Interview-University of Idaho

Interview - University of Idaho

Ji Youn Kim, from South Korea, is a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in Accounting.

Why did you decide to study in the U.S.A.?

I had studied English for about 10 years from junior high school to the point I came to the U.S.A. And I was even majoring English language and literature in my previous University in Korea. However, I kept thinking that something is missing in the process of studying English. So I decided to come to the U.S.A to learn more about English.

How did you choose your university?

I liked the fact that there are not many Koreans here so it would give me more chances to practice English. And this place is relatively small town and college town. So, I expected that it would be really good place to focus on studying.

What do you like best?

I like people here because they are very nice, very patient in any situation and they always smile. On the second day I got here, I was looking for a phone that works for international call to call my parents in Korea. However, I didn’t have any idea what building has phones nor the ability to speak English to express what I want. I tried to be brave and asked the question to a person who I met on campus. She tried to understand what I need. And she brought me to the building which has phones. I got very good first impression of people in Moscow and I still like them.

What do you miss most?

Family and Korean food. Living away from home taught me how to cook but I still cannot make the exact taste that my mother makes.

What was your biggest surprise?

When it was raining first, I couldn’t find anyone who is having umbrella. I was using one and I felt little weird about myself. And in education, I was surprised that many students ask questions in the middle of the classes. They seemed like they feel comfortable to raise hand and ask some questions in the classes. In Korea, teachers just give the lectures most of time so it was big surprise for me.

How have you handled:
...Language differences?

Taking language courses helped me a lot to overcome the language differences. I took ALCP (American Language and Culture Program) at the University of Idaho for about 10 months.

...Finances?

Fortunately, my parents supported me.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

It was very different but I could find the similarity as time goes by. And the educational system in the U.S.A. is more casual so I like it better now. And professors are here to help students.

How easy or difficult is making friends?

It is up to your personality. If you are open-minded person and have no barrier to people, it is not very hard. You sit in a class and talk to people next to you. There was a course I had to take in Business school. The course was called as “Integrated Business Curriculum”. This was team-based course and I met really nice friends here.

What is your advice to other students?

Taking English courses before they start actual academic courses in the U.S.A. will help the students to adjust to the different culture and the language. Be more open-minded. You will make a lot of friends which is an extension of learning.

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