I learned that many Korean students study English starting in elementary school. We were able to communicate about simple things like our hobbies, our favorite types of music, what we study and what the best places to visit in Seoul are. Slowly, my Korean friends and peers have taught me helpful Korean phrases so I can order food and ask people how old they are, since age is very important in Korean culture. In exchange, I teach them fun slang and English idioms.
I also volunteer at a senior citizen center where I help elderly people practice English. Sometimes they don’t know words in English so I help them by using Korean to explain. I feel proud that my Korean has improved so I can communicate with people of all ages.
I was so grateful that I could speak English with my new Korean friends, but the other half of my identity was missing. I wanted to meet people who could speak Spanish. It isn’t as common for people to learn Spanish in South Korea but I felt determined to find someone who would be willing to speak in Spanish with me. I got lucky and I found a church that has a Spanish mass every Sunday. At this service, I’ve met many people from different Latin American countries including El Salvador, Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador. I have also met Korean locals who are interested in learning Spanish! Even though everyone comes from different parts of the world, we feel closer to one another when we speak the same language.
I also made a Korean friend through a club at Yonsei University who wants to learn Spanish. We talk in Spanish and Korean and sometimes even English! My favorite thing to do with my new friend is exchange songs in our language.
