Yun Jung CP#1

Yun Jung CP#1

 

Date/Time: August 31, 2018, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Location: CIES Student Lounge

Topic Discussed: Cultural differences and similarities between Korea and US

 

I was happy to have Meghan for My Conversation Partner, who has bright and friendly smiles.

In fact, I had felt two opposite feelings, a relief and a little nervousness before I began to talk to her.
One thing that made me feel relieved was the facts that she has great interest in Korea and learned about Asian culture through her major, Chinese. I usually feel worried about possible indifference on my background culture when I talk to native speaker for the first time. At the same time I was a little nervous about whether I can make a good conversation in English since I haven’t had enough chances to speak in English in my normal life in US.

Meghan’s responses and reactions were very active to my speaking and I could get confidence in English speaking during the conversation, so the topics flowed naturally one to another. When I made some sentences in timid and unsure way, she responded with more natural way of English expression. That was very good. Because I think that is one of great ways to learn new and useful expression letting the conversation keep going without pause.  Ex: (1) They use extremely difficult words examination to get rid of lots of applicants. -> Yes, same thing happens here to weed out many people. (2) I’m dreaming I can live each half of a year in Tallahassee and in Korea in future due to freezing winter in Korea.-> Yeah, there are some American people with that life style too, which is called snow bird.
We talked about the difference in education and job choice between Korea and US.
I found that I was too critical of overheated competition in Korean education system to contrast two countries in a balanced view. The desire and devotion to have children enter in elite society in severe competition are very common in Korea but America is also having somewhat similar aspects to enter in Ivy League and get a well-paid job. But I was also very pleasant to talk about Meghan’s future as a professional educator in Korea, since I’m familiar with Korea.
 I think the interest in each other’s country kept the conversation pleasant.