Written by Regina Han, J-1 Exchange Student
Before setting foot at SFSU, my mind was filled with dreams and expectations. I had this picturesque idea of what being an exchange student would be like. I imagined that making friends would be effortless, that people would naturally gravitate towards me out of curiosity. I thought I wouldn’t need to actively seek out social interactions because everyone would be interested in getting to know the “new exchange student.” Back in Korea, I had lived in an environment where English wasn’t a necessity in my daily life. Communication was seamless and comfortable because it was always in my native language. Although I had spent years studying English in school, the reality was that I rarely had the chance to use it in real conversations. I had minimal experience speaking with native English speakers or chatting casually with international friends, and this left me with a significant lack of confidence in my English-speaking abilities.
From the very first day of class, I was hit with a strong dose of reality that completely shattered my naive expectations. The professor spoke quickly, often using colloquial expressions and slang that I hadn’t learned in my textbooks. I found myself unable to keep up with the rapid pace of the lecture, and I could barely understand the small talk and jokes my classmates shared before the class even began. In Korea, I was used to a more passive learning style, where the primary role of a student was to listen attentively and take detailed notes. Here in the U.S., however, the educational environment was the complete opposite. Students were encouraged to actively engage, share their thoughts, debate, and ask questions freely. It was a dynamic and interactive atmosphere that felt both intimidating and overwhelming to me. I felt like an outsider, awkward and out of place, struggling to find my footing in this new setting.
Despite the initial struggles, I decided that I needed to adapt if I wanted to make the most out of this experience. I realized that it was normal to feel out of my depth in a foreign country, surrounded by a language and culture that weren’t my own. Instead of letting these challenges discourage me, I decided to embrace them as opportunities for growth. I acknowledged that it’s okay to not understand everything at first, and that feeling lost is part of the journey when you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone. I started making small but intentional efforts to bridge the gap. I began to introduce myself to classmates, even if I felt nervous. I would ask simple questions, exchange Instagram handles, and make plans to grab coffee or study together after class. It was uncomfortable at first, but I knew that if I didn’t take the initiative, I would miss out on the chance to form meaningful connections.
Slowly but surely, I noticed a shift. Although I’m still not completely comfortable or fully adapted, I’ve started to see the value in pushing through my fears. The once intimidating and fast-paced conversations are becoming less daunting, and I’m finding moments where I can actually enjoy the spontaneous interactions. I’m learning that stepping outside of my comfort zone, even just a little bit at a time, can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. It’s still a work in progress, but every small effort I make towards engaging with others is helping me turn this challenging adventure into something truly memorable. The friendships I’m starting to build, and the cultural exchange I’m a part of, have shown me that this journey is about more than just improving my English skills—it’s about growing as a person and expanding my world in ways I never imagined.