Posted November 2, 2020 by Wheaton College
Tags:
Relationship-Oriented
International Student Programs
Jihyeong Lee '20- Making Seoul Sisters
By: Meghan Kwong '23
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I came to Wheaton from Seoul, South Korea because I was drawn to the community's intentionality. Initially, even though I could read and write English, I struggled conversationally. There were many cultural and language barriers which made the transition challenging, but ultimately, I grew from the experiences. It helped that everyone had the same values--we all love and fear God. I didn’t expect people to be so kind. Most people were willing to help and encourage me, especially the girls on my floor. They actively included me in activities and invited me to their homes over breaks. Additionally, Wheaton offered various programs such as Axis, Ladder, and Mu Kappa which supported international students. During orientation, Axis equipped me with essentials in a care package and helped me set up my bank account and navigate the printers. My ladder leader was an upperclassman who ate with me, listened to my concerns, and sent me notes of encouragement. In the international community, I found people who understood me. There were many missionary and third culture kids who had crazier stories than mine. Through weekly dinners and events organized by Mu Kappa, we built relationships eating and worshipping together. Naturally, my English improved over time, and I wanted to give back to the community. As a former Mu Kappa cabinet member and a fellow international student, I want to tell you that there’s nothing to fear. Come as you are. There’s a place for you here.
Want to learn more about International Student Programs? Here's more info for you!
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