not perfect. Will people be patient?

 

[Olivia]

The independent thing is real but not in a cold way. Americans are friendly, they just also need alone time. It's not personal. Join a club or two and you'll find your people. Korean Student Associations at most UC/CSU campuses are strong too. You'll have community.